What is slipped disc surgery?
Slipped disc surgery, also known as discectomy, aims to relieve pressure on spinal nerves caused by a herniated disc. While nonsurgical and more conservative treatments are often effective, surgery may be considered if symptoms persist or worsen despite these measures.
What are the different types of slipped disc surgery?
There are several types of slipped disc surgery, each tailored to treat specific spinal conditions. Common procedures include discectomy, laminectomy, spinal fusion, and minimally invasive spinal decompression.
Discectomy
Open discectomy:
Open discectomy involves a larger incision to access and remove the herniated portion of the disc.
It provides a wider view for the surgeon but may lead to more tissue damage and a longer recovery.
Microdiscectomy:
Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves making a small incision and using specialised instruments, frequently under a microscope, to extract the damaged disc.
It offers a faster recovery and less tissue damage than open discectomy.
Spinal fusion
This procedure involves fusing two or more vertebrae together, usually with bone grafts and sometimes metal implants, to stabilise the spine.
It's often considered when a discectomy alone is not sufficient to address instability or when there is significant disc degeneration.
Artificial disc replacement
This surgery replaces the damaged disc with an artificial disc, aiming to restore motion and flexibility to the spine. This surgery is typically considered for treating single-level disc problems, particularly in the lower back.
What is the cost of slipped disc surgery in Singapore?
Costs for slipped disc surgery in Singapore vary significantly depending on whether you choose a public or private hospital.
Inpatient Surgery
Slipped disc surgeries are under TOSP codes SB726S, SB758S, SB759S, SB722S, SB723S, SB754S, SB760S, SB755S, SB730S, SB756S, SB819S, and SB810S.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for general guidance only. Always consult your doctor to determine which slipped disc procedure is most appropriate for your condition. Your surgeon can also advise which MOH Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP) code your surgery falls under, as this affects MediSave and insurance claim eligibility.
Overall, you can expect slipped disc surgeries to cost between SGD 44,677 and SGD 62,779, depending on the type and complexity of the procedure in private hospitals.
MOH provided a breakdown of the fees for private hospitals and clinics as per SB726S:
Breakdown of Fees
However, additional charges may arise from expenses such as pre-surgery consultations, imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans, medications, post-surgery follow-up appointments, and extended rehabilitation.
This article was written in June 2025. Hence, prices for slipped disc surgery may have changed since then. For more accurate benchmarking prices, please visit the MOH website and discuss with your doctor for more details.
Are there any subsidies for slipped disc surgery?
Yes, there are several schemes in Singapore that can help offset the total costs of slipped disc surgery.
These include MediSave, MediShield Life, and Integrated Shield Plans. Each offers different levels of coverage for your slipped disc surgery, depending on your eligibility and insurance arrangements.
MediSave
MediSave is a national medical savings scheme that allows Singaporean citizens and permanent residents to use their savings for hospitalisation expenses.
For hospitalisation, you can use up to SGD 1,130 per day for the first two days and SGD 400 per day for subsequent days for inpatient hospital charges. These charges include daily ward changes, treatment fees, investigations, and medicines.
For day surgery, you can claim up to SGD 830 per day for hospital charges related to the procedure. For surgery, you can use between SGD 240 and SGD 5,290 from your MediSave, depending on the complexity of the surgery.
According to the CPF website, slipped disc surgery as per SB726S is classified under 6C on the Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP). Hence, the withdrawal limit for slipped disc surgery is SGD 3,260.
This article was written in May 2025. Hence, prices for slipped disc surgery may have changed since then. For more accurate benchmarking prices, please visit the CPF website for more details.
MediShield Life
MediShield Life is a basic health insurance plan for all Singaporeans and PRs, designed to help pay for large hospital bills and selected costly outpatient treatments.
It will cover a portion of the surgical and hospitalisation costs for slipped disc surgery, and similar to MediSave, there are claim limits.
For hospitalisation, the claim limits are SGD 830 per day for normal wards and SGD 5,140 for intensive care unit (ICU) wards, which include an additional SGD 800 per day for the first two inpatient days.
For surgical procedures, MediShield Life also follows the TOSP, meaning that there will be a claim limit for slipped disc surgery at SGD 3,260.
This article was written in May 2025. Hence, prices for slipped disc surgery may have changed since then. For more accurate benchmarking prices, please visit the CPF website for more details.
Integrated Shield Plans
Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) are private insurance policies that offer additional coverage beyond what is provided by MediShield Life. They can cover a larger portion of your hospital bill, especially if you opt for private hospitals or higher-class wards.
Many IPs also offer “as-charged” benefits, meaning they cover the actual bill amount, subject to policy terms and annual limits.
Coverage details and claim limits vary depending on the insurer and the specific plan and additional riders purchased.
If you are curious how much you can claim from your IPs for your slipped disc surgery, it is best to talk to your insurance provider directly to discuss the details of your plan. For those under Prudential, please contact us via the Prudential medical concierge form if you have any further questions.
What factors affect the cost of my slipped disc surgery?
Several key factors influence the final bill for slipped disc surgery in Singapore:
Pre-surgery expenses
Initial consultation fees
Diagnostic imaging tests
Pre-operative assessments
Specialist referrals (when necessary)
Surgery-related costs
Surgical fees and anaesthesias
Medical devices and implants (when necessary)
Day surgery vs inpatient costs
Post-surgery expenses
Follow-up consultations
Physiotherapy sessions
Protective footwear and orthotics
Wound care supplies
Orthopaedic Surgeons at Thomson Medical
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Case Study: Private Hospital with Integrated Shield Plan
Profile: A 52-year-old man with a history of chronic lower back pain and radiating leg numbness was diagnosed with a herniated lumbar disc after an MRI. The pain had worsened over several months, making it difficult for him to sit or walk comfortably.
After trying physiotherapy and medication without lasting relief, he was advised to undergo a lumbar discectomy to relieve pressure on the affected nerve. The procedure was performed under general anaesthesia in a private hospital, and he was discharged the next day.
| Estimated total bill | Insurance coverage | Final out-of-pocket expenses |
|---|---|---|
| SGD 44,677 to SGD 62,779* |
Since 2019, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has mandated that all new IP riders include a minimum 5% co-payment—to encourage prudent use of healthcare services and avoid overconsumption.
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The patient would need to pay from SGD 2,234 to 3,139, which can usually be covered by MediSave.
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Please note that for the most accurate estimate of insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses, you should consult their insurance provider directly, as coverage details vary by plan and insurer.
*This article was written in May 2025. Prices for slipped disc surgery are currently not available for private hospitals, so an estimate was included. This may have changed since then. For more accurate benchmarking prices, please visit the MOH website for more details.
How do I process my insurance claims?
To process an insurance claim at a hospital in Singapore, you typically need to inform the hospital staff of your intent to claim, gather required documents like final bills and receipts, and submit the claim to your insurance provider through their designated channels (online portal, email, etc.).
For some insurance policies, the hospital may handle the claims process directly, especially for cashless claims. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Understand your coverage:
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Before you schedule your treatment, meet up with your financial advisor to discuss the costs and coverage available for you should you undergo slipped disc surgery.
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Inform the hospital:
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When you are admitted to the hospital, inform the hospital staff that you wish to make an insurance claim. They may guide you through the necessary paperwork and forms.
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Gather the required documents:
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Ensure you have all the original, final bills and receipts for all treatments, including hospital stays, procedures, and medications.
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If available, gather any relevant medical reports, diagnostic test results, and discharge summaries.
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If you used your MediSave account for payment, you'll need a statement showing the Hospital Registration Number (HRN).
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You may need to download and complete a claim form from your insurance provider's website.
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Submit the claim:
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Many insurers offer different portals for submitting claims, including online portals, mobile apps, email, or direct paper submission to your financial advisor.
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If the hospital handles the claim directly, they will submit it on your behalf.
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Follow up and track progress:
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You should receive an acknowledgement of your claim submission.
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Check the status of your claim through your insurer's online portal or app.
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Do note that claim processing typically takes about 2 to 3 months from the date of submission (e-filing).
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Some complex cases may take longer, especially if additional documents or clarifications are required.
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If you don't receive updates after 3 months or have more questions, contact your insurer or the hospital for assistance.
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At Thomson Medical, the insurance claims process is streamlined for your convenience.
The hospital provides e-filing services, submitting claims directly to MediSave, MediShield Life, and Integrated Shield Plan providers on your behalf.
This approach reduces paperwork and ensures claims are processed efficiently, allowing you to focus on recovery.
FAQ
What is the recovery time for slipped disc surgery?
Recovery time after slipped disc surgery varies depending on the type of procedure but generally ranges from a few weeks to several months.
Discectomy, a common procedure, may allow a return to light activities within 2-6 weeks, with full activity resumption in 6-12 weeks. Spinal fusions, more extensive procedures, can take 3–6 months to recover. Minimally invasive procedures often have quicker recovery times, potentially within 2-4 weeks.
How serious is slipped disc surgery?
There is a slight risk of damaging the spine or nerves. All surgery has some risks, including bleeding, infection, risks from anaesthesia, and death. There is a chance that the surgery won't relieve your symptoms. And even if you get better with surgery, there is a chance you may get new symptoms in the future.
Do slipped discs ever fully heal?
Your herniated disc may heal on its own, but it may not return to its original state. Instead, your herniation will go into remission, where the disc either shrinks or dries up. With the right treatment, most of your symptoms will go away.
Can you sit after a slipped disc surgery?
Sitting should be limited to 20 minutes at a time for the first two weeks after surgery. This is increased to 40 minutes in four weeks. You should return to bed or go for a short walk if you start to feel uncomfortable. Periods of sitting can be repeated many times a day with a rest lying down in between for 30 to 60 minutes.
Can you recover from a slipped disc without surgery?
Most people do not need surgery to relieve symptoms of a herniated disc. A few days of rest along with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications may be all that's required to alleviate back pain.
Does a slipped disc cause permanent damage?
Rarely, disc herniation can compress the entire spinal canal, including all the nerves of the cauda equina. In rare instances, emergency surgery might be needed to avoid permanent weakness or paralysis.
Disclaimer: The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice on pricing and services, contact us at Thomson Medical today.
For more information, contact us:
Thomson Specialists (Thomson Medical Centre) — Orthopaedic
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