Spinal Fusion Surgery Costs at Private Hospitals in Singapore: What to Expect

What is spinal fusion surgery?

Spinal fusion surgery is a procedure that permanently connects two or more vertebrae in the spine, aiming to eliminate motion between them and reduce pain. 

It's a common treatment for various spinal conditions like degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and spinal fractures, where instability or nerve compression causes pain. The surgery involves using bone grafts, sometimes with metal implants like screws and rods, to fuse the vertebrae together.

Why should I get spinal fusion surgery?

Spinal fusion connects two or more bones in the spine to make it more stable, correct a problem, or reduce pain. Spinal fusion may help relieve symptoms caused by:

• The shape of the spine:

  • Spinal fusion can help correct problems with the way the spine is formed. An example is when the spine curves sideways, also known as scoliosis.

• Spinal weakness or instability:

  • Too much motion between two spinal bones can make the spine unstable. This is a common side effect of severe arthritis in the spine. Spinal fusion can make the spine more stable.

• Damaged disc:

  • Spinal fusion might be used to stabilise the spine after a damaged disc is removed.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for general knowledge only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice.If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, request an appointment with our specialists at Thomson Medical for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

What is the cost of spinal fusion surgery in Singapore?

Costs for spinal fusion surgery in Singapore vary significantly depending on whether you choose a public or private hospital. 

Inpatient

At private hospitals, the price ranges from SGD 68,545 to SGD 103,384.

These price ranges generally cover the operation fee, implant fee, and other ad hoc fees as per MOH's SB730S and SB754S bills and fee benchmark.

MOH provided a breakdown of the fees for private hospitals and clinics as per SB730S—Spine (Excluding Cervical Spine), Various Lesions, and Interbody Fusion (Single Segment) With Anterior/Posterior Instrumentation:

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 May 2025. Hence, prices for spinal fusion surgery may have changed since then. For more accurate benchmarking prices, please visit the MOH website for more details.

Are there any subsidies for spinal fusion surgery?

Yes, there are several schemes in Singapore that can help offset the total costs of spinal fusion surgery.

These include MediSave, MediShield Life, and Integrated Shield Plans. Each offers different levels of coverage for your spinal fusion 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 medications.

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, spinal fusion surgery (SB730S) is classified under 7A on the Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP). Hence, the withdrawal limit for spinal fusion surgery is SGD 4,340.

This article was written in May 2025. Spinal fusion surgery costs may therefore 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 spinal fusion 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 spinal fusion surgery (SB730S) at SGD 3,900.

This article was written in May 2025. Hence, prices for spinal fusion 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 meniscus 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 spinal fusion surgery?

Several key factors influence the final bill for spinal fusion surgery in Singapore:

• Pre-surgery expenses

  • Initial consultation fees

  • Diagnostic imaging tests

  • Pre-operative assessments

  • Specialist referrals

• 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

Case Study: Private Hospital with Integrated Shield Plan

Profile: A 32-year-old with scoliosis requiring spinal fusion surgery with an overnight stay.

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 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:

• Understand your coverage:

  • Before you schedule your treatment, meet your financial advisor to discuss the costs and coverage available for you should you undergo spinal fusion surgery.

• Inform the hospital:

  • 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.

• Gather the required documents:

  • Ensure you have all the original, final bills and receipts for all treatments, including hospital stays, procedures, and medications.

  • If available, gather any relevant medical reports, diagnostic test results, and discharge summaries.

  • If you used your MediSave account for payment, you'll need a statement showing the Hospital Registration Number (HRN).

  • You may need to download and complete a claim form from your insurance provider's website.

• Submit the claim:

  • Many insurers offer different portals for submitting claims, including online portals, mobile apps, email, or direct paper submission to your financial advisor.

  • If the hospital handles the claim directly, they will submit it on your behalf.

• Follow up and track progress:

  • You should receive an acknowledgement of your claim submission.

  • Check the status of your claim through your insurer's online portal or app.

  • Do note that claim processing typically takes about 2 to 3 months from the date of submission (e-filing).

  • Some complex cases may take longer, especially if additional documents or clarifications are required.

  • If you don't receive updates after 3 months or have more questions, contact your insurer or the hospital for assistance.

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

How long does it take to recover from spinal fusion?

How serious is spinal fusion surgery?

Can you ever bend again after spinal fusion?

Is spinal fusion painful?

Can you feel the screws after spinal fusion?

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.