📋 Last updated: July 2026. Prices are indicative ranges. Your actual bill depends on hospital class, surgeon's fee schedule, number of polyps removed, anaesthesia duration, and insurance/Medisave claims. Always request a fee estimate before booking.

Complete Cost Breakdown

A colonoscopy bill in Singapore is made up of several components. Understanding each one helps you plan and claim correctly.

Cost by Hospital Setting (Diagnostic Colonoscopy, No Polyps)

SettingProcedure FeeAnaesthesiaHospital/FacilityTotal Estimate
Public Hospital (Class C, subsidised)$150–$300$50–$100$100–$200$300–$600
Public Hospital (Class B2, subsidised)$200–$400$80–$150$150–$250$430–$800
Public Hospital (Class A, unsubsidised)$500–$900$200–$350$300–$500$1,000–$1,750
Private Day Surgery Centre$500–$900$200–$400$300–$600$1,000–$1,900
Private Hospital (e.g., Mt Elizabeth, Gleneagles)$700–$1,400$350–$600$400–$800$1,450–$2,800

Additional Costs (If Applicable)

Add-OnEstimated CostNotes
Polypectomy (polyp removal)$300–$800Per session; performed if polyps are found
Biopsy / Histopathology$100–$300Per specimen; lab analysis of tissue samples
Pre-procedure specialist consultation$100–$250First visit to gastroenterologist
Bowel preparation kit$30–$80Laxative preparation (e.g., Moviprep)
Pre-op blood tests$50–$150Full blood count, clotting studies

Medisave Coverage for Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is a Medisave-approved procedure. You can claim from your Medisave account for both the surgical procedure and hospitalisation/day surgery fees.

What Medisave Covers

  • Day surgery fees (subject to MOH withdrawal limits for day surgery)
  • Inpatient hospitalisation if admitted
  • Anaesthetist fees (within approved limits)
  • Surgeon/specialist fees (within approved limits)
  • Pathology/biopsy fees (up to $600 per admission)

What Medisave Does NOT Cover

  • Pre-procedure specialist consultation fees
  • Bowel prep medication (purchased outpatient)
  • Any amount above approved Medisave withdrawal limits

MediShield Life & Integrated Shield Plans (IP)

If you have a MediShield Life Integrated Shield Plan (from insurers like AIA, Prudential, NTUC Income, Great Eastern), colonoscopy bills are typically covered subject to:

  • Deductible: First $1,500–$3,500 you pay per policy year (varies by plan)
  • Co-insurance: 10% co-payment after deductible
  • Pro-ration: If you're in a private hospital but your IP plan is for B1 ward, only a portion is covered

Practical example: A private hospital colonoscopy costs $2,500 total. After your $3,000 deductible (if not yet met this year), you'd pay the full $2,500. If your deductible is already met, MediShield covers 90% — leaving you $250 out-of-pocket. Riders attached to your IP may eliminate the co-payment entirely.

Cost Comparison: Public vs Private Gastroenterologist

Public Hospital (Subsidised)

  • ✅ Significantly lower fees
  • ✅ Medisave + CHAS subsidies
  • ✅ Same clinical quality
  • ❌ Waiting time: 2–8 weeks for elective
  • ❌ Less flexibility in scheduling
  • ❌ May not see same doctor each visit

Private Gastroenterologist

  • ✅ Appointment within 1–7 days
  • ✅ Same specialist every visit
  • ✅ Longer consultation time
  • ✅ Private room for recovery
  • ❌ Higher out-of-pocket costs
  • ❌ Depends on IP coverage

Tips to Reduce Your Colonoscopy Bill

  1. Use your Medisave — don't pay cash when Medisave can cover it
  2. Check your IP plan's panel list — using a panel specialist may reduce co-insurance to 5% or 0%
  3. Consider a subsidised public hospital — for screening colonoscopy, clinical quality is excellent at restructured hospitals
  4. Request a fee estimate in advance — most private specialists and hospitals provide this on request
  5. Screen before problems start — a diagnostic colonoscopy when symptomatic typically costs more than a scheduled screening colonoscopy
  6. CHAS cardholders — check if your GP clinic provides FIT screening (free/subsidised), which is the first-line test before colonoscopy

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, provided the procedure is performed at a Medisave-accredited day surgery centre or hospital. Most private gastroenterology clinics perform colonoscopy at accredited day surgery centres. Confirm with your clinic that they accept Medisave before booking.

Most employer-provided group insurance policies in Singapore cover colonoscopy when medically indicated (symptoms, screening from age 50, positive FIT test). Some policies exclude preventive/screening procedures — check your policy's exclusion list. For colonoscopy triggered by a symptom or clinical indication, coverage is typically broader.

For a diagnostic colonoscopy without polyps at Mt Elizabeth or Gleneagles, total bills typically range from $1,800–$3,000+ including surgeon, anaesthesia, and facility fees. If polyps are found and removed, add $400–$1,000+. With an IP plan covering private hospitals, your out-of-pocket after deductible is typically 10% of the amount above the deductible — or nil if you have a rider.