Varicose Vein Treatment Cost by Procedure
| Treatment | Cost Per Leg (SGD) | Both Legs | Hospital Stay | Medisave? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation) | $3,500–$8,000 | $6,500–$14,000 | Day surgery | Yes (C2+) |
| RFA (Radiofrequency Ablation) | $4,000–$9,000 | $7,500–$16,000 | Day surgery | Yes (C2+) |
| VenaSeal (Glue Closure) | $4,000–$9,000 | $7,500–$16,000 | Day surgery | Yes (C2+) |
| Foam Sclerotherapy (branches) | $600–$2,000/session | — | No admission | Sometimes |
| Ambulatory Phlebectomy | $2,000–$5,000 | $4,000–$8,000 | Day surgery | Yes (C2+) |
| Traditional Strip Surgery | $8,000–$18,000 | $14,000–$30,000 | 1–2 nights | Yes |
| Microsclerotherapy (spider veins) | $300–$800/session | — | No admission | No |
*Prices include surgeon fee, anaesthesia (local/sedation), and day surgery facility fee. Duplex ultrasound assessment ($200–$450) billed separately.
What's Included in the Total Bill?
| Component | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Duplex Ultrasound (pre-op) | $150–$450 | Mandatory before treatment; maps venous anatomy |
| Vascular Surgeon Fee (procedure) | $2,000–$6,000 | Depends on procedure and surgeon |
| Anaesthesia / Sedation | $300–$800 | Local tumescent or IV sedation |
| Day Surgery Facility | $800–$2,000 | Theatre, nursing, recovery room |
| Compression Stockings (post-op) | $80–$200/pair | Typically 2 weeks wear post-procedure |
| Follow-up Ultrasound (post-op) | $150–$350 | Usually at 1 week and 3 months |
Medisave Coverage for Varicose Veins
Varicose vein procedures are Medisave-claimable when they are medically indicated — i.e., the patient has symptomatic varicose veins (CEAP C2 or above) with documented symptoms and duplex ultrasound confirmation of reflux.
When Medisave Applies
- CEAP C2: Symptomatic varicose veins with documented reflux on duplex ultrasound
- CEAP C3–C6: Oedema, skin changes, or ulcers — Medisave coverage is clearer at these stages
- Superficial thrombophlebitis: Acute inflammation of varicose veins
- Haemorrhage from varicose vein
When Medisave Does NOT Apply
- Pure cosmetic treatment of spider veins (CEAP C1) without symptoms
- Microsclerotherapy for cosmetic spider veins only
Typical Medisave Claim Amount
For EVLA or RFA as a day surgery procedure, Medisave withdrawal is available up to MOH's prevailing limit for the specific procedure code. The exact amount depends on the number of veins treated. As a rough guide:
- Unilateral (1 leg) EVLA/RFA: Medisave claim of $1,500–$3,000 is typical
- Bilateral (both legs): Higher Medisave claim; may be staged over two sessions
- With foam sclerotherapy added: Additional claim possible
IP Insurance Coverage
If you hold a MediShield Life Integrated Shield Plan, varicose vein day surgery is typically covered after your annual deductible and co-insurance. With a good IP plan covering private hospitals:
- A $7,000 EVLA procedure → After $3,000 deductible + 10% co-insurance: pay approximately $3,400 out-of-pocket (or less if deductible is already met in the policy year)
- With an "as charged" rider eliminating co-insurance: pay approximately $3,000 only (the deductible)
Factors That Affect Your Total Cost
- Number of legs treated: Bilateral treatment roughly doubles the cost (though some overlap in facility fees)
- Extent of disease: More reflux segments = more ablation = higher cost
- Additional branch veins: If large branches also require sclerotherapy or phlebectomy on the same day, costs increase
- Technology chosen: VenaSeal typically costs slightly more than EVLA/RFA due to the proprietary glue catheter cost
- Clinic location: Orchard/private hospital setting costs more than heartland day surgery centres
- Your insurance: The single biggest factor in out-of-pocket — IP plan type determines how much the insurer covers
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, significantly. Public hospitals like SGH, NUH, and CGH offer varicose vein procedures at subsidised rates (Class B2/C) that can be 40–70% lower than private rates. Wait times are longer (4–12 weeks for elective cases). If your IP plan covers private hospitals, the net out-of-pocket difference may narrow considerably.
For truncal ablation (EVLA/RFA/VenaSeal): typically one session per leg. Branch vein treatment via foam sclerotherapy is done in 1–4 additional sessions (usually 6–12 weeks after ablation). Total sessions: 2–5 over 3–6 months. Your vascular surgeon's assessment after duplex ultrasound will determine the full treatment plan and cost.
Spider veins (CEAP C1, telangiectasias less than 1mm) treated purely for cosmetic reasons are not Medisave-claimable. However, if you also have larger symptomatic varicose veins that are being treated in the same session, the primary procedure (EVLA/RFA for the larger veins) can be Medisave-claimed. The spider vein component would still be out-of-pocket.
The treated veins are permanently closed in 93–95% of cases with EVLA/RFA at 5 years. However, new varicose veins can develop from other tributaries over time, especially with continued risk factors. Maintaining healthy weight, regular walking, avoiding prolonged standing/sitting, and wearing compression when needed help minimise recurrence. Annual check-ups with duplex ultrasound are recommended.