This article answers the question; is endoscopy MediSave claimable? But first, endoscopy can be used to diagnose and treat various conditions in different body parts like the esophagus, stomach, colon, ears, nose, throat, heart, urinary tract, joints, and abdomen.
Your doctor may suggest an endoscopy in Singapore to investigate symptoms like heartburn, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or gastrointestinal bleeding. The procedure can also diagnose diseases by taking tissue samples (biopsy) or detecting cancers.
Endoscopy can even treat certain issues by passing specialized tools through the tube. Sometimes, it’s combined with ultrasound for clearer images or narrow-band imaging to detect precancerous conditions more effectively.
How Much Does an Endoscopy Cost in Singapore?
To prepare well for your colonoscopy in Singapore, the first thing you will want to do seek is clarity on the cost. So you may wonder; how much does an endoscopy cost in Singapore?
In Singapore, the average total fee for an endoscopy can range from around S$2139 to S$2590, depending on the type of endoscopy (gastroscopy or colonoscopy) and whether any additional treatments are required. The cost typically consists of two main components: the facility fee and the doctor’s fee.
The facility fee includes charges for the ward, nursing, instrument usage, medications, and any necessary tests like histology. On the other hand, the doctor’s fee covers the professional fee for performing the endoscopy.
If an anesthetist is involved, they will charge a fee for providing your sedation and monitoring after the procedure. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the cost of endoscopy in Singapore;
For a basic gastroscopy, the doctor’s fee ranges from S$600 to S$1000. Then there is an additional S$500 to S$750 for the anesthetist’s fee. If a therapeutic gastroscopy is performed, which involves additional treatments like polyp removal, the doctor’s fee increases from S$1000 to S$1600, with the same anesthetist’s fee.
For a basic colonoscopy, the doctor’s fee ranges from S$1100 to S$1600, with an anesthetist’s fee of S$500 to S$750. A therapeutic colonoscopy, with additional treatments, has a doctor’s fee of S$1500 to S$2150, with the same anesthetist’s fee.
The choice of insurance can also affect the doctor’s fees, as each insurance company has its own fee schedule for specialists. Most specialists in top endoscopy clinics in Singapore are part of most insurance panels in Singapore.
The facility fee varies depending on whether the endoscopy is performed in a hospital or a day surgery center. Generally, it is more expensive to have the procedure done in a hospital.
The total bill for the endoscopy is the sum of the doctor’s fee and the facility fee. Medisave can be used to cover part of the bill, up to the Medisave cap.
On average, the total cost for gastroscopy in the private sector in Singapore is around S$2139 (before GST), with up to S$650 claimable from Medisave. For a colonoscopy, the cost is approximately S$2590 (before GST), with up to S$1250 claimable from Medisave.
Please note that these cost estimates are for basic endoscopies only. If additional treatments are required, such as polyp removal, the cost may be higher.
So, is Endoscopy MediSave Claimable?
Endoscopy, including procedures like gastroscopy, can indeed be MediSave claimable in Singapore. However, the coverage varies. MediSave, managed by the CPF Board, allows you to use funds for medical expenses, including endoscopic investigations.
But, the amount claimable depends on withdrawal limits. For a gastroscopy, you may need to pay some costs out-of-pocket, as MediSave may only cover a portion.
These costs typically include the procedure fee, doctor’s fees, and any additional charges related to the investigation. Please check with your healthcare provider or insurer to understand the specific breakdown of expenses and how much you can claim through MediSave.
Importantly, having private health insurance, particularly an Integrated Shield Plan, can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses. These plans provide supplementary coverage on top of MediShield Life for private healthcare and may provide covering for deductibles and co-insurance.
If you’ve purchased a hospital plan rider, it may offer cashless eligibility, meaning you won’t have to pay upfront for the procedure. However, the extent of coverage and eligibility for cashless procedures can vary based on your insurance policy and the procedure’s Table Code.
When considering treatment at a private hospital with an Integrated Shield Plan, you may still have out-of-pocket fees. These expenses typically include deductibles, co-insurance, and any non-covered charges.
To ensure a smooth process and understand your options for cashless eligibility, we recommend consulting your insurer or healthcare provider. They can provide detailed information on coverage, out-of-pocket expenses, and how to go through the claim process effectively. Also, you can speak directly to our very friendly staff to learn more.
What should you remember before an Endoscopy?
Even though endoscopies are quick, there are a few important factors you need to keep in mind to make the entire process seamless. That said, before your endoscopy in Singapore, here are three key points you should remember before the procedure:
- Don’t Delay or Skip Your Appointment:We get it, preparing for an endoscopy can be a little anxiety-inducing. However, you will still want to proceed with your appointment as it provides the best opportunity to diagnose conditions early, including life-threatening ones like cancer. As you ready yourself for the procedure, remember to share your medical history, current health, and medications with your doctor. They’ll advise on which medications to stop or adjust before the procedure.
- Follow Fasting Instructions:You’ll need an empty stomach for up to eight hours before the procedure. As strange as it may sound, this is done to avoid complications like aspiration. Also, while endoscopy is generally safe, there are minimal risks like bleeding or infection which you will also need to acknowledge before your treatment. However, the benefits usually outweigh these risks.
- Arrange for Transportation:You will likely receive anesthesia for your endoscopy in Singapore. This anesthesia may impair your judgment, coordination, and reaction time which can only increase your risk for accidents while on the road. So, arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
Closing Thoughts
Endoscopy in Singapore is MediSave claimable but it is important that you understand your coverage before proceeding with the procedure. Just to be sure, seek clarity from your insurer or gastroenterologist.
Contact Us for Endoscopy in Singapore
Are you due for an endoscopy in Singapore or are seeking clarity on the procedure or coverage? Drop us a line now to schedule your endoscopy or an appointment to address any questions you may have about the procedure. See contact details below;
Andrea’s Digestive Clinic: Colon | Liver | Gallbladder | GERD | Acid Reflux Specialist
101 Irrawaddy Road #21-11/12
Royal Square Medical Centre
Singapore 329565
https://andrea-digestive-clinic.com/
