Cost of arthroscopy in Singapore

Understanding the True Cost of Arthroscopic Surgery

The Ministry of Health (MOH) publishes transparent cost data for arthroscopic surgery in Singapore, giving patients a useful reference point. What the figures don't always make clear is the specific breakdown behind the total bill.

Subsidised vs. Private Rates

Direct comparisons between subsidised and private costs are not meaningful. Private rates most closely reflect the true cost of surgery. Subsidised rates vary widely depending on ward class, Medisave usage, MediShield Life coverage, and Integrated Shield Plan (ISP) entitlements.

In the public system, subsidised patients receive qualified care, though not necessarily from a certified specialist — senior oversight is standard practice. Patients on Special Assistance Plans may qualify for heavily subsidised procedures based on household means-testing.

Breaking Down the True Costs

1. Hospitalisation Most arthroscopic procedures are performed as day surgery. Operating theatre charges vary by complexity and consumables used.

2. Implant Costs MOH data shows the median implant fee for ACL/PCL reconstruction is approximately SGD 3,530 at unsubsidised public hospitals and SGD 5,184 at private hospitals. For meniscus repair, one or two suture anchors are typically deployed per repair. Revision arthroscopy costs can rise significantly, primarily due to allografts — no fair generalisation can be made, and these cases are handled by only a handful of surgeons in Singapore.

3. Surgeon and Anaesthetist Fees MOH fee benchmarks for ACL/PCL reconstruction (TOSP SB701K) set surgeon fees at SGD 9,156–13,080 (inclusive of GST) and anaesthetist fees at SGD 1,635–2,180. All fees must be disclosed during financial counselling, as required by law.

MOH Benchmark Figures (2025)

Based on MOH published data (TOSP SB701K) for ACL/PCL reconstruction:

Subsidised day surgery

SGD 5,423

SGD 4,117 – 7,160

Unsubsidised day surgery

SGD 18,557

SGD 17,041 – 20,734

Private hospital (inpatient)

SGD 32,348

SGD 29,514 – 36,467

The private hospital figure represents the most complete picture of the true cost of arthroscopic surgery. Revision procedures are not captured in these benchmarks and should be discussed directly with your surgeon.

Medisave and Insurance

Arthroscopic procedures are Medisave-claimable under the applicable TOSP category. MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans cover a significant portion of costs at private hospitals, though a minimum 5% co-payment applies. Speak with your insurer before surgery to understand your out-of-pocket exposure.

Our View

Cost transparency is valuable, but it is rarely the deciding factor for a patient who genuinely needs surgery. The more important considerations remain clinical need and the patient-surgeon relationship — particularly for revision cases where experience and surgical judgment matter most. The surgical techniques utilized at this practice are the result of over 25 years of frontline execution in Arthroplasty and Limb Salvage. Having served as an International Trainer and Chairman of the Clinical Competency Committee, we mentored the current generation of surgeons on the strict mechanical principles of precision and soft-tissue balancing. We apply these exact, uncompromising standards to your reconstruction. Learn more about our Academic Distinctions here. Uncompromising care requires clinical independence. We operate outside standard network panels to ensure your treatment is tailored entirely to your clinical needs, not corporate quotas. Verify your coverage here.

Note: All figures exclude 9% GST. For the most current benchmarks, refer directly to the MOH fee benchmark portal.

Correct as of March 2026