Orthopaedic Surgery Costs in Singapore
Transparent pricing based on MOH Fee Benchmarks (effective 1 January 2025). Understand your total bill breakdown before surgery.
📋 Important Information About These Estimates
- • Surgeon & Anaesthetist fees are based on MOH Fee Benchmarks (1 Jan 2025) — these are reference ranges, not caps
- • Hospital fees are based on MOH Hospital Fee Benchmarks (Jun 2023) where available, or estimated from private hospital rates
- • Total estimates assume standard single room at private hospital. Public/subsidized wards cost significantly less
- • GST (9%) is excluded from MOH benchmarks — add 9% to all figures
- • Actual costs may vary based on: case complexity, surgeon experience, hospital choice, ward class, implant type, length of stay, and complications
Joint Replacement Surgery
| Component | Lower Estimate | Upper Estimate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon Fee | $9,200 | $12,000 | MOH Benchmark |
| Anaesthetist Fee | $1,800 | $2,600 | MOH Benchmark |
| Hospital Fee (incl. implant, 4 days) | $21,200 | $26,400 | MOH Benchmark |
| Subtotal (before GST) | $32,200 | $41,000 | |
| Total (with 9% GST) | $35,100 | $44,700 |
Notes: Hospital benchmark includes standard implant. Premium/custom implants may add $3,000-$8,000. Average length of stay: 4 days. Bilateral (both knees) typically costs 30-50% more than double unilateral due to combined procedure discount.
| Component | Lower Estimate | Upper Estimate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon Fee | $9,000 | $14,600 | MOH Benchmark |
| Anaesthetist Fee | $2,100 | $3,400 | MOH Benchmark |
| Hospital Fee (incl. implant, ~4 days) | $20,000 | $28,000 | Estimated* |
| Subtotal (before GST) | $31,100 | $46,000 | |
| Total (with 9% GST) | $33,900 | $50,100 |
Notes: *Hospital fee estimated based on knee replacement benchmark and typical hip implant costs. Ceramic-on-ceramic bearings or custom implants may add $5,000-$12,000. Revision surgery (SB724H) costs significantly more.
| Component | Lower Estimate | Upper Estimate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon Fee | $12,300 | $17,900 | MOH Benchmark |
| Anaesthetist Fee | $2,800 | $4,100 | MOH Benchmark |
| Hospital Fee (incl. 2 implants, ~5-6 days) | $35,000 | $45,000 | Estimated* |
| Subtotal (before GST) | $50,100 | $67,000 | |
| Total (with 9% GST) | $54,600 | $73,000 |
Notes: Bilateral surgery in one sitting saves money vs two separate surgeries, but requires longer recovery. Not all patients are suitable candidates for bilateral surgery.
Sports Injury Surgery
| Component | Lower Estimate | Upper Estimate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon Fee | $8,400 | $12,000 | MOH Benchmark |
| Anaesthetist Fee | $1,500 | $2,000 | MOH Benchmark |
| Hospital Fee (incl. graft/implants, 1 day) | $14,800 | $18,700 | MOH Benchmark |
| Subtotal (before GST) | $24,700 | $32,700 | |
| Total (with 9% GST) | $26,900 | $35,600 |
Notes: Price varies based on graft type (autograft vs allograft). Combined meniscus repair (SB703K) adds ~$1,000-$3,000 to surgeon fee. Double bundle reconstruction (SB706K) costs more ($9,500-$14,000 surgeon fee).
| Component | Lower Estimate | Upper Estimate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon Fee | $9,700 | $13,500 | MOH Benchmark |
| Anaesthetist Fee | $1,800 | $2,400 | MOH Benchmark |
| Hospital Fee (incl. anchors, 1 day) | $13,800 | $18,800 | MOH Benchmark |
| Subtotal (before GST) | $25,300 | $34,700 | |
| Total (with 9% GST) | $27,600 | $37,800 |
Notes: Cost depends on tear size and number of anchors used. Massive tears requiring tendon transfer or superior capsular reconstruction cost significantly more.
Spine Surgery
| Component | Lower Estimate | Upper Estimate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon Fee | $9,800 | $12,700 | MOH Benchmark |
| Anaesthetist Fee | $2,000 | $3,000 | Estimated |
| Hospital Fee (~2-3 days) | $12,000 | $18,000 | Estimated* |
| Subtotal (before GST) | $23,800 | $33,700 | |
| Total (with 9% GST) | $25,900 | $36,700 |
Notes: Multi-level (2+ segments, SB722S) costs more: surgeon fee $12,000-$15,700. Adding interspinous device (SB759S) increases cost.
| Component | Lower Estimate | Upper Estimate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon Fee | $15,000 | $18,000 | MOH Benchmark |
| Anaesthetist Fee | $3,000 | $4,500 | Estimated |
| Hospital Fee (incl. implants, ~4-5 days) | $25,000 | $38,000 | Estimated* |
| Subtotal (before GST) | $43,000 | $60,500 | |
| Total (with 9% GST) | $46,900 | $65,900 |
Notes: Spine surgery costs increase significantly with each additional level. 2-level fusion (SB754S): surgeon fee $18,000-$21,200. 3+ levels (SB760S): surgeon fee $20,300-$26,300. Implant costs (screws, cages, rods) are a major variable.
| Component | Lower Estimate | Upper Estimate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon Fee | $13,300 | $18,000 | MOH Benchmark |
| Anaesthetist Fee | $2,800 | $3,700 | MOH Benchmark |
| Hospital Fee (incl. implant, ~3-4 days) | $20,000 | $30,000 | Estimated* |
| Subtotal (before GST) | $36,100 | $51,700 | |
| Total (with 9% GST) | $39,300 | $56,400 |
Notes: Artificial disc replacement typically costs more than fusion due to implant cost. 2-level (SB802C): surgeon fee $14,000-$18,200.
Understanding Multiple TOSP Codes
Some surgeries require multiple procedures (TOSP codes). The MOH guidelines for pricing multiple procedures are:
- Most expensive procedure: Charged at 100% of benchmark
- Subsequent procedures: Charged at 50-70% of their respective benchmarks
- If procedures share the same incision/approach and save time, total should be less than sum of individual fees
- Doctors may charge full "1+1" if combined procedures involve higher complexity/risk than separate surgeries
Example: ACL reconstruction + meniscus repair done together would typically be priced as: ACL (100%) + Meniscus repair (~50-70%), not both at 100%.
Paying for Surgery: Insurance & Medisave
Medisave withdrawal limits for common orthopaedic surgeries:
- • Joint Replacement: Up to $10,100
- • ACL Reconstruction: Up to $5,700
- • Rotator Cuff Repair: Up to $5,700
- • Spine Surgery: $5,700 - $10,100
Can use family members' Medisave. Check CPF website for latest limits.
Private insurance typically covers:
- • Hospital room & board
- • Surgery fees (within "as-charged" limits)
- • Implant costs (some plans have sub-limits)
- • Pre/post hospitalization visits
Check if your surgeon is on your insurer's panel for better coverage.
Typical out-of-pocket after insurance:
- • With rider: $0 - $3,000
- • Without rider: $5,000 - $15,000
- • No insurance: Full bill
Co-pay, deductibles, and non-panel surgeon charges affect final amount.
Public vs Private Healthcare
The costs on this page are for private specialists and private hospitals. Singapore also has excellent public healthcare options at significantly lower costs.
✓ Advantages
- • Choose your own surgeon
- • Shorter waiting times (days to weeks)
- • Private rooms, hotel-like amenities
- • Flexible scheduling
- • Direct access to senior consultants
✗ Disadvantages
- • Higher costs (2-3x public rates)
- • Out-of-pocket even with insurance
- • Variable pricing between doctors
Typical Total Knee Replacement: $35,000 - $45,000
✓ Advantages
- • Government subsidies (up to 80%)
- • Means-tested financial assistance
- • Same quality implants and care
- • Access to complex/rare procedures
- • Medisave covers larger portion
✗ Disadvantages
- • Longer waiting times (weeks to months)
- • Cannot choose specific surgeon
- • Shared wards (B2/C class)
- • Less scheduling flexibility
Typical Total Knee Replacement: $12,000 - $20,000 (subsidized)
Which Should You Choose?
Consider Private if:
- • You have comprehensive insurance with rider
- • You want a specific surgeon
- • Time-sensitive (can't wait months)
- • Prefer private room and amenities
Consider Public if:
- • Cost is a major concern
- • You qualify for subsidies
- • Non-urgent, can wait for surgery
- • Complex case needing specialized team
Disclaimer
The cost estimates on this page are for general reference only and are based on MOH Fee Benchmarks (effective 1 January 2025 for surgeon/anaesthetist fees, June 2023 for hospital fees) and estimated hospital charges from private hospitals in Singapore. Actual costs may vary significantly based on individual circumstances including but not limited to: case complexity, surgeon's experience and fees, choice of hospital and ward class, type of implants used, length of hospital stay, post-operative complications, and additional procedures required. Please consult directly with your chosen hospital and surgeon for an accurate cost estimate specific to your condition. This information does not constitute medical or financial advice.
Sources: MOH Fee Benchmarks Publication (wef 1 Jan 2025), MOH Hospital Fee Benchmarks (Jun 2023), Mount Elizabeth Hospital and Gleneagles Hospital published room rates (Dec 2024).