Understanding the Costs of Common Surgeries and What Your Local Insurance Plan Actually Covers

Are you self-employed or running a small business in Singapore? Like so many Independent Doers, you might be juggling multiple responsibilities - from client work to finances. But have you taken a close look at your health insurance lately? Many freelancers and entrepreneurs only discover gaps in their coverage when they're facing a medical emergency.

‍

Why Surgery Costs Matter to Freelancers and Small Business Owners

When you work for yourself, there’s no HR department handling your benefits. You’re on your own when it comes to making smart healthcare choices. And in Singapore, surgical procedures can be surprisingly expensive.

Unlike salaried employees with corporate health plans, freelancers and small business owners must personally ensure they have adequate medical coverage. A single surgery can lead to financial strain, affecting both your business operations and personal well-being.

Let’s take an honest look at what common surgeries actually cost and what your insurance might (or might not) cover.

‍

The True Cost of Common Surgeries in Singapore

Here’s what you can expect to pay for some of the most common surgical procedures in Singapore, based on the Ministry of Health’s Total Operation Score Points (TOSP) and typical insurer coverage rates:

‍

Eye Health: Cataract Surgery

• Average cost: $6,700–$12,300 SGD

• MOH Insurance Code: 6A (85% coverage)

• Your potential out-of-pocket expense: $1,005–$1,845 SGD

Cataracts affect many Singaporeans as they age. While insurance typically covers a good portion of this surgery, you could still be paying over $1,000 SGD from your own pocket.

‍

Throat Problems: Tonsillectomy

• Average cost: $5,500–$7,600 SGD

• MOH Insurance Code: 2A (45% coverage)

• Your potential out-of-pocket expense: $3,025–$4,180 SGD

Got recurring tonsil issues? Be prepared to pay more than half the cost yourself with standard insurance plans.

‍

Emergency Care: Appendicectomy

• Average cost: $7,300–$11,300 SGD

• MOH Insurance Code: 3B (55% coverage)

• Your potential out-of-pocket expense: $3,285–$5,085 SGD

Appendicitis doesn’t wait for a convenient time. When this emergency strikes, you could be facing over $5,000 SGD in costs not covered by insurance.

‍

Common Complaint: Haemorrhoidectomy

• Average cost: $3,700–$4,800 SGD

• MOH Insurance Code: 1B (30% coverage)

• Your potential out-of-pocket expense: $2,590–$3,360 SGD

Haemorrhoid surgery has one of the lowest coverage rates, with insurance typically paying for just 30% of the procedure.

‍

Digestive Health: Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal)

• Average cost: $11,700–$17,100 SGD

• MOH Insurance Code: 6A (85% coverage)

• Your potential out-of-pocket expense: $1,755–$2,565 SGD

While the coverage percentage is high, the procedure itself is expensive, meaning you could still pay over $2,500 SGD yourself.

‍

Women’s Health: Hysterectomy

• Average cost: $6,700–$11,200 SGD

• MOH Insurance Code: 4B (65% coverage)

• Your potential out-of-pocket expense: $2,345–$3,920 SGD

This common women’s health procedure can leave you with nearly $4,000 SGD in out-of-pocket expenses, or potentially much higher if there are additional complexities.

‍

Joint Problems: Knee Replacement

• Average cost: $7,500–$9,800 SGD

• MOH Insurance Code: 3B (55% coverage)

• Your potential out-of-pocket expense: $3,375–$4,410 SGD

Active entrepreneurs may eventually need joint surgery, and insurance typically covers just over half the cost.

‍

Abdominal Issues: Herniorrhaphy (Hernia Repair)

• Average cost: $4,700–$7,600 SGD

• MOH Insurance Code: 2A (45% coverage)

• Your potential out-of-pocket expense: $2,585–$4,180 SGD

Hernias are common and can seriously impact your ability to work, yet insurance coverage is often limited.

‍

Breast Health: Breast Lump Excision (Lumpectomy)

• Average cost: $7,300–$12,200 SGD

• MOH Insurance Code: 3B (55% coverage)

• Your potential out-of-pocket expense: $3,285–$5,490 SGD

This potentially life-saving procedure could cost you up to $5,490 SGD after insurance.

‍

Pre-Surgical Diagnostic Imaging: Understanding the Additional Costs

Before undergoing surgery, it's common for physicians to order diagnostic imaging tests to accurately identify the issue and plan the procedure. These tests, while essential, can add to your overall medical expenses. Below is an overview of common imaging modalities, their average costs in Singapore, and potential out-of-pocket expenses after insurance coverage.

‍

X-Rays

• Average cost: $80–$150 SGD

• Typical insurance coverage: 50%

• Your potential out-of-pocket expense: $40–$75 SGD

X-rays are often the first imaging tests performed due to their efficiency and relatively low cost. However, with standard insurance covering approximately 50%, you may still need to pay up to $75 SGD out-of-pocket.

Ultrasounds

• Average cost: $100–$300 SGD

• Typical insurance coverage: 50%

• Your potential out-of-pocket expense: $50–$150 SGD

Ultrasounds are commonly used to examine soft tissues and organs. With insurance covering about 50%, you could be responsible for up to $150 SGD.

CT Scans

• Average cost: $350–$800 SGD

• Typical insurance coverage: 45%

• Your potential out-of-pocket expense: $193–$440 SGD

Computed Tomography (CT) scans provide detailed cross-sectional images and are crucial for diagnosing various conditions. Insurance typically covers 45% of the cost, leaving you with up to $440 SGD to pay.

MRI Scans

• Average cost: $800–$2,000 SGD

• Typical insurance coverage: 40%

• Your potential out-of-pocket expense: $480–$1,200 SGD

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans offer detailed images of soft tissues. With insurance covering approximately 40%, you might need to cover up to $1,200 SGD yourself.

PET Scans

• Average cost: $2,200–$3,500 SGD

• Typical insurance coverage: 35%

• Your potential out-of-pocket expense: $1,430–$2,275 SGD

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans are advanced imaging tests often used in oncology. Despite insurance covering about 35%, the high cost means you could still be responsible for $2,275 SGD or more.  

Note: The above costs are estimates and can vary based on the healthcare provider, specific procedure, and individual insurance policies. It's advisable to consult with your insurance provider and healthcare institution for precise information.

Even with private health insurance, you may still be required to pay a portion of the cost. Some plans have co-payment structures where the insurer covers a certain percentage, and you pay the rest, or a deductible that needs to be met before full coverage kicks in.

Understanding these potential additional costs is crucial for comprehensive financial planning, especially for freelancers and small business owners who may not have extensive insurance coverage.

‍

The Hidden Costs of Surgery

Beyond the direct costs of surgery, there are additional expenses to consider:

• Hospital Stay: Private hospitals can charge upwards of $800 per night, adding to your total bill.

• Post-Surgical Care: Follow-up consultations, physiotherapy, and medication can add hundreds or even thousands to the final cost.

• Loss of Income: If you’re self-employed, time off for recovery means lost earnings.

• Complications: Additional treatments or extended stays due to complications can inflate costs dramatically.

‍

Financial Planning for Medical Expenses

To avoid financial stress, it’s important to plan ahead. Consider setting up a dedicated health savings account to cover unexpected costs. Additionally, reviewing your MediSave and MediShield Life entitlements can help you better understand what public healthcare support is available to you.

Case Study: A Freelancer’s Experience

Jane, a 38-year-old freelance graphic designer, had to undergo emergency gallbladder surgery. Despite having insurance, she was left with an out-of-pocket bill of $3,000 SGD due to policy limits. With a lack of savings and no income during her month-long recovery, she had to take on credit card debt to cover expenses. This highlights the importance of having a financial buffer for health-related emergencies.

‍

How to Protect Yourself Financially

Consider These Steps:

1. Build an emergency fund: Aim to have at least 3–6 months of expenses saved for medical emergencies.

2. Review your insurance plan annually: Ensure it aligns with your evolving needs as a self-employed professional.

3. Look into more comprehensive coverage: Plans like the INC plan for Doerscircle members offer 100% protection for most surgeries up to the policy limit, meaning you won’t have to pay out of pocket expenses.

4. Understand your policy limitations: Know what is and isn’t covered before a medical emergency arises.

5. Consider disability insurance: If an extended recovery period is likely, a disability policy can help cover lost income.

6. Explore MediSave and MediShield Life options: Singapore’s healthcare financing schemes can help reduce costs, but understanding their limitations is key.

‍

Take Action Today

For entrepreneurs and freelancers, health issues don’t just impact your personal life - they directly affect your business. Without the safety net of employer benefits, having adequate coverage isn’t just nice to have - it’s essential for your financial security.

Check your current policy details. If you find gaps in coverage, explore options designed for Independent Doers. Investing in the right plan today could save you thousands down the line.

‍

Conclusion

Medical expenses in Singapore can be a major financial strain, especially for freelancers and small business owners who don’t have corporate health benefits. While insurance can help, coverage gaps often leave Independent Doers with significant out-of-pocket costs. From surgery to diagnostic imaging, these expenses can quickly add up - impacting both your personal finances and your business.

Planning ahead is key. Reviewing your insurance policy, building an emergency fund, and exploring supplementary coverage can help protect you from unexpected medical bills. As an Independent Doer, taking proactive steps now ensures that a health issue doesn’t become a financial setback.

Your health is your most valuable asset, make sure it’s protected.

‍

Disclaimer:

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance or medical advice. Costs and coverage rates mentioned are averages for Singapore based on Ministry of Health (MOH) benchmarks and may vary based on your specific policy, healthcare provider, and individual circumstances. Always consult with a licensed insurance professional when making decisions about your healthcare coverage.

‍

Sources

1. Health365. (2024, August 1). Guide to Medical Imaging - Understand MRI, CT, PET Scans. Retrieved from Health365.sg

2. Health365. (2024, November 27). The Cost of PET Scan in Singapore. Retrieved from Health365.sg

3. Health365. (2025, February 5). MRI Scan Cost in Singapore: What You Need to Know Before Booking. Retrieved from Health365.sg

4. Health365. (2024, August 6). MRI Scan Singapore Cost. Retrieved from Health365.sg

5. Health365. (2024, July 2). Medical Imaging – X-Ray, Ultrasound, CT, MRI and PET Scan. Retrieved from Health365.sg

6. Expected Healthcare. (n.d.). How to Find Affordable Imaging Studies - Like X-Rays and MRIs. Retrieved from Expected Healthcare

7. TRA Medical Imaging. (2025, February 4). How Much Will My Imaging Exam Cost? Understanding Insurance and Out-of-Pocket Expenses. Retrieved from TRA Medical Imaging

8. Touchstone Medical Imaging. (2021, September 22). MRI and CT Scans: Cost and Convenience. Retrieved from Touchstone Medical Imaging

9. CNA. (2020, July 21). Are the More Expensive Medical Scans Better, and Do You Really Need Them? Retrieved from CNA

10. Singapore General Hospital. (n.d.). Charges & Payments for Medical Procedures. Retrieved from SGH

11. RadiologyInfo.org. (n.d.). Medical Imaging Costs. Retrieved from RadiologyInfo.org

12. Radiology Assist. (n.d.). Low-Cost Imaging Centres for Uninsured Patients | MRI, CT Scan, PET, Ultrasound, X-ray. Retrieved from Radiology Assist

‍