How Much Does an Endoscopy Cost in Singapore? (Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy)
If your doctor has recommended a gastroscopy, a colonoscopy, or both — one of the first questions you will have is: what is this going to cost?
The honest answer is that endoscopy bills are not a single flat fee. They are an itemised sum of several components, each billed separately. Here is exactly what goes into the total.
The Two Procedures
A gastroscopy passes a thin camera through the mouth to examine the oesophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine. It investigates symptoms such as chronic heartburn, difficulty swallowing, upper abdominal pain, or unexplained nausea.
A colonoscopy passes a camera through the rectum to examine the entire large bowel. It is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening, polyp detection, and investigation of rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits.
Both are performed as outpatient or day surgery procedures and take 20 to 45 minutes.
What Makes Up the Bill
Surgeon’s Fee
The specialist fee covers the consultation, the procedure, and post-procedure review. MOH publishes fee benchmarks to guide reasonable private specialist charges.
- Colonoscopy: $1,200 – $1,800
- Gastroscopy: $650 – $1,100
- Combined (same sitting): typically less than the sum of both
These figures are based on MOH benchmark fees for private specialist charges in Singapore.
Your surgeon is required to provide a written fee estimate before the procedure.
Anaesthetist’s Fee
Most endoscopies are performed under conscious sedation — a light IV sedation keeping you comfortable without full general anaesthesia. When a separate anaesthetist administers sedation, their fee is billed independently.
- Typical range: $300 – $600
In some settings the endoscopist administers sedation directly, in which case no separate anaesthetist fee applies. Clarify this when booking.
Facility Fee
Covers the endoscopy suite, nursing staff, equipment, and recovery bay. Varies by institution.
- Private hospital endoscopy unit: $600 – $1,500
Consumables
Single-use instruments used during the procedure. For a purely diagnostic scope, costs are minimal. If polyps are removed or bleeding is treated, additional instruments are used.
- Biopsy forceps, clips: $50 – $300 per item
Histopathology
If tissue is sampled — whether to test for H. pylori, assess a polyp, or investigate abnormal tissue — the specimen is sent to a pathology laboratory. Each specimen submitted may be billed individually.
- Typical range: $150 – $400
What to Expect in Total
| Procedure | No Significant Findings | With Polyp Removal & Biopsy |
|---|---|---|
| Gastroscopy | $1,500 – $2,500 | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| Colonoscopy | $2,000 – $3,500 | $3,500 – $5,000 |
| Combined | $3,000 – $4,500 | $4,500 – $6,000 |
These are indicative figures for private hospital settings. A formal written estimate will be provided before your procedure.
Medisave & Insurance
Both procedures are Medisave-claimable when performed for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, subject to MOH’s surgical table withdrawal limits. Purely screening colonoscopies may have different claimability — our team will advise based on your situation.
If you hold an Integrated Shield Plan with a private hospital rider, day surgery endoscopy is typically covered subject to your deductible and co-insurance terms. Check with your insurer in advance as coverage varies by plan.
A Word on Value
A colonoscopy that finds and removes a precancerous polyp today costs a fraction of colorectal cancer treatment tomorrow. Colorectal cancer is the most common cancer in Singapore men — and most cases are preventable with timely screening.
If cost has been a reason for delay, speak to our team. We will walk you through your Medisave and insurance options and provide a transparent estimate upfront.
Contact us at +65 8491 1525 or via WhatsApp. Available across five locations in Singapore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the surgeon’s fee regulated?
MOH publishes fee benchmarks for all surgical procedures including endoscopy. These guide what is considered reasonable. Your surgeon must provide a written estimate before proceeding.
Do I need an anaesthetist?
Most endoscopies use conscious sedation. Whether a separate anaesthetist is present — and billed — depends on the setting. Ask your surgeon’s clinic when booking.
Why does the bill increase if polyps are found?
Polyps are removed immediately when detected — one of colonoscopy’s key advantages. Removal requires additional instruments, and each specimen is sent for histopathology to confirm whether it is benign or precancerous. These steps add to the bill but are clinically essential. Removing a polyp today is far less costly than treating colorectal cancer later.
Can I use Medisave?
Yes, for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Claimability for screening colonoscopies may differ. Our team will advise based on your specific situation.
Will my Integrated Shield Plan cover this?
Typically yes, if you have a private hospital rider, subject to deductible and co-insurance terms. Coverage varies across plans — check with your insurer before booking.
How do I get a cost estimate?
Contact our clinic at +65 8491 1525 or via WhatsApp. We will provide a full written breakdown before you commit to anything.
