Bladder Cancer Treatment Costs and Insurance Coverage in Singapore

Bladder cancer can be a life-changing diagnosis, but with the right care and planning, patients can achieve good outcomes. If you are diagnosed with bladder cancer, it is important to understand the typical treatment costs and how insurance coverage, including MediShield Life, MediSave, and Integrated Shield Plans, can help reduce the financial burden.

In this article, we will explore what bladder cancer is and who treats it, the different treatment pathways available, the typical costs of bladder cancer treatment in Singapore, the insurance options that may help cover these expenses, and why consulting a financial advisor can further support your healthcare planning.

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What Is Bladder Cancer and Who Treats It?

Bladder cancer is a malignant growth that begins in the lining of the bladder and can potentially invade deeper layers of the bladder wall. It often presents with warning signs such as blood in the urine, frequent or urgent urination, and pelvic pain or discomfort. Early detection plays a crucial role in improving treatment outcomes.

A qualified urologist in Singapore, recognised for their expertise in diagnosing and managing urological cancers, will typically perform a cystoscopy, urine tests, and advanced imaging such as CT scans or MRIs to confirm the diagnosis and assess the stage of the disease. Based on the results, your urologist will recommend a personalised treatment plan that may include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy.

Treatment Options for Bladder Cancer

Treatment for bladder cancer varies depending on the stage and severity of the disease, with different approaches tailored to how far the cancer has progressed and whether it has spread beyond the bladder lining.

1. Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT) – Early-stage, non-invasive tumors removed via cystoscopy.
2. Intravesical Therapy – Medication (e.g. BCG, chemotherapy) delivered directly to the bladder to prevent recurrence.
3. Radical Cystectomy – Complete bladder removal, often for muscle-invasive cases, followed by reconstruction or urinary diversion.
4. Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy – Often used before or after surgery for advanced cancer.
5. Immunotherapy or Targeted Therapy – Newer drugs for specific bladder cancer types.

Each treatment step has different cost implications and insurance coverage.

Bladder Cancer Treatment Costs in Singapore

Cystoscopy & TURBT Costs

Based on Ministry of Health data:

• Subsidised public hospital (Ward C): SGD 847 (range SGD 621–1,259) for TURBT procedures.
• Private hospital: up to SGD 8,237 per procedure (range SGD 6,584–13,162).

Intravesical and Follow-up Costs

• Intravesical chemotherapy injections cost approximately SGD 600–1,200 per session.
• Repeated surveillance cystoscopies and imaging add to the long-term expense.

Advanced Bladder Cancer Treatment

• Chemotherapy (inpatient): SGD 544 in Ward C; SGD 1,711 in unsubsidised public A ward; SGD 3,152 in private hospital.
• Cancer drug treatment under MediShield Life: SGD 200–9,600/month, depending on the drug.

Insurance Coverage

1. MediShield Life

• Covers inpatient and day surgery like TURBT (up to SGD 830/day + surgical table limits).
• Covers outpatient cancer drug costs (SGD 200–9,600/month), with up to SGD 3,600/year for procedures like radiotherapy.

2. MediSave

• Allows withdrawals for inpatient or outpatient cancer drug treatments.
• Withdrawal limits align with MediShield claim caps, up to SGD 1,200/month for drug services.

3. Integrated Shield Plans (IPs)

• Provide enhanced coverage for private or higher-class public wards, including pre- and post-treatment care and imaging.
• Many IPs now align with the Cancer Drug List (CDL), covering 90% of commonly-used treatments.
• Optional riders can cover medications outside the CDL with co-insurance caps.

Connect with Our Preferred Financial Advisor

Careful planning is essential when managing bladder cancer treatment costs and insurance coverage in Singapore. A financial advisor can assist you in reviewing your existing plans, including MediShield, Integrated Shield Plans, and any additional riders. They can confirm whether your chosen urologist is covered under your insurance, estimate potential out-of-pocket expenses, and guide you on optimizing your MediSave usage. Additionally, they provide support for both pre-treatment and post-treatment financial preparation, helping you manage healthcare expenses with greater confidence.

If you or a loved one are facing bladder cancer treatment, click the button below for an introduction to one of our preferred financial advisors.

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