Cervical cancer is the 10th most common cancer among women in Singapore and the 10th leading cause of cancer-related deaths, according to the Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report 2021 (released in 2023). For women facing this diagnosis, understanding cervical cancer treatment costs and insurance coverage is essential. From routine screenings to advanced therapies, it’s important to be aware of the available treatment options, their financial implications, and how Singapore’s healthcare system and insurance plans can help ease the burden.
In this article, we’ll explore what cervical cancer is, the treatment options available in Singapore, their associated costs, and how insurance can help manage these expenses.
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What Is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the cervix begin to grow uncontrollably, often due to a persistent infection with high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). It typically develops slowly and may be preceded by precancerous conditions known as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). If detected early through regular screening, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers.
Common symptoms of cervical cancer include unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and discomfort during intercourse. However, many women may not experience noticeable symptoms until the disease is in an advanced stage, making regular Pap smears and HPV tests vital.
Treatment Options and Cost Estimates
1. Screening and Diagnosis
- Pap smear or HPV test: SGD 50–100 at public polyclinics; SGD 150–200 at private clinics
- Colposcopy with biopsy (for abnormal results): SGD 600–1,000
2. Surgical Treatments
- LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure): SGD 1,500–3,000 for removing precancerous lesions
- Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix):
- Public hospitals (subsidised): Up to SGD 5,000
- Private hospitals: SGD 12,000–20,000 depending on complexity
3. Radiation Therapy and Brachytherapy
- External beam radiation therapy: SGD 25,000–30,000 for a full course of treatment
- Brachytherapy (internal radiation): SGD 400–620 per session
4. Chemotherapy
- Administered alongside radiation in many cases:
- Average cost: SGD 3,152 per cycle in private settings
5. Advanced Diagnostics and Therapies
- PET/CT scan (for staging): SGD 2,000–3,500
- Immunotherapy or targeted therapy for advanced cases: From SGD 7,000 per dose
Total cervical cancer treatment costs in Singapore can range from SGD 50,000 to over SGD 100,000, especially in private hospitals. Accurate planning and understanding your insurance options are essential to managing this financial burden.
Insurance Support in Singapore
Singapore’s healthcare system offers various options to help patients offset the high cost of cervical cancer treatment.
MediShield Life
- Basic national insurance that covers large hospital bills and selected outpatient treatments
- Limits for cancer drug treatments (CDL): Up to SGD 9,600/month
- Brachytherapy: Covered up to SGD 620 per session
- Cancer drug services (e.g. blood tests, scans): SGD 3,600/year
MediSave
- Allows patients to use savings from their CPF account to pay for hospitalization and treatment
- Can be used for screening tests, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery up to withdrawal limits
Integrated Shield Plans (IPs)
- Offered by private insurers, IPs provide additional coverage beyond MediShield Life
- Higher annual limits, private hospital access, and extended cancer drug coverage (including non-CDL drugs through riders)
Critical Illness Insurance
- Provides a lump sum payout upon diagnosis of late-stage cervical cancer, which can help cover non-medical expenses and income loss during treatment
Connect with a Financial Consultant to Plan Your Treatment Costs
Planning for cervical cancer treatment involves not just medical decisions but financial ones as well. From initial screenings to post-treatment care, the costs can accumulate quickly. While Singapore’s national insurance schemes and Integrated Shield Plans offer a strong foundation, understanding the details and making informed financial choices is essential.
A financial consultant can guide you through this process by helping you understand your current health insurance and CPF coverage, identify potential coverage gaps, plan your MediSave usage for long-term treatments, and explore riders for cancer drug protection. Click the button below to connect with one of our preferred financial consultants and take control of both your health and financial future.
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Disclaimer: 365Asia aims to provide accurate and up-to-date information, our contents do not constitute medical or any professional advice. If medical advice is required, please consult a licensed healthcare professional. Patient stories are for general reading. They are based on third-party information and have not been independently verified.