Leukemia is one of the most common blood cancers in Singapore, with an incidence rate of about 11.1 per 100,000 people, among the highest in Southeast Asia. For patients and families facing this diagnosis, leukemia treatment costs and insurance coverage can be a major concern. That’s why understanding your treatment options, setting realistic cost expectations, and knowing what insurance support is available is crucial to managing care without added financial stress.
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of leukemia, treatment pathways, actual cost estimates, and how insurance solutions like MediShield Life, MediSave, Integrated Shield Plans (IPs), and Critical Illness (CI) coverage can support patients in Singapore.
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What Is Leukemia?
Leukemia is a cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow, characterized by the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells. Common subtypes in Singapore include:
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
These cancers weaken the body’s immune system, causing symptoms such as fatigue, frequent infections, bleeding, and bone pain. Prompt care from a hematologist-oncologist is critical. Treatment often unfolds in specialised cancer centres, emphasising precision therapy and multidisciplinary support.
Treatment Pathways & Cost Estimates
The Ministry of Health (MOH) provides reliable benchmarks for leukemia chemotherapy under DRG code R63Z, applicable to both leukemia and lymphoma patients. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Chemotherapy (Code R63Z)
This commonly covers typical inpatient chemotherapy treatment.
- Day Surgery, Subsidised Public: SGD 485 median (range SGD 328–565)
- Inpatient, Ward B2: SGD 774 median (range SGD 555–1,216)
- Inpatient, Ward C: SGD 930 median (range SGD 468–2,455)
- Inpatient, Ward A: SGD 2,058 median (range SGD 1,597–3,198)
- Inpatient, Ward B1: SGD 1,128 median (range SGD 876–1,883)
- Private Hospital Day Surgery: SGD 12,766 median (range SGD 10,544–14,289)
2. Targeted Therapy—Acalabrutinib (CLL Treatment)
The drug “Calquence” is listed on MOH’s Cancer Drug List (CDL).
- MediShield Life limit: SGD 2,000/month
- MediSave withdrawal limit: SGD 600/month
3. Bone Marrow or Stem Cell Transplant
High-dose chemotherapy followed by transplant:
- Estimated cost: SGD 150,000–200,000+
4. Diagnostic Imaging and Hospitalisation
- PET/CT scan: SGD 2,000–3,500 per scan
- Private ward bed: SGD 1,000–3,000 per night
Combined, leukemia treatment can easily exceed SGD 200,000, especially with advanced therapy and transplant.
Insurance Coverage for Leukemia Treatment
MediShield Life
- Covers inpatient and day ward chemotherapy under code R63Z
- Covers outpatient CDL drugs (including Acalabrutinib) up to SGD 9,600/month depending on category
- Offers SGD 3,600 per year for cancer-related services (scans, lab tests, consults) beginning April 2023
MediSave
- Enables SGD 600/month withdrawable for CDL drugs and SGD 600/year for services
Integrated Shield Plans (IPs)
- Allow access to private hospitals and supplement inpatient coverage
- Provide non-CDL drug benefits via rider, up to five times MediShield limits post-April 2023
Critical Illness Insurance
- Providers offer cash payouts on leukemia diagnosis for additional financial cushioning
Note: Cost figures are based on MOH Cancer Drug List, public cancer centres, and verified patient-reported costs. Insurance coverage details follow MOH policy updates from September 2022 and April 2023. Always discuss with your healthcare provider and financial consultant for tailored guidance.
Get Personalised Financial Guidance for Your Treatment Journey
Leukemia treatment steps are complex and often come with significant costs. While Singapore’s insurance systems such as MediShield, MediSave, and Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) provide broad support, expert financial guidance can make a crucial difference. A financial consultant can help review and optimise your existing policies, including MediShield, MediSave, IPs, and critical illness coverage. They can also recommend suitable riders for non-CDL treatments and inpatient care, guide you through MediSave withdrawals and MediShield claims, and prepare a strategic financial roadmap to support your treatment and recovery journey.
If you or someone you love is going through leukemia treatment, click the button below to connect with one of our preferred financial consultants for personalised guidance.
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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.