Liver cancer is one of the five most common cancers in Singapore and accounts for a significant number of cancer-related deaths each year. For patients and families facing this diagnosis, understanding liver cancer treatment costs and insurance coverage is essential. Because treatment often involves complex procedures and long-term care, financial planning plays a critical role.
In this article, we’ll explore what liver cancer is, how it’s diagnosed and treated in Singapore, what the typical treatment costs are, and how MediShield Life, MediSave, and private insurance plans can support you throughout your care journey.
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What Is Liver Cancer?
In Singapore, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer. It starts in the liver cells and often develops due to chronic hepatitis B or C, alcohol-related liver damage, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The disease usually shows no symptoms in its early stages, but over time, it can cause persistent abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue, jaundice, and unexplained weight loss.
Liver specialists typically detect the cancer early using AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) blood tests, liver ultrasounds, and CT or MRI scans. When diagnosed early, patients have access to more treatment options and a better chance of recovery.
Liver Cancer Treatment Options and Cost in Singapore
Diagnostic Procedures
Diagnosis usually begins with imaging and tumour marker tests:
- Liver ultrasound: SGD 120–140
- AFP tumour marker test: SGD 20–40
- CT Scan (Abdomen): SGD 800–1,200
- MRI (Liver): SGD 1,000–1,400
These diagnostics are essential to determine tumour size, liver function, and whether the cancer has spread.
Tumour Ablation or Surgical Resection
For early-stage liver cancer, doctors may recommend tumour ablation (e.g., radiofrequency ablation or microwave ablation) or partial liver resection.
- Tumour ablation procedures: SGD 8,000–12,000
- Surgical liver resection: SGD 15,000–25,000, depending on complexity and hospital type
Liver Transplant
Liver transplants are considered when tumours meet the Milan Criteria or when the liver is significantly damaged. Singapore has two parts to the transplant billing:
- Living donor transplant (donor surgery): SGD 18,800–26,500
- Recipient transplant: SGD 22,400–33,600
This excludes donor matching, recovery, and post-transplant medications, which are long-term expenses.
Interventional Radiology: TACE and Radiation Therapy
For patients who are not suitable for surgery, Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) or Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) may be used:
- TACE treatment: SGD 10,000–15,000 per cycle
- Radiotherapy (SBRT or IMRT): SGD 10,000–18,000, depending on number of sessions
Chemotherapy and Advanced Therapies
Chemotherapy is used more in advanced cases or in combination with embolization or radiation.
- Chemo (per cycle): SGD 2,500–5,000
Some patients may require targeted therapy (e.g., Sorafenib, Lenvatinib) or immunotherapy (e.g., Nivolumab), costing up to SGD 8,000–20,000/month. These drugs are usually reserved for patients with metastatic or recurrent disease.
Insurance Coverage for Liver Cancer in Singapore
MediShield Life
Singapore’s basic health insurance covers significant portions of liver cancer treatment in public hospitals, including:
- Daily ward charges and surgical procedures (limits apply)
- Cancer Drug List (CDL) drugs: Claimable up to SGD 9,600/month depending on tier
- Cancer drug services: Claimable up to SGD 3,600/year (e.g., scans, blood tests)
- Radiotherapy: Coverage up to SGD 1,800 per treatment session depending on type
This provides essential coverage, but it may not be sufficient for private hospital or non-CDL therapies.
MediSave
MediSave funds can be used for:
- Inpatient hospital stays
- Day surgery
- Outpatient chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and scans
- Cancer drug services: Withdraw up to SGD 600/month
Integrated Shield Plans (IPs)
For private care and non-CDL drugs, IPs with riders are vital. These provide:
- Higher ward and surgical fee limits
- Full or partial coverage of non-CDL drugs
- Coverage up to 5x MediShield Life limits since 2023 reform
Critical Illness (CI) Plans
Liver cancer is covered under most CI policies. A lump sum payout can help with costs not covered by insurance, such as home nursing, alternative therapies, or income replacement during recovery.
Get the Financial Guidance You Need for Your Cancer Journey
Facing liver cancer can be physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming. While Singapore’s healthcare system offers strong support through MediShield Life, MediSave, and Integrated Shield Plans, understanding policy limits, treatment eligibility, and out-of-pocket costs can be complicated without the right guidance.
A financial consultant can help you review your insurance coverage for liver cancer treatment, plan your MediSave usage and MediShield claims, explore private rider options to manage high treatment costs, and clarify critical illness (CI) plan eligibility and the claims process. Click the button below to connect with one of our preferred financial consultants and make informed decisions about your cancer care 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.