Lung Cancer Treatment Costs and Insurance Coverage in Singapore

Lung cancer remains one of Singapore’s most common and deadly cancers, affecting thousands of patients annually. For those facing this complex disease, understanding treatment costs and insurance coverage is essential. In this article, we’ll explain what lung cancer is, how it’s diagnosed and treated, provide accurate cost benchmarks, and show how insurance can help manage expenses from screening to advanced therapy.

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What Is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers in Singapore. It develops when abnormal cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably, leading to the formation of tumours. The two main types are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for about 85% of cases, and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), known for its aggressive growth and rapid spread.

NSCLC tends to grow more slowly and can often be treated with surgery, targeted therapy, or radiotherapy when detected early. On the other hand, SCLC spreads more quickly and usually requires intensive chemotherapy or a combination of treatments.

Symptoms of lung cancer often include a persistent cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing, unexplained weight loss, and coughing up blood. Unfortunately, many patients are diagnosed only at later stages due to the silent nature of early-stage lung cancer. Therefore, regular health screenings and early detection are key to improving treatment outcomes.

Treatment Pathways & Cost Estimates

Surgical Intervention

Surgery is the primary treatment for early-stage NSCLC and may involve procedures like lobectomy (removal of a lung lobe) or pneumonectomy (removal of the entire lung). The costs for these procedures vary significantly depending on the type of hospital:

• Public (subsidised Ward C): average SGD 2,773
• Public (unsubsidised Ward A): average SGD 8,111
• Private hospital: average SGD 26,171

Chemotherapy (DRG R63Z)

Chemotherapy is commonly used for both NSCLC and SCLC, either as a standalone treatment or alongside other therapies. Costs for inpatient chemotherapy under MOH’s DRG R63Z classification are as follows:

• Subsidised public Ward C: average SGD 544
• Public Ward A (unsubsidised): SGD 1,711
• Private hospital day surgery: SGD 3,152

Radiation Therapy

Radiotherapy is a key part of lung cancer treatment, especially when surgery is not an option. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), a highly targeted form of radiation, is frequently used for treating early-stage lung cancer or small tumours. It typically costs between SGD 25,000 to 30,000.

Advanced Therapies (Targeted and Immunotherapy)

For patients with specific gene mutations like EGFR or ALK, targeted therapies such as Afatinib are used. These drugs are included on the Cancer Drug List (CDL) in Singapore.

• MediShield Life provides up to SGD 1,600/month for CDL-approved drugs
• MediSave allows SGD 600/month withdrawal to supplement this

Immunotherapy drugs like Pembrolizumab can boost the immune system to fight cancer cells. These therapies are typically reserved for advanced or resistant cancers and can cost over SGD 10,000 per dose.

Diagnostic Scans & Imaging

To accurately diagnose and stage lung cancer, doctors may order PET/CT scans, which help in detecting metastasis. These scans usually cost between SGD 2,000 to 3,500 per session. Patients receiving private care may incur higher daily hospitalisation charges, ranging from SGD 1,000 to 3,000 per night.

Insurance Coverage in Singapore

MediShield Life

This basic health insurance plan covers:

• Inpatient/day surgery fees up to SGD 800/day
• Inpatient chemotherapy claims under DRG R63Z
• CDL cancer drugs: up to SGD 9,600/month, depending on tier
• Radiotherapy: SGD 300 per treatment; stereotactic therapy up to SGD 1,800

MediSave

Singapore citizens and PRs can use their MediSave accounts to cover:

• Hospital stays and approved treatments
• Chemotherapy and radiation: up to SGD 600/month
• Diagnostic scans and cancer drug services

Integrated Shield Plans (IPs)

These private insurance add-ons provide enhanced coverage:

• Access to private hospitals and specialists
• Coverage for non-CDL cancer drugs through riders
• Up to 5x MediShield Life limits for treatments

Critical Illness Insurance

CI insurance policies offer a lump-sum payout upon a lung cancer diagnosis. This is especially useful for covering living expenses, alternative treatments, and any costs not covered by standard insurance.

Let a Financial Consultant Guide Your Treatment Planning

Managing lung cancer treatment in Singapore involves dealing with a wide range of therapies, procedures, and healthcare costs. Although MediShield Life, MediSave, and Integrated Shield Plans cover a significant portion, understanding policy limits and the claims process can feel overwhelming. That’s where a financial consultant can help—by reviewing your current health insurance portfolio, identifying gaps in your MediShield or Shield Plan coverage, recommending critical illness or cancer drug riders, and structuring MediSave withdrawals and MediShield claims effectively.

To assist our readers, we’ve partnered with trusted financial consultants. Click the button below for an introduction to one of our preferred consultants.

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