Thyroid cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in Singapore, with around 1,100 new cases diagnosed each year. This makes Singapore one of the countries with the highest incidence rates in Asia. For patients facing this diagnosis, understanding thyroid cancer treatment costs and insurance coverage is essential to managing this relatively common endocrine condition and planning for the care ahead. Thankfully, thyroid cancer is often treatable, especially when detected early.
In this article, we’ll explore what thyroid cancer is, the types of treatment available, their associated costs, and how various insurance schemes in Singapore support patients throughout their treatment journey.
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What Is Thyroid Cancer?
Thyroid cancer arises from abnormal cell growth in the thyroid gland, located at the base of the neck. The gland regulates hormones responsible for metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature. The four main types of thyroid cancer are:
- Papillary thyroid carcinoma – the most common and least aggressive
- Follicular carcinoma – slightly more aggressive but usually treatable
- Medullary thyroid carcinoma – less common and may be genetic
- Anaplastic carcinoma – very rare and highly aggressive
Thyroid cancer may not cause symptoms in early stages. However, as it progresses, patients may notice a lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or neck pain. Diagnosis involves a combination of physical exams, blood tests, imaging (ultrasound, CT, or MRI), and fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB).
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Treatment Options and Costs Estimates
Treatment plans vary based on the cancer type and stage. In Singapore, care is provided at both public and private hospitals by specialists such as endocrinologists, ENT surgeons, and nuclear medicine physicians.
Diagnostic Investigations
Patients typically undergo blood tests for TSH, thyroglobulin, and imaging scans.
- Ultrasound scan: SGD 150–250
- Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB): Around SGD 900 in private hospitals
Surgery: Hemithyroidectomy or Total Thyroidectomy
The mainstay treatment is surgery, either partial or total removal of the thyroid gland.
- Hemithyroidectomy (partial removal):
- Public hospital (subsidised): SGD 2,153
- Public hospital (unsubsidised): SGD 8,676
- Total thyroidectomy:
- Private hospital: SGD 11,750 (basic) to SGD 17,500–21,000
Radioactive Iodine (RAI) Therapy
Post-surgical RAI is commonly used for papillary and follicular types to destroy residual tissue.
- Cost: SGD 3,000–6,000 per session, depending on hospital ward and radioactive iodine dose
Thyroid Hormone Replacement and Monitoring
After total thyroidectomy, patients need lifelong levothyroxine therapy and follow-up tests.
- Annual cost: SGD 300–600 depending on frequency of visits and tests
Advanced or Recurrent Cancer Care
For aggressive or recurrent cases, additional treatments such as:
- External beam radiation
- Neck dissection for lymph node involvement
- Targeted therapies like tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs)
These treatments can add SGD 15,000–30,000 or more, especially if delivered in private facilities.
Insurance Coverage in Singapore
Singapore residents benefit from a comprehensive healthcare financing system involving MediShield Life, MediSave, and private Integrated Shield Plans (IPs).
MediShield Life
This basic national insurance covers hospitalisation, surgery, and selected outpatient cancer treatments.
- Surgery and RAI therapy are covered under MOH’s surgical table and cancer treatment benefits.
- Cancer drug treatment (if needed) under the Cancer Drug List (CDL) is claimable up to SGD 9,600/month.
- Cancer drug services (e.g., imaging, blood tests) are claimable up to SGD 3,600/year.
MediSave
You can use MediSave to cover:
- Surgery costs (subject to daily and surgical limit)
- RAI therapy (up to SGD 1,200 per month)
- Blood tests, scans, and specialist consults (outpatient)
Integrated Shield Plans (IPs)
IPs enhance MediShield Life by offering higher coverage limits and access to private care.
- Full or partial coverage for surgery, RAI, and extended stays
- Riders can cover non-CDL drugs and reduce out-of-pocket expenses
Critical Illness Insurance
Most CI policies include thyroid cancer as part of early or major cancer benefits. Policyholders receive a lump-sum payout upon diagnosis, providing financial flexibility for treatment or loss of income.
Get Personalized Financial Support for Your Cancer Journey
Managing thyroid cancer can take a serious toll, not just on your health but also on your finances. While Singapore’s healthcare system offers substantial support through MediShield Life, MediSave, and Integrated Shield Plans, patients and families may still face challenges due to policy limits, exclusions, and out-of-pocket costs.
A financial consultant can help ease this burden by evaluating your current MediShield, MediSave, and IP benefits, planning cash flows for surgical and radiation treatment, selecting suitable critical illness or hospital income plans for better coverage, and providing guidance on premium costs and long-term financial planning. Click the button below to connect with one of our preferred financial consultants and get the guidance you need to plan ahead.
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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.