Meniscus Repair Surgery Cost in Singapore: A Price Guide

A healthcare professional demonstrates a knee model to a patient during a consultation.

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Meniscus repair surgery in Singapore typically ranges from $4,600 to $31,000, depending on whether you are treated at a subsidised public hospital or a private facility. At private hospitals, day surgery costs typically fall between $19,000 and $27,000, while inpatient procedures generally range from $24,000 to $31,000. Subsidised public hospital patients can expect costs between $3,200 and $6,900 after government subsidies.

Private hospitals generally charge higher facility fees but may offer shorter waiting times. Restructured hospitals provide subsidised rates for eligible Singapore citizens and permanent residents, with Singapore citizens qualifying for higher subsidy levels.

The total bill extends beyond the surgical procedure itself. Pre-operative assessments, anaesthesia, hospitalisation, post-operative medications, and rehabilitation all contribute to your final cost.

Factors That Determine Your Surgery Cost

The type of meniscus tear directly influences the surgical approach. Repair procedures preserve the meniscus by suturing torn edges together, supporting the conditions for natural healing. Complex tears, degenerative tears, or those in the inner “white zone” may require partial removal rather than repair. This affects operative time and implant requirements.

Surgical technique affects both cost and recovery. Arthroscopic surgery (keyhole surgery using a small camera and instruments inserted through tiny incisions) is standard for meniscus procedures. The choice between meniscectomy and repair involves different equipment. Repair procedures require specialised suture anchors, meniscal arrows, or all-inside repair devices—each adding to material costs.

Hospital selection creates the largest cost variation. At private hospitals, total costs for meniscal repair typically range from $19,000 to $31,000 based on published bill benchmarks. Restructured hospitals offer subsidised rates for eligible Singapore citizens and permanent residents, with subsidised day surgery typically ranging from $3,200 to $6,900. Your choice of ward class (A, B1, B2, or C) in public hospitals significantly impacts your out-of-pocket expenses.

Surgeon’s fees vary based on procedure complexity and duration. A straightforward partial meniscectomy, taking a shorter time, costs less than a complex meniscus repair requiring a longer operative period.

Cost Breakdown by Procedure Type

Partial Meniscectomy

At private hospitals, partial meniscectomy is typically performed as day surgery, with total costs generally starting from $19,000, in line with fee benchmarks.

Meniscus Repair Surgery

Repair procedures preserve the meniscus by suturing torn edges together, promoting natural healing. At private hospitals, these surgeries typically range from $19,000 to $31,000, reflecting longer operative times and the use of specialised repair implants. Subsidised public hospital patients can expect costs between $3,600 and $6,900 for day surgery after government subsidies.

Component breakdown:

Operation fee: Covers surgeon’s and anaesthetist’s fees; the largest cost component
Implant fee: Cost of repair devices, suture anchors, and bioabsorbable implants used during the procedure
Other fees: Includes ward charges, consumables, medications, and post-operative care

Cost figures are based on published bill benchmarks (TOSP SB715K) from 2023 transactions. Actual bills may vary.

Combined Procedures

Meniscus injuries frequently occur alongside ACL tears (anterior cruciate ligament injuries, which affect knee stability). Combined ACL reconstruction and meniscus repair significantly increases the total cost. When both injuries are present, your surgeon may recommend addressing them in a single procedure and discuss the most appropriate approach with your orthopaedic specialist.

Hospital Cost Comparison

Private Hospitals

At private hospitals, meniscus procedures typically cost between $19,000 and $27,000 for day surgery, with inpatient stays ranging from $24,000 to $31,000. These figures are based on published bill data (TOSP SB715K, 2023) and cover operation fees, implants, and other hospital charges, inclusive of GST.

Restructured Public Hospitals

Public hospitals (SGH, TTSH, NUH, CGH, KTPH) provide subsidised rates for eligible patients. Ward class selection significantly affects your bill:

Class C (subsidised ward): Substantial subsidy for Singapore citizens, with typical bills around $5,444, ranging from $4,043 to $6,921
Class B2: Moderate subsidies with semi-private accommodation, with typical bills around $4,997, ranging from $3,631 to $6,780
Class B1: Minimal subsidies, with typical bills around $15,363, ranging from $12,055 to $16,428
Class A: No subsidies, with typical bills around $15,385, ranging from $12,464 to $17,782

Subsidised patients may experience longer waiting times for elective surgery, ranging from several weeks to months, depending on hospital capacity.

Pre-Operative and Post-Operative Costs

Before Surgery

Initial consultation: $150 to $300 at private specialist clinics; subsidised rates at polyclinics
MRI scan (an imaging test that uses magnetic fields to create detailed pictures of the knee): $400 to $1,000 at subsidised public hospitals; $900 to $2,500 at private facilities (used for diagnosis and surgical planning)
Pre-operative blood tests and ECG (tests that check your general health and heart function before surgery): $150 to $400 (estimated range — actual costs vary by facility)
Pre-admission testing: $200 to $500 (estimated range — actual costs vary by facility)

Total pre-operative expenses typically range from $900 to $3,600, depending on whether you are seen at a public or private facility.

After Surgery

Follow-up consultations: $150 to $300 per visit at private specialist clinics; subsidised rates at public hospitals (typically several visits over several months)
Physiotherapy (exercises and treatment to help you regain knee strength and movement): $100 to $250 per session (multiple sessions commonly recommended, typically 2 to 3 times per week during early recovery)
Crutches and knee brace: $100 to $400
Medications: $100 to $300 over the recovery period

Post-operative costs often total $2,000 to $5,000, depending on rehabilitation requirements and whether treatment is received at public or private facilities.

Using MediSave and Insurance

MediSave Withdrawal Limits

You can use MediSave for meniscus surgery under the following limits:

Table 5A procedures (including arthroscopic meniscus surgery): Up to $2,610 from your own MediSave account
You can make additional withdrawals from immediate family members’ MediSave accounts
Combined MediSave withdrawal limits apply based on procedure complexity

Private Insurance Coverage

Integrated Shield Plans and private medical insurance typically cover meniscus surgery when:

Healthcare providers deem the procedure medically necessary
You obtain pre-authorisation (for plans requiring it)

Coverage varies significantly between insurers and plan types. Co-payments, deductibles, and coverage caps affect your final out-of-pocket expense. Contact your insurer before surgery to confirm coverage details and claim requirements.

Cost-Saving Strategies

Choose an appropriate hospital setting: If waiting time is acceptable, subsidised public hospital care can reduce costs.
Select a suitable ward class: Selecting the B2 or C class in restructured hospitals provides substantial subsidies. The surgical procedure remains the same regardless of ward class, though amenities and room-sharing arrangements will differ.
Bundle services: Some clinics may offer package pricing — check with your preferred facility.
Compare quotes: Obtaining itemised quotations from multiple facilities helps identify cost variations for similar services.
Plan rehabilitation efficiently: Discuss rehabilitation options with your physiotherapist, as different session formats may be available at varying costs. Always follow your surgeon’s and physiotherapist’s advice on the most appropriate rehabilitation programme for your recovery.

When to Seek Professional Help

Consider orthopaedic consultation if you experience:

Knee pain persists beyond a couple of weeks after injury
Swelling that doesn’t resolve with rest and ice
Locking or catching sensation when moving your knee
Inability to fully straighten or bend your knee
Giving way or instability during walking or on stairs

Commonly Asked Questions

How long is the hospital stay for meniscus surgery?
Healthcare providers typically perform a partial meniscectomy as day surgery with same-day discharge. Meniscus repair may require overnight observation, especially for complex repairs or combined procedures.

Is the surgeon’s quote fixed or estimated?
Most quotes are estimates based on expected procedure complexity. Unexpected findings during surgery may require additional intervention. Request a detailed breakdown and ask about potential additional charges.

What if I need surgery but cannot afford private hospital costs?
Restructured hospitals offer subsidised care for Singapore citizens. Additionally, MediFund assistance is available for patients facing financial hardship. Hospital medical social workers can assess eligibility and assist with applications.

Does insurance cover physiotherapy after surgery?
Coverage varies by plan. Most Integrated Shield Plans cover inpatient physiotherapy but have limits on outpatient rehabilitation sessions. Review your policy details or contact your insurer for specific coverage information.

Next Steps

Meniscus repair surgery costs vary significantly depending on your choice of hospital, ward class, and procedure complexity. MediFund is available to Singapore citizens only. Permanent residents may access subsidised hospital care but are not eligible for MediFund. MediSave can be used to offset a portion of arthroscopic meniscus procedure costs under TOSP Table 5A, with the remainder payable via Integrated Shield Plan, insurance, or cash.

Request itemised quotes from your preferred facilities and verify your insurance coverage before proceeding.

Dr. Ambrose Yung

Specialist Orthopaedic Hip & Knee Surgeon

Dr Ambrose Yung Wai Yin is a Senior Orthopaedic Hip & Knee Surgeon with over 20 years of experience in the field of orthopaedics.

Areas of Expertise:

Knee Surgery: Complex procedures like revision knee arthroplasty, partial knee replacement, and primary total knee replacement.
Minimally Invasive Surgery: Shoulder, ankle, and knee surgeries with minimal scarring and quicker recovery times.
Limb Reconstruction: Specialized in both upper and lower limb reconstruction.

Computer-guided Knee Replacement: Dr. Yung trained at the prestigious Oxford University Hospital in the UK, where he specialized in computer-guided partial and total knee replacements.

Dr. Chee Kin Ghee

Specialist Hand & Orthopaedic Surgeon

Dr Chee Kin Ghee is a specialist hand surgeon with over 20 years of experience in hand and orthopaedic surgery.

His clinical expertise includes treatments for complex hand, wrist, and upper limbs injuries, wrist and finger joint replacement, minimally invasive hand and wrist surgery, and nerve compression release surgery

Dr Chee was awarded a 1-year fellowship (HMDP by MOH) & trained at world-renowned Wrightington Hospital Upper Limb Unit, UK.
He was trained in the management of complex upper limb conditions, including complex joint replacement of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand, as well as modern minimally invasive upper limb surgery.

Dr. Low Mun Hon

Dr Low Mun Hon has over 20 years of experience managing trauma and orthopaedic clinical care. Prior to this, he has been in private practise as a practitioner at Singapore Sports & Orthopaedic Clinic (SSOC).

Dr. Low graduated from Monash University Medical School (Melbourne). Thereafter, he pursued his internship at The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne.

He subsequently continued his practice of medicine at Singapore General Hospital (SGH). During this period, he was awarded the membership of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons at Glasgow in 2008 & Master of Medicine in Orthopaedic Surgery (National University of Singapore) in the same year.
Dr Low had previously worked as an orthopaedic trainee at various local teaching hospitals i.e. Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH), Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KK Hospital) and Singapore General Hospital (SGH).

Justin Lim Xuan Li

Physiotherapist

Justin is a skilled and experienced physiotherapist who specializes in the treatment of neuro-musculoskeletal conditions (nerve, muscle and joint).

Over the years, he honed his clinical skills across all sectors of healthcare, allowing him to attain mastery of the sophisticated human body and address complex problems effectively, allowing him to successfully address complex neuro-musculoskeletal conditions at an accelerated pace.

Justin graduated from Trinity College Dublin and started his career in National Healthcare Group Polyclinics. His skills quickly gained recognition and was appointed as a clinical educator for physiotherapy students and even tasked to develop Clinical Practice Guidelines.
Subsequently, he continued his practice in community care settings such as Thye Hwa Kwan Rehabilitation Centres and Saint Andrew Community Hospital, where he focused on developing his skills for geriatric rehabilitation and improving quality of care in rehabilitation centres. He then moved on to private practice in Parkway East Hospital, specializing in post operative and outpatient rehabilitation.

Chan Jing Cheng (JC)

Physiotherapist

JC has over 12 years of experience in treating Chronic pain, Orthopaedic and Geriatric conditions.

He had worked at various Private Hospitals, Singapore General Hospital, NTUC Health Elder Care and Lions Home for the Elders.
He is passionate about solving complex musculoskeletal disorders and helping clients relief pain from trauma and illness.
He has a special interest in the Shoulder, Spine, Hip and Knee joint conditions.
He has helped thousands of clients go through rehabilitation smoothly and achieved higher satisfaction after orthopaedic surgery.

Zita Sham

Physiotherapist

Zita graduated with a Diploma in Physiotherapy from Nanyang Polytechnic (Singapore) in 2014 and started working in Ng Teng Fong General Hospital to serve her sponsorship bond.

Later in 2015, she pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Physiotherapy from Trinity College Dublin, which was provided in Singapore Institute of Technology.

After completion of her studies, Zita worked in the Day Rehabilitation Centre in Jurong Community Hospital for 6 years, where she focused on community rehabilitation for a variety of patients. Patients that were mainly seen consisted of post-operative, geriatric and neurological conditions.
Zita also has a passion in musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy and is looking to pursue that. She is also keen to provide home-based physiotherapy to reach out to those in need of her expertise.

Joanna Lim

Hand Occupational Therapy

Joanna’s primary specialization and passion is in hand therapy and upper limb rehabilitation, having more than 10 years of experience in this field.

Joanna obtained her Diploma in Occupational Therapy (Merit) from Nanyang Polytechnic in 2006. Under the MOH Health Science Scholarship, she graduated from La Trobe University, Australia, with a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy (1st class Honors) the following year. Upon graduation, she worked in Changi General Hospital and Sengkang General Hospital.

She has worked with hand and orthopedic surgeons in both inpatient and outpatient settings, providing quality therapy services for clients with a variety of hand and upper limb conditions, including fractures, sprains/strains, tendon injuries, nerve injuries, repetitive strain disorders and complex trauma injuries.
During her tenures at CGH and SKGH, Joanna was a Senior Occupational Therapist and held the role of Hand Therapy and Upper Limb Rehabilitation Unit Leader. She was in charge of clinical supervision and management of staff, manpower planning, and daily operations of the unit.