Nasendoscopy in Singapore: What It Is, What to Expect, and Cost
Nasendoscopy at a Glance
Cost: S$360 before GST | Time: a few minutes | Preparation: usually none | Anaesthesia: local spray may be used | MediSave/insurance: may apply depending on eligibility.
UPDATED ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2026 • REVIEWED BY DR. DENNIS CHUA
Quick Answer
A nasendoscopy, also called nasal endoscopy or nasoendoscopy, is a short in-clinic examination using a thin flexible camera to look inside the nose, sinus openings and back of the nose, and sometimes the throat and voice box. The scope itself usually takes only a few minutes and typically causes pressure or mild discomfort rather than pain.
Key Takeaways
- A nasendoscopy uses a thin flexible camera to examine the nasal passages, sinus openings, back of the nose and, when needed, the throat and voice box.
- The scope examination itself usually takes only a few minutes and is generally associated with pressure, tickling or mild discomfort.
- It may be used to investigate persistent nasal blockage, sinus symptoms, nosebleeds, throat or voice problems and suspected growths.
- Diagnostic nasendoscopy is classified as a TOSP Table 1A day-surgery procedure in Singapore, which means eligible charges may be claimable through MediSave and, depending on the policy, health insurance.
The idea of having a scope passed through your nose may sound uncomfortable, especially if you have never had an ENT examination before. In practice, a nasendoscopy in Singapore is usually a short procedure performed while you are awake and seated in the consultation room.
Also called nasal endoscopy or nasoendoscopy/nasopharyngolaryngoscopy, it gives an ENT specialist a direct view inside areas of the nose and throat that cannot be fully seen during a standard examination. As for the cost of a nasendoscopy in Singapore, the procedure is listed under the Ministry of Health’s Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP), which has implications for MediSave and insurance claims.
What Is a Nasendoscopy?
A nasendoscopy is an examination performed using a fine, flexible tube with a light and camera at its tip. The scope is passed gently through one nostril so the ENT specialist can look at the nasal cavity, openings of the sinuses and the area at the back of the nose.
If necessary, the scope can also be guided further down to examine the throat and voice box.
NUH describes nasendoscopy as a minimally invasive procedure used to examine the nasal cavity, paranasal sinus openings and throat. A local anaesthetic spray may be used beforehand.
You may also hear patients refer to it simply as a nose scope at the ENT clinic.
Why Is Nasendoscopy Performed?
Looking into the front of the nose with a light only shows part of the nasal cavity. A nasendoscopy allows the doctor to look further inside and assess areas that would otherwise be difficult to see directly.
An ENT may recommend nasal endoscopy in Singapore when investigating symptoms such as:
- Persistent or recurrent nasal blockage
- Long-lasting sinus symptoms
- Repeated or unexplained nosebleeds
- Nasal discharge or postnasal drip
- Reduced sense of smell
- Persistent throat discomfort
- Hoarseness or other voice changes
- Swallowing concerns
- A suspected abnormality at the back of the nose or throat
For example, SingHealth notes that nasendoscopy may reveal signs of rhinosinusitis such as pus, swelling of the nasal lining and nasal polyps.
It may also form part of the assessment when an ENT needs to examine the nasopharynx — the area behind the nose — for an abnormal growth or lesion.
What Happens During a Nasendoscopy?
First, the ENT specialist will review your symptoms and examine your nose. A nasal spray containing local anaesthetic and sometimes a decongestant may be used to numb the lining of the nose and create more space for the scope.
You remain awake and usually sit upright.
The flexible scope is then passed gently through one nostril. As it moves backwards, the doctor can inspect the nasal passages and the back of the nose on a screen. Depending on your symptoms, the scope may be advanced further to look at the throat and voice box.
You may be asked to breathe normally, swallow or make certain sounds while the doctor examines these structures.
The scope is then withdrawn.
Is Nasal Endoscopy Painful?
For most people, nasendoscopy is not considered painful, although it can feel unusual.
Common sensations include:
- Pressure inside the nose
- Tickling
- An urge to sneeze
- Watery eyes
- Mild discomfort as the scope passes through a narrow part of the nose
- A bitter taste or numb throat if anaesthetic spray is used
SingHealth describes nasendoscopy as generally not painful, although some patients experience mild pressure or discomfort.
If the nasal passage is particularly narrow or sensitive, the procedure may feel more uncomfortable. Tell the doctor if you are experiencing significant discomfort during the examination.
How Long Does Nasal Endoscopy Take?
The actual scope examination is usually brief.
SingHealth notes that nasendoscopy performed when assessing rhinosinusitis can take less than two minutes. The exact duration depends on which areas need to be examined and what the doctor finds.
Your overall ENT appointment will take longer because it also includes discussion of your symptoms, examination and an explanation of the findings.
Not sure whether you need a nasendoscopy? Dr Dennis Chua can assess your symptoms and advise whether a nasal endoscopy is appropriate during your ENT consultation.
Do I Need to Prepare for Nasendoscopy?
For a routine flexible nasendoscopy performed while you are awake, special preparation is generally not required.
You can usually eat, drink and take your regular medication normally unless your doctor gives you different instructions.
However, let the clinic know if you:
- Take blood-thinning medication
- Frequently experience nosebleeds
- Have had previous nasal surgery
- Have allergies to medicines or local anaesthetics
- Have previously had difficulty tolerating nasal procedures
Do not stop prescribed medication unless your doctor specifically advises you to do so.
What Conditions Can Nasendoscopy Detect?
Nasendoscopy does not replace every other investigation, but it can reveal abnormalities that help the ENT specialist decide what should happen next.
Findings may include:
- Nasal polyps
- Swelling or inflammation inside the nose
- Thick mucus or pus associated with sinus inflammation
- Structural narrowing or obstruction
- A possible source of nasal bleeding
- Abnormal tissue, growths or lesions in the nasal cavity or nasopharynx
- Abnormalities involving the throat or voice box when these areas are examined
For voice problems, for example, a nasoendoscope may be passed through the nose to examine the vocal folds and voice box.
If an abnormal area is found, further testing such as CT or MRI imaging, laboratory tests or a biopsy may sometimes be required. A nasendoscopy alone does not confirm every diagnosis.
“A nasendoscopy is useful because it allows us to directly examine areas that cannot be seen during a routine nose examination. What we see during the scope can help determine whether further investigation or treatment is needed.”
— Dr Dennis Chua, ENT Specialist
How Much Does a Nasendoscopy Cost in Singapore?
The nasendoscopy cost in Singapore varies between public hospitals and private ENT clinics, as well as according to the setting and any additional charges required.
At ENT Surgeons Medical Centre, the currently published fee for:
Service | Published Fee |
First consultation | S$200 |
Nasendoscopy — TOSP Table 1A | S$360 |
These published charges are subject to 9% GST, while medication and facility fees are excluded. The first consultation is billed separately from the scope; you can review our current ENT clinic’s consultation fees before your visit.
The total bill may therefore be different from the nasendoscopy procedure fee alone.
Is Nasendoscopy MediSave and Insurance Claimable?
This is one aspect of nasendoscopy that patients may not realise.
MOH lists diagnostic nasoendoscopy/nasopharyngolaryngoscopy under TOSP code SM700N, Table 1A, and categorises it as a day-surgery procedure.
For approved day surgery, MediSave may be used for eligible charges subject to prevailing withdrawal limits. CPF currently states that MediSave can cover up to S$830 per day for day-surgery hospital charges, together with the applicable surgical withdrawal limit. For a Table 1A procedure, the surgical limit is currently S$240.
Importantly, this means the claim may involve more than simply the cost of the scope itself. Depending on how the day-surgery episode is billed, eligible associated charges can also fall within the applicable claim framework.
However, MediSave eligibility does not mean every dollar of the visit is automatically covered. The amount that can actually be withdrawn depends on the eligible bill components, withdrawal limits and the patient’s available MediSave balance.
Private health insurance may also cover nasendoscopy when it qualifies as an eligible day-surgery procedure, but coverage varies by policy. Deductibles, co-insurance, panel requirements, pre-authorisation and other policy conditions may apply.
For a wider explanation of how ENT procedures may be financed, see the ENT Medisave guide.
What Happens After the Nose Scope?
Most patients can leave the clinic and return to normal activities shortly after a routine nasendoscopy.
If anaesthetic spray was used, your nose or throat may remain numb temporarily. Follow any instructions given by the clinic about eating or drinking until the numbness has worn off.
Minor irritation, sneezing or a small amount of nasal bleeding can occasionally occur. Significant or persistent bleeding should be reported to the clinic.
After the procedure, the ENT specialist can usually review what was seen immediately and explain whether further testing or treatment may be needed.
To learn more about nasendoscopy, book a consultation with ENT specialist Dr Dennis Chua.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a nasendoscopy cost in Singapore?
Costs vary by provider. At ENT Surgeons Medical Centre, the published nasendoscopy fee is S$360 before 9% GST, excluding medication and facility fees.
Is nasal endoscopy painful?
It is usually not painful, although pressure, tickling, watery eyes or mild discomfort can occur. A local anaesthetic spray may be used.
Why is nasendoscopy performed?
It allows the ENT specialist to directly examine deeper parts of the nose, sinus openings, nasopharynx and, when required, the throat and voice box.
Is nasendoscopy MediSave and insurance covered?
Diagnostic nasendoscopy is listed by MOH as TOSP code SM700N, Table 1A, and is classified as day surgery. MediSave and private insurance claims may therefore apply, subject to the relevant withdrawal limits and insurance policy terms.
How long does nasal endoscopy take?
The actual scope examination usually takes only a few minutes. The full ENT consultation takes longer.
Do I need to prepare for nasendoscopy?
Usually, no special preparation is needed for routine flexible nasendoscopy performed while awake. Follow any specific instructions provided by your ENT clinic.
What conditions can nasendoscopy detect?
It can help identify nasal polyps, inflammation, mucus or pus, structural obstruction, suspicious growths and abnormalities involving the back of the nose, throat or voice box. Further investigations may sometimes be needed to establish a diagnosis.
If you have questions or concerns about your ears, nose, and throat,
you may book a consultation with Dr Dennis Chua, an ENT specialist in Singapore.
He has completed his training in otorhinolaryngology locally and attained qualifications internationally.
About Dr Dennis Chua
Dr. Dennis Chua is an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist with more than a decade of experience. He is held in high regard within the field of Otolaryngology, having published many articles in peer reviewed journals on the topic of ENT.
As an ENT Specialist in Singapore, Dr Dennis Chua is committed to providing thorough, patient-centred care for both adults and children. Whether you’re managing allergies, sinus problems, hearing issues, or throat concerns, we take time to understand your condition and guide you through your treatment options.
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