Sinus Surgery Cost in Singapore: Complete Price Guide
This article walks through what shapes the cost, how Medisave and insurance fit in, and when sinus surgery is worth considering at all, so patients can have a clearer conversation with their ENT before deciding.
UPDATED ON JUNE 8, 2026 • REVIEWED BY DR. DENNIS CHUA
Key Takeaways
- Sinus surgery cost in Singapore is not a single price. It is made up of several parts, including the surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist, hospital, ward, and 9% GST.
- Public-hospital subsidised care is cheaper than private; private care offers shorter wait times and lets you stay with the same ENT throughout.
- Medisave can be used to pay for part of the surgery and the hospital stay, with most patients claiming a meaningful portion of the bill.
- Most Integrated Shield Plans cover sinus surgery in private hospitals, though some out-of-pocket payment is usually still required.
If sinus surgery has been suggested, the first question is usually how much it costs and what the patient will end up paying out of pocket. The straightforward answer is that it depends. It depends on whether the surgery is done in a public or private hospital, on the patient’s insurance, and on how complicated the case is. The figures alone do not always tell the full story.
This article walks through what shapes the cost, how Medisave and insurance fit in, and when sinus surgery is worth considering at all, so patients can have a clearer conversation with their ENT before deciding.
What Goes Into a Sinus Surgery Bill
A sinus surgery bill in Singapore is made up of several parts, each charged by a different party:
- The surgeon’s fee: the ENT specialist who performs the operation
- The anaesthetist’s fee: the doctor who manages anaesthesia during the procedure
- The hospital fee: covering the operating theatre and equipment
- Ward charges, if the patient stays overnight
- Medication and follow-up care in the days and weeks after surgery
9% GST on top of all of the above
ENT consultation costs are separate from the surgical and hospital estimate.
“A sinus surgery bill is built from several components, each set by a different party. Patients should ask for a written estimate that breaks down all of them before deciding,”
– Dr Dennis Chua, ENT specialist.
This is why two patients having the same procedure can receive very different bills. The hospital, the type of room, and whether implants are needed all change the final figure.
Public versus Private Hospitals
The bigger driver of cost is where the surgery is done.
Public hospitals (subsidised) are much more affordable for Singaporeans. Keep in mind that a referral from a GP or polyclinic is usually needed; the wait for elective surgery may be longer, and patients are not always able to choose their surgeon.
Private hospitals allow patients to schedule sooner and to stay with the same ENT from consultation through to surgery and follow-up. The bill is higher, but for patients with an Integrated Shield Plan, most of the cost is reimbursed by their insurer.
There is no single right answer. Patients with stable chronic sinusitis may choose to be managed through the public healthcare system, particularly if their symptoms are manageable and non-urgent. Patients with more persistent or complex symptoms may also consider private ENT care, where consultation and follow-up arrangements may differ
Understanding FESS and Balloon Sinuplasty
Two main techniques are used for sinus surgery in Singapore.
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is a standard procedure where the surgeon uses small instruments inserted through the nose to clear out diseased tissue, polyps, or blockages, and to widen the natural drainage pathways of the sinuses. It is appropriate for chronic sinusitis with polyps, structural blockage, fungal disease, or cases where a previous surgery has not held up.
Balloon sinuplasty involves a small balloon inserted into the narrowed sinus opening and gently inflated to widen the passage, without removing tissue. It is suited to selected cases of chronic sinusitis where the main issue is a narrow drainage pathway, and where polyps and structural disease are not present.
“The choice between FESS and balloon sinuplasty is guided by the CT scan and nasendoscopy findings, not by a default preference for one technique.”
– Dr Dennis Chua, ENT specialist.
Recovery after FESS varies depending on the extent of surgery and the individual patient’s healing process. Many patients are able to return to desk-based work within about one week, although complete healing of the sinus lining may take several weeks. Recovery after balloon sinuplasty may be shorter for some patients, with a return to routine activities possible within a few days. Your ENT specialist will provide guidance based on your condition and procedure.
Medisave and Insurance
Medisave can be used to pay for part of a sinus surgery bill (both the surgical fee and the daily hospital charges) within set limits. The exact amount varies by procedure, and the clinic’s billing office confirms the eligible Medisave amount before the surgery date. For most patients undergoing FESS, Medisave covers a meaningful portion of the bill, though some out-of-pocket payment is usually still required.
For patients with an Integrated Shield Plan, most of a private-hospital bill is covered by the insurer. The hospital’s business office handles the Letter of Guarantee process before admission, which avoids paying the bill upfront and claiming it back later. The clinic accepts seven insurance partners: Income, AIA, Great Eastern, Singlife, Prudential, AXA, and Henner.
A small portion of the bill is usually still payable out of pocket (the deductible and co-insurance), depending on the specific plan and whether a rider is held. Patients are encouraged to bring their insurance policy schedule to the consultation so the business office can give a clearer estimate of what they will actually pay.
When Sinus Surgery Is Worth Considering
Sinus surgery is not the first step for most patients. It is usually considered only after a course of medication and other measures has not given enough relief.
The situations where surgery becomes a reasonable next step include:
- Chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps that has not improved with nasal sprays, rinses, and other medical treatment
- Recurrent sinus infections, typically three or more episodes a year that disrupt sleep, work, or daily life
- A blockage seen on a CT scan that medication alone cannot open
- Fungal sinus disease, confirmed on imaging or laboratory testing
- Symptoms on one side only, which sometimes need closer investigation
For first-time sinusitis, well-controlled allergies, or symptoms that have not yet been treated with a proper course of medication, surgery is rarely the right starting point.
A small portion of the bill is usually still payable out of pocket (the deductible and co-insurance), depending on the specific plan and whether a rider is held. Patients are encouraged to bring their insurance policy schedule to the consultation so the business office can give a clearer estimate of what they will actually pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does sinus surgery cost in Singapore?
The cost depends on whether the surgery is done in a public or private hospital, the surgeon, the case complexity, and the patient’s insurance. Based on Ministry of Health data on transacted bills, sinus surgery in subsidised public-hospital day surgery has typically been in the low thousands, while private-hospital inpatient cases have typically been around the high twenties to mid-thirties of thousands. A written estimate from the clinic and the hospital’s business office is the reliable way to know what a specific patient will actually pay.
How much does Medisave cover for sinus surgery?
For the standard primary FESS procedure (TOSP code SM714S, classified at Table 5C), the Medisave withdrawal limit for the surgical fee is up to SGD 2,770. On top of this, daily Medisave limits for inpatient or day-surgery hospital charges apply separately: up to SGD 1,130 per day for the first two days of an inpatient stay, SGD 400 per day after that, or up to SGD 830 per day for day surgery. Procedures involving additional sinuses or revision surgery may sit in different TOSP tables, with the current ceiling for any single surgical procedure at SGD 5,290. The clinic’s billing office confirms the exact Medisave projection before surgery.
What is the difference between FESS and balloon sinuplasty?
FESS removes diseased tissue and widens sinus drainage pathways using small instruments, while balloon sinuplasty dilates a narrowed sinus opening with a balloon catheter without removing tissue. FESS is appropriate for chronic sinusitis with polyps, structural disease, or revision cases. Balloon sinuplasty is suited to selected cases where the main issue is a narrow drainage pathway. The right choice is guided by what the CT scan and nasendoscopy show.
Will my Integrated Shield Plan cover sinus surgery?
Most Integrated Shield Plans cover sinus surgery in private hospitals, subject to the plan’s deductible (typically between SGD 1,500 and SGD 3,500 depending on age and ward class) and co-insurance (typically 5% to 10%). New rules from MOH took effect on 1 April 2026 affecting the structure of newly purchased riders, including changes to deductible coverage and co-payment caps, so patients reviewing their coverage should confirm their plan status with their insurer.
How long is recovery after sinus surgery?
Most FESS patients return to desk work within five to seven days, with full healing of the sinus lining over four to six weeks. During recovery, saline rinses, an intranasal corticosteroid spray, and short-term antibiotics may be prescribed. Strenuous exercise, swimming, and forceful nose-blowing should be avoided for the first one to two weeks.
Balloon sinuplasty recovery is often shorter, with desk work resuming within two to three days.
Do I need a referral to see an ENT?
A referral is not required to see an ENT in the private sector. Patients can book directly. A GP or polyclinic referral is usually needed to access subsidised rates in public hospitals. For Integrated Shield Plan claims, no referral is typically required for the consultation itself, though some plans require pre-authorisation for the surgery.
Balloon sinuplasty recovery is often shorter, with desk work resuming within two to three days.
What should I bring to the consultation?
You may bring your Integrated Shield Plan policy schedule (which states the plan name, ward class, deductible, and rider status) and any prior CT sinus reports. With these, the clinic’s business office can estimate the out-of-pocket portion and start the Letter of Guarantee process if needed.
Planning Your Sinus Surgery Consultation
Sinus surgery cost in Singapore is shaped by where the procedure is done, the patient’s insurance, and how complex the case is, rather than by a single price tag. A written estimate from the clinic and hospital’s business office, alongside a Medisave projection, gives a clear picture of what a patient will actually pay.
If you are considering sinus surgery or want to discuss whether it is appropriate for your case, you may book a consultation with ENT specialist Dr Dennis Chua to learn more about the procedure, recovery, and cost considerations.
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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