If it's a routine colonoscopy for screening purposes, then an Integrated Shield plan won't cover it unless there's some finding that triggers another coverage provision. (MediShield Life won't either.) In Mummynew's case, for example, a routine colonoscopy uncovered a cancerous tumor that she then had surgically removed. The surgery and related pre-hospitalization care was thus covered, so that's how her colonoscopy was covered.
Having a negative colonoscopy (no health issues), assuming the screening is accurate, is good news! You should hope for that! If you're concerned about the cost, you have at least four options:
1. Shop around! Colonoscopies vary quite a lot in price, and they tend to be lower priced from the public medical sector. If you're a Singaporean citizen or PR you'll almost surely get the lowest price if you visit a public polyclinic and ask for a colonoscopy referral.
2. If you have employer-provided medical insurance, check to see if that insurance covers your colonoscopy.
3. You can use up to $1,250 of your MediSave dollars to pay for a colonoscopy.
4.
Annual Faecal Immunochemical Testing (FIT) is generally an acceptable alternative to colonoscopies for routine colorectal cancer screening. If you're a Singaporean citizen or PR age 50 or older you can get free FIT kits sponsored by the
Singapore Cancer Society. If you don't fit that profile, FIT is still quite inexpensive.
As always, ask a qualified medical professional if you need advice. The SCS may be able to provide free, generalized advice for cancer-related questions.