How Much Does Heart Surgery Cost in Singapore?
Heart disease is Singapore's third leading cause of death (19.7%). A heart attack can cost up to $14,762 in a subsidised ward, or $122,421 in a private ward. Here is what 12 cardiovascular conditions actually cost.
All 12 heart conditions compared
Sorted by highest Ward C cost. Click any condition for the full cost breakdown.
| Condition | Ward C Range | Private High | Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heart Valve Replacement | $517 – $46,215 | $19,927 | 4.6d |
| Poor Circulation | $574 – $24,820 | $25,178 | 5.5d |
| Vascular Access Line | $606 – $23,163 | $116,460 | 7d |
| Stroke | $1,127 – $19,493 | $75,662 | 8.8d |
| Congenital Heart Defect | $357 – $18,419 | — | 3.9d |
| Heart Attack | $1,011 – $14,762 | $122,421 | 4.2d |
| Heart Rhythm Problems | $632 – $13,407 | $66,834 | 3.5d |
| Blood Clot in the Leg | $805 – $6,456 | $18,194 | 5.9d |
| Heart and Circulation Problems | $554 – $4,039 | $15,298 | 4.8d |
| Heart Failure | $848 – $3,113 | $58,701 | 6.4d |
| Angina / Coronary Artery Disease | $489 – $2,180 | $21,034 | 2.7d |
| Dangerously High Blood Pressure | $433 – $2,015 | $23,413 | 2.8d |
Most expensive heart treatments
The 5 costliest cardiovascular conditions by Ward C bill size.
Ward C vs Private for heart conditions
How much more does private cost? Some conditions have enormous gaps between subsidised and private wards.
| Condition | Ward C High | Private High | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heart Failure | $3,113 | $58,701 | 18.9x |
| Dangerously High Blood Pressure | $2,015 | $23,413 | 11.6x |
| Angina / Coronary Artery Disease | $2,180 | $21,034 | 9.6x |
| Heart Attack | $14,762 | $122,421 | 8.3x |
| Vascular Access Line | $23,163 | $116,460 | 5x |
| Heart Rhythm Problems | $13,407 | $66,834 | 5x |
| Stroke | $19,493 | $75,662 | 3.9x |
| Heart and Circulation Problems | $4,039 | $15,298 | 3.8x |
| Blood Clot in the Leg | $6,456 | $18,194 | 2.8x |
| Poor Circulation | $24,820 | $25,178 | 1x |
| Heart Valve Replacement | $46,215 | $19,927 | 0.4x |
Beyond the hospital bill
The initial hospitalisation is just the start. Ongoing costs for heart conditions include:
- Cardiac rehabilitation — structured exercise and monitoring programmes, typically 12–36 sessions over 3–6 months
- Blood thinners and heart medication — ongoing prescriptions (anticoagulants, statins, beta-blockers) that can cost $100–$500 per month
- Regular ECGs and stress tests — routine monitoring every 3–12 months to track heart function
- Lifestyle programmes — dietary counselling, smoking cessation, weight management to reduce recurrence risk
- Cardiologist reviews — specialist outpatient visits at $100–$350 each, ongoing for years or life
Key facts
- Ischaemic heart diseases are Singapore's #3 killer at 19.7% of all deaths. Cerebrovascular diseases (including stroke) are #4 at 5.8%.
- Heart treatment costs range from $2,015 (Ward C high for dangerously high blood pressure) to $46,215 (heart valve replacement).
- Cardiac rehabilitation is recommended after most heart events, but many patients skip it due to cost and inconvenience.
- MediShield Life covers subsidised ward stays. Integrated Shield Plans (ISPs) can cover higher ward classes, but check for exclusions on pre-existing conditions.
- Private ward costs can be up to 18.9x higher than Ward C for the same condition.
Frequently asked questions
A heart attack costs between $1,011 and $14,762 in a subsidised Ward C. In a Private ward, costs can reach $122,421. The average hospital stay is 4.2 days. This covers the initial hospitalisation only. Cardiac rehabilitation, ongoing medication, and specialist follow-ups are additional.
Heart bypass falls under coronary artery disease treatment in MOH data. In a subsidised ward, costs range from $489 to $2,180. Complex cases like heart valve replacement can cost up to $46,215 in Ward C. Private hospital costs are significantly higher.
MediShield Life covers heart surgery and cardiovascular treatments at subsidised ward levels (Ward B2 and C). However, it does not cover the full bill. You will still pay deductibles and co-insurance. Integrated Shield Plans (ISPs) from private insurers can provide additional coverage for higher ward classes and private hospitals. Check with your insurer for specific coverage details and exclusions.
The average hospital stay for a heart attack is 4.2 days, based on MOH data. This varies depending on severity and complications. Heart failure averages 6.4 days, while stroke averages 8.8 days. Cardiac rehabilitation typically continues for weeks or months after discharge.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Actual costs depend on your specific condition, treatment plan, hospital, and insurance coverage. Always consult your doctor and hospital billing department for personalised cost estimates.