Varicose vein treatment cost and how it is paid
Your out-of-pocket share of varicose vein treatment costs depends on severity and insurance
Varicose vein treatment cost depends on the method, how many veins and legs need treating, and where the treatment is done. Dr Desmond Ooi's clinic can give you a cost estimate after your consultation and duplex scan, before any treatment.
What a varicose vein treatment bill is made of, part by part
A quotation for varicose vein treatment may include these parts.
The surgeon's fee is only one of these parts, so a surgeon's fee on its own is never the whole cost.
- Consultation
- Duplex ultrasound scan
- Surgeon's fee
- Anaesthetist's fee, if one is needed
- Operating theatre or day surgery centre charges
- Devices and single-use equipment
- Nursing care
- Medicines
- Follow-up visits
What changes varicose vein treatment cost from one person to the next
The cost depends on your own treatment plan, mainly on these points.
- The method, such as laser, radiofrequency, medical glue, mechanochemical ablation or open surgery
- Whether one leg or both legs need treatment
- How many veins need treating, and how complex they are
- Whether a second procedure is needed, such as phlebectomy to remove visible veins, or sclerotherapy
- The hospital or day surgery centre where it is done
- Whether you have a local or a general anaesthetic
- Whether it is done as day surgery or needs a stay in hospital
Methods also differ in cost because each uses its own single-use device, such as a laser fibre, a radiofrequency catheter or a glue delivery system.
A method that costs more is not necessarily the one your veins need.
The choice rests on your scan findings, the shape of your veins and your symptoms.
How radiofrequency ablation works
Varicose vein treatment cost
Duplex ultrasound scan, one leg:
SGD 599.50 with GST (SGD 550 before GST)
First consultation:
quoted when you write in
Surgeon's fee, endovenous laser treatment of one leg:
What will you pay in cash?
Paying for varicose vein treatment with MediSave or an Integrated Shield Plan
For varicose vein day surgery that is medically indicated, MediSave may help, and an Integrated Shield Plan may also cover it, subject to your plan and panel.
- Insurers are more likely to cover treatment that is medically necessary rather than cosmetic, for example when veins cause aching, ankle swelling, skin changes, bleeding or a leg ulcer.
- Whether a procedure can be claimed under MediSave depends on the procedure, the reason for it and the Ministry of Health's current rules, and the clinic can tell you whether yours can be claimed.
- Cover differs from policy to policy, and some policies need approval before treatment, or need it done by a doctor on their panel or at certain hospitals, so check your benefits with your insurer first.
Personal
Corporate
What a first consultation and duplex scan involve before varicose vein treatment
-
Your symptoms and history
Dr Ooi asks about your symptoms, how they affect your day, and your general health.
-
An examination of your legs
He examines your legs, with you standing where possible, because the veins show more clearly when they are full.
-
A duplex ultrasound scan
The scan takes around 20 to 30 minutes, done standing, with a handheld probe and gel on your leg.
-
Your findings and a cost estimate
He explains your findings and whether treatment is recommended, and if it is, the clinic can give you a cost estimate before treatment.
-
Follow-up after an operation
After a varicose vein operation, he usually sees you twice.
No GP referral is needed to see Dr Ooi, but some insurers ask for one
You can message or call the clinic directly to arrange a consultation, without a referral letter.
Some insurers ask for a referral letter or a medical report to support a claim, so check with yours before your visit.
What to bring to your first visit
- A referral letter, if you have one
- Any earlier scans or medical reports
- Your insurance or MediSave details, if you plan to use them
Ask the clinic for a cash estimate before you decide on treatment
Message the clinic on WhatsApp, or call, and ask for a cash estimate.
If you plan to use MediSave or insurance, say so, and the clinic can advise you on the claim.
You can ask before you arrange anything.
Family members can also message on a patient's behalf.
Questions patients ask about varicose vein treatment cost
You can ask the clinic about the first visit when you message.
The cost can only be estimated after your consultation and duplex scan, because it depends on your veins and the method that suits them.
The section above on paying with MediSave or an Integrated Shield Plan sets out when each may help.
For anything else, please ask at your consultation whether your plan applies.
Spider veins are usually a cosmetic concern only, and insurers are more likely to cover treatment that is medically necessary.
If you also have aching, ankle swelling or bulging veins, a duplex scan may be advised, so ask the clinic.