Medical Screening via Medisave

Singaporeans will be able to use their Medisave for health screenings from 1 July 2011.

More specifically, the approved screenings are for Mammograms (to detect breast cancer) and Colonoscopies (to detect colorectal cancer). This is welcome news, as early detection facilitates early treatment.

Breast cancer is the top killer for women worldwide and in Singapore. Hence, early detection can save lives. Under the Medisave300 Scheme, patients can use up to $300 from their Medisave account per year to defray cost of their mammograms. Subsidised screening is available through the national programme BreastScreen Singapore.

Colorectal cancer is the other top killer, regardless of men or women. The screening withdrawal limit will be pegged at the prevailing withdrawal limit for day surgery procedures, at $950 for colonoscopy, and $300 per day for associated daily hospital charges.

More info can be found at the MOH Press Release.