By The Big Buy desk · Last verified 12 October 2026
Physiotherapy in Singapore costs very different amounts depending on where you go. At private clinics, published 2026 prices for a 40 to 45-minute session run from about S$180 before GST to about S$230 with GST. Subsidised rehab through public hospitals and community providers is means-tested and usually needs a doctor’s referral; at NTUC Health, for example, an active rehab session ranges from S$0 to S$179.85, with S$0 only for the highest subsidy tier at selected centres. MediSave generally does not pay for private outpatient physio, though citizens aged 60 and above have Flexi-MediSave of S$400 a year at public and participating clinics. Many insurance plans cover physio with a referral.
A sore back, a sports injury or recovery after surgery can all mean weeks of sessions, so the price per visit adds up quickly. Here is how to get good care without a nasty surprise.
Quick facts
- Private sessions: about S$180 to S$230 for 40 to 45 minutes (prices checked September 2026).
- Extras such as shockwave or dry needling may be charged separately at some clinics.
- Subsidies for citizens and PRs depend on MOH means-testing; self-referred patients do not get subsidies.
- Flexi-MediSave: S$400 a year for patients aged 60 and above at public specialist clinics, polyclinics and participating CHAS GPs.
- Physio during a hospital stay is part of the inpatient bill, which MediShield Life and MediSave help pay.
- For insurance claims, a doctor’s referral is usually required.
Public or private: what you pay
| Route | Typical price per session | Wait and access |
|---|---|---|
| Private clinic | About S$180 to S$230; senior physios may charge more | Usually within days; no referral needed to pay yourself |
| Public hospital rehab | Subsidised by means-test; full fee if not referred as a subsidised patient | Referral from a polyclinic or hospital doctor; waits can be longer |
| Community rehab (e.g. NTUC Health) | S$0 to S$179.85 active rehab; S$20 initial assessment may apply | Doctor’s memo; means-tested via MOH |
| Home therapy | NTUC Health S$12.70 to S$276.85; private home visits about S$270 to S$400 | For those who cannot travel easily |
Private prices are from clinic rates published in 2026 and compiled by MissLobang; ask whether the price includes GST and any add-on treatments.
What MediSave and insurance cover
| Source | What it can pay for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| MediSave (inpatient) | Physio as part of a hospital or community hospital stay | Withdrawal limits apply |
| Flexi-MediSave | Up to S$400 a year of outpatient treatment for those aged 60 and above, at public specialist clinics, polyclinics and participating CHAS GPs | Check with the clinic whether your rehab bill qualifies |
| Private outpatient physio | Generally not claimable from MediSave | Pay in cash or through insurance |
| Integrated Shield riders and corporate plans | Many cover outpatient physio after a hospital stay or with a referral | Session caps, time limits after discharge, panel clinics |
| Personal accident plans | Some cover physio after an accidental injury | Sub-limits per accident |
Worked example: a six-session course
- Private clinic at S$196.20 per session (S$180 plus 9% GST): 6 × S$196.20 = S$1,177.20.
- Same course, with a corporate plan paying 80% after a referral: you pay S$235.44.
- Subsidised community rehab at a mid-tier rate: likely far less, but you need the referral first and may wait longer to start.
How to get subsidised physio
- See a polyclinic doctor or a Healthier SG or CHAS GP about your problem.
- Ask for a referral to subsidised physiotherapy at a public hospital or community provider.
- Complete the means-test consent so your subsidy tier can be assessed.
- Book the first assessment, and ask how many sessions are planned.
- If you are 60 or above, ask whether Flexi-MediSave can be used for your bill.
The WahLiao Verdict
If your problem is not urgent and money matters, start with a doctor’s referral to subsidised rehab: it can cost a fraction of private fees. If you need to start quickly, or your insurer covers it, a private clinic is fine; check the price with GST, the add-ons, and your policy’s session limits before the first visit. Either way, do the home exercises, because they are free and they work.
Questions people ask
Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist?
Not to pay privately. You do need one for subsidies, and usually for insurance claims.
Can I use MediSave for private physio?
Generally not for outpatient sessions on their own. MediSave helps with physio that is part of a hospital stay, and Flexi-MediSave helps seniors at approved public and CHAS clinics.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the condition. Ask for a treatment plan with a target number of sessions and review progress after the first few.
Is home physio worth it?
For people with limited mobility, yes: it avoids difficult trips and lets the therapist adapt exercises to your home. It costs more per visit privately, so check subsidised home therapy first.
Sources: Ministry of Health, MediSave for outpatient care and Flexi-MediSave; NTUC Health, physiotherapy fees and subsidy eligibility; MissLobang, published private clinic prices, verified September 2026. The Big Buy explains; it does not advise.
Read next: Seeing a Doctor: Polyclinic, GP and Specialist Fees, CHAS and Healthier SG · Personal Accident Insurance: What It Covers and What It Doesn’t · Back to The Big Buy
For what’s worth it this week, with the bill shown, read The WahLiao Week.
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