MediSave
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Singapore Acts of Parliament, subsidiary legislation, and official government guidance.
Singapore National Law
What is this right?
MediSave is a national medical savings scheme under the CPF system that helps Singapore citizens and PRs pay for healthcare:
- Contributions: A portion of your monthly CPF contribution goes into your MediSave Account (MA) — 8% to 10.5% of wages, depending on age.
- What it covers: Hospitalisation expenses, day surgery, certain outpatient treatments (e.g., chemotherapy, dialysis, hepatitis B vaccination), and approved health screenings.
- MediSave for dependants: You can use your MediSave to pay for your spouse, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings' medical expenses (subject to withdrawal limits).
- Withdrawal limits: Each hospitalisation has a daily and overall MediSave claim limit (set by MOH) to prevent over-utilisation.
- Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS): The maximum MediSave balance is capped at the BHS — $71,500 (for members turning 65 in 2024). Amounts above the BHS flow to other CPF accounts.
When does it apply?
- You are a Singapore citizen or PR with CPF contributions and need to pay for medical expenses.
- Self-employed persons must contribute to MediSave if their net trade income exceeds $6,000/year.
What should you do?
- Check your MediSave balance via the CPF website or my cpf mobile app before a planned procedure.
- When admitted to hospital, inform the admissions office that you wish to use MediSave — the hospital will process the claim directly.
- For outpatient treatments at participating clinics, present your NRIC to use MediSave.
- Top up your MediSave voluntarily if your balance is low — top-ups qualify for tax relief.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't assume all treatments are MediSave-claimable — only approved treatments and procedures qualify. Check MOH's list.
- Don't confuse MediSave with MediShield Life — MediSave is savings; MediShield Life is insurance.
- Don't let someone else use your MediSave fraudulently — abusing MediSave is a criminal offence under the CPF Act.
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