MediSave in Singapore
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Singapore Acts of Parliament, subsidiary legislation, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
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 to Do If Your MediSave Claim Has Been Rejected or Your CPF MediSave Balance Is Insufficient in Singapore
- 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.
Common Questions
What can I use my Singapore MediSave for?
MediSave covers hospitalisation expenses, day surgery, certain outpatient treatments (such as chemotherapy, dialysis, hepatitis B vaccination), and approved health screenings. You can also use your MediSave to pay medical expenses for your spouse, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings, subject to withdrawal limits set by MOH. Not all treatments are claimable — check MOH's approved list.
How much goes into my Singapore MediSave Account each month?
A portion of your monthly CPF contribution goes into your MediSave Account — 8% to 10.5% of wages, depending on age. The Basic Healthcare Sum caps your MediSave balance (for example, S$71,500 for members turning 65 in 2024). Amounts above the BHS flow to other CPF accounts.
Who must contribute to MediSave in Singapore?
Singapore citizens and PRs contribute through their CPF. Self-employed persons must also contribute to MediSave if their net trade income exceeds S$6,000 a year. Voluntary top-ups qualify for tax relief. When admitted to hospital, tell the admissions office you want to use MediSave — the hospital will process the claim directly.
When does it apply — medisave?
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 I do if my hospital has told me my CPF MediSave balance is not enough to cover my medical bills in Singapore?
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 — medisave?
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.