CPF MediSave & Healthcare
Your CPF MediSave Account helps you save for healthcare expenses. Learn how to use it for hospitalization, insurance premiums, and medical treatments.
MediSave Overview
MediSave is the healthcare savings component of your CPF. It helps you set aside money for future medical expenses, insurance premiums, and approved treatments. Every working Singaporean and PR contributes to MediSave through their CPF.
MediSave Account
Interest rate p.a.
BHS ceiling 2026
Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS)
The BHS is the maximum amount you can have in your MediSave Account. For 2026, it's $79,000. Once you reach this cap, excess contributions go to your Special Account (before 55) or Retirement Account (after 55).
MediSave Contribution Rates
| Age Group | Employee Rate | Employer Rate | Total MediSave |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 & below | 4% | 4% | 8% |
| 36 to 45 | 4.5% | 4.5% | 9% |
| 46 to 50 | 5% | 5% | 10% |
| 51 to 55 | 5.25% | 5.25% | 10.5% |
| 56 to 60 | 5.25% | 5.5% | 10.75% |
| 61 to 65 | 4.5% | 4.5% | 9% |
| Above 65 | 3% | 5% | 8% |
Self-Employed Persons
Self-employed individuals with net trade income above $6,000 must contribute to MediSave. The rate varies by age and income, with a contribution cap based on annual net trade income.
What Can MediSave Be Used For?
Hospitalization & Day Surgery
Pay for hospital bills at public and approved private hospitals. Includes room charges, doctor's fees, surgical procedures, and medications during stay.
Subject to daily and claim limits based on ward class and treatment type.
Insurance Premiums
Pay for MediShield Life, Integrated Shield Plans, ElderShield/CareShield Life, and other approved private insurance premiums.
Additional Withdrawal Limits (AWLs) apply for Integrated Shield Plan premiums.
Outpatient Treatments
Selected outpatient treatments at approved institutions including:
- Chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension, etc.)
- Cancer treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy)
- Dialysis for kidney failure
- Approved vaccinations
- Health screenings
Vaccinations
Pay for approved vaccinations under the national immunisation schedule:
- Influenza vaccination
- Pneumococcal vaccination
- Childhood vaccinations
- HPV vaccination
- Hepatitis B vaccination
MediShield Life
Basic Healthcare Insurance
Compulsory for all citizens and PRs
Key Features
- Lifetime coverage with no lifetime claim limit
- Covers hospitalization at B2/C ward
- Annual claim limit of $150,000
- Premiums fully payable via MediSave
What It Covers
- Hospitalization (ward charges, treatments)
- Day surgery
- Outpatient treatments (approved)
- Kidney dialysis and cancer treatments
Deductibles & Co-insurance
MediShield Life has deductibles ($1,500 to $3,000 depending on age) and co-insurance (3% to 10%) that you pay out-of-pocket or via MediSave. Integrated Shield Plans can help cover these gaps.
Integrated Shield Plans (IP)
Enhanced Hospital Coverage
Optional upgrade from private insurers
Integrated Shield Plans are private health insurance plans that integrate with MediShield Life to provide enhanced coverage for private hospital stays, higher ward classes, and additional benefits.
Coverage Tiers
- Private Hospital: Full coverage
- Class A: Restructured hospital single room
- Class B1: 4-bedded ward
- Standard: B2/C ward only
Available From
- AIA
- Great Eastern
- NTUC Income
- Prudential
- Singlife
- AXA
- HSBC Life
Additional Withdrawal Limits (AWL)
MediSave can only pay up to the Additional Withdrawal Limit for IP premiums. The 2026 AWL ranges from $300 to $900 depending on age. Premiums above AWL must be paid in cash.
Using MediSave for Family
You can use your MediSave to pay for approved medical expenses of your immediate family members.
Eligible Family Members
- Spouse
- Children
- Parents
- Grandparents
- Siblings
- Grandchildren (from 2025 onwards)
What You Can Pay For
- Hospital bills
- Day surgery
- Approved outpatient treatments
- Vaccinations
- Health screenings
Insurance Premium Restrictions
You can only use your MediSave to pay insurance premiums (MediShield Life, IP, CareShield Life) for yourself and dependants without their own income. Parents' and grandparents' insurance premiums must be paid from their own MediSave or cash.
MediSave Withdrawal Limits
| Type of Treatment | Daily Limit | Operation / Procedure Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Community Hospital | $250/day | $350/day + surgical table |
| Acute Hospital (B2/C ward) | $450/day | $450/day + surgical table |
| Acute Hospital (B1 and above) | $550/day | $550/day + surgical table |
| Day Surgery | Based on procedure | Surgical table rates |
| Chronic Disease Management | $500/year (CHAS) | $700/year (polyclinic) |
MediSave Care
The MediSave Care scheme allows patients with complex chronic conditions to withdraw up to $200 more annually for outpatient treatments at participating general practitioner clinics. This enhances the existing CHAS limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the interest rate on MediSave?
MediSave earns 4% per annum, the same as the CPF Special Account. The first $60,000 of combined CPF balances (with up to $20,000 from OA) earns an extra 1%.
Can I withdraw MediSave in cash?
Generally no. MediSave cannot be withdrawn in cash except for specific situations like leaving Singapore permanently, severe illness, or death (to beneficiaries).
What happens if I exceed the Basic Healthcare Sum?
If your MediSave balance exceeds the BHS ($79,000 in 2026), excess contributions are redirected to your Special Account (before 55) or Retirement Account (after 55).
Can I use MediSave for dental treatment?
MediSave can only be used for dental surgery that requires general anaesthesia in a hospital setting. Routine dental checkups and treatments at dental clinics are not claimable.
How do I claim MediSave for hospitalization?
For approved hospitals, MediSave claims are processed automatically at the point of discharge. You just need to provide your NRIC/FIN and authorize the withdrawal.
Sources and further reading
Official sources and references for rules, rates, and schemes discussed on this page. Numbers on this site may be rounded or illustrative; confirm current terms with the relevant agency, CPF Board, insurer, or lender.
- Medisave Uses, limits, and withdrawals for care. CPF Board — Using Medisave
- MOH healthcare financing Subsidies, MediShield Life, and schemes. MOH — Healthcare schemes