11 April 2025
SOURCE: CPF Board
In Singapore, we're fortunate to have access to a robust healthcare system. Understanding the various healthcare schemes can sometimes feel tricky – but once you have a clear picture of the support available, it becomes easier to navigate. Let's break down four commonly asked questions to help you better understand how you are covered.
1. How can I top up my MediSave Account (MA)?
MediSave is your personal healthcare savings account within the Central Provident Fund (CPF) system. It's designed to help you set aside part of your monthly income to pay for your personal or loved ones’ medical expenses over your lifetime.
It can be used for hospitalisation expenses, certain outpatient treatments, and health insurance premiums.
Therefore, your MA is a crucial part of your healthcare savings. By topping it up, you're not only preparing for future medical expenses but may also enjoy tax relief. Plus, your savings in MA earn an interest rate of 4% per annum1, helping it to grow steadily over time.
You can make a cash top-up to your own or your loved ones' MediSave Accounts via PayNow through this online form. It’s important to note that cash top-ups are irreversible.
1Floor rate of interest rate on MediSave savings until 31 December 2025.
However, there is a maximum amount of savings allowed in your MA, known as the Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS). For 2025, this limit is set at $75,500, and will be adjusted yearly. Any contributions exceeding this amount will be transferred to your Special Account (SA) if you're below 55, or to your Retirement Account (RA) if you're 55 and above.
When you make a MediSave top-up online, you will be shown the amount of MediSave top-ups you can make before reaching the top-up limit.
If you are making a top-up to your loved ones’ MA, please check with your recipient directly to confirm the amount they can receive.
2. How to join CareShield Life?
CareShield Life is a long-term care insurance scheme that provides basic financial support should you become severely disabled.
Find out more about CareShield Life
All Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible, but how exactly can you join?
- If you’re born in 1980 or later: You're automatically enrolled when you turn 30.
- If you were born in 1979 or earlier: Participation is optional*. If you were born between 1970 and 1979, were insured under ElderShield 400, and have not developed severe disability, you have been automatically enrolled from 1 December 2021 unless you opted out.
If you were not automatically enrolled, you can choose to join CareShield Life by accessing the Application to join CareShield Life e-service with your Singpass and enjoy a 60-day free-look period.
*Except foreigners who become Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents from 1st Oct 2020 onwards and are born in 1979 or earlier. Participation is mandatory as long as they have not developed severe disability.
3. What does MediShield Life cover?
MediShield Life is the national health insurance scheme that provides universal lifelong protection against large hospital bills and selected costly outpatient treatments. Here are some key points:
- It covers all Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents.
- Provides coverage for hospitalisation expenses and certain outpatient treatments like kidney dialysis and radiotherapy
- Has no lifetime claim limit and covers pre-existing conditions, though there may be additional premiums for severe conditions.
Learn about the different categories of benefits under MediShield Life.
The 'Coverage and premium details' section on the Healthcare dashboard provides personalised information on your MediShield Life coverage, premiums, and applicable subsidies.
However, if you prefer private hospitals or want more comprehensive coverage, you might want to consider an IP.
4. Do I need an Integrated Shield Plan (IP)?
An IP is a private healthcare insurance policy that provides coverage on top of MediShield Life. Whether you need one depends on your personal circumstances and preferences:
- If you prefer to stay in private hospitals or in Class A/B1 wards in public hospitals, or to choose your own doctor
- IPs typically offer higher claim limits and may cover more pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses. However, they might still have significant deductibles, co-payments, or exclusions payable that may result in higher out-of-pocket expenses
- IPs also come with higher premiums, which increase substantially as you age.
Consider your healthcare needs, personal preferences, and financial circumstances when deciding. To help you make informed decisions about your health insurance, CPF Board and the Ministry of Health have launched the Health Insurance Planner (HIP), an interactive and personalised tool that allows you to:
- Make long-term, personalised projections of your MediSave savings and health insurance premiums
- Compare key benefits, features and premiums across IPs for your preferred ward type
- Project the long-term premiums for your selected IP and its corresponding rider
And it can be done in four steps:
Try Health Insurance Planner (HIP) now!
Understanding the key aspects of these various health schemes can help you make informed decisions about your health and finances. Remember, your healthcare needs can change over time, so it's wise to review your health financing plans regularly.
Information in this article is accurate as at the date of publication.
