CPF MediSave 2026: Rates, Limits and What It Covers
How MediSave fits within CPF
Every CPF contribution is split across three accounts. The Ordinary Account (OA) is primarily for housing and investments. The Special Account (SA) is for retirement savings and earns higher interest. MediSave (MA) is ring-fenced for healthcare costs. The MediSave allocation from the total CPF rate rises with age, reflecting higher expected healthcare needs: it starts at 8% of wages for employees 35 and below and reaches 10.5% for those aged 51 to 55.
MediSave allocation rates by age (2026)
| Age | MediSave allocation (% of wages) |
|---|---|
| 35 and below | 8% |
| 36 to 45 | 9% |
| 46 to 50 | 9.5% |
| 51 to 55 | 10.5% |
| 56 to 60 | 10.5% |
| 61 to 65 | 9% |
| 66 to 70 | 7.5% |
| Above 70 | 5% |
These are percentages of gross wages (not percentages of the total CPF contribution). For an employee aged 35 or below earning $8,000/month, MediSave receives $640/month from the combined employer and employee CPF contributions.
The Basic Healthcare Sum
MediSave balances are capped at the Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS), which CPF Board reviews annually. For 2026 the BHS is $71,500. Once your MediSave balance reaches this ceiling, further contributions overflow to the Special Account (if below the Full Retirement Sum) or the Ordinary Account. The BHS is set to be sufficient to fund basic subsidised hospitalisation costs in old age.
Interest earned on MediSave
MediSave earns a guaranteed floor of 4% per annum, the same rate as the Special Account. CPF Board reviews the rate quarterly but has maintained the 4% floor for many years. The 4% applies to the full MediSave balance. In comparison, the Ordinary Account earns a lower floor of 2.5%. For combined balances up to S$60,000 across all accounts, an additional 1% interest is paid, allocated first to MediSave.
Approved uses
MediSave can be used for:
- Hospitalisation: inpatient stays at Singapore public and private hospitals, subject to withdrawal limits per day.
- Day surgery: approved day-surgery procedures at licensed facilities.
- MediShield Life premiums: the mandatory national health insurance; premiums are deducted directly from MediSave each year.
- Integrated Shield Plan premiums: the additional private hospitalisation insurance layer bought on top of MediShield Life.
- Selected outpatient treatments: chronic disease management (CDMP scheme) and approved vaccinations only. Standard GP visits are not covered.
MediSave at retirement
At 55, MediSave does not flow into the Retirement Account. It stays as a separate healthcare reserve. After 65, MediSave balances that exceed the BHS can be transferred to CPF Life to supplement retirement income. The account continues to earn 4% interest and can be drawn for approved healthcare costs throughout life.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use MediSave to pay for outpatient GP visits?
Outpatient MediSave use is limited. You can use it for selected chronic disease management (CDMP) and approved vaccinations, but not for ordinary GP consultations. Hospitalisation, day surgery and approved medical insurance premiums are the main uses. Check the CPF Board website for the current approved outpatient procedures list.
What happens to MediSave when I reach the Basic Healthcare Sum?
Once your MediSave balance reaches the Basic Healthcare Sum (S$71,500 in 2026), further MediSave contributions overflow into your Special Account (if below Full Retirement Sum) or Ordinary Account. The BHS rises each year; if it rises above your current balance, your MediSave contributions stay in MediSave again.
Do Employment Pass holders have a MediSave account?
No. CPF, including MediSave, applies only to Singapore citizens and permanent residents. EP and other work pass holders do not contribute to CPF and have no MediSave account. They are strongly encouraged to arrange their own health insurance.
Sources: CPF Board MediSave page and BHS 2026 announcement. Last updated 2026-11-04.