KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Singapore’s Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) rises to S$79,000 in 2026, allowing higher MediSave healthcare reserves.
- Eligible Singaporeans may receive dollar-for-dollar government matching under the MediSave Matching Scheme (MMSS), capped at S$1,000 yearly.
- Voluntary MediSave top-ups can qualify for tax relief and help individuals reach the BHS faster.
Singapore’s MediSave scheme remains a key tool for managing healthcare costs. In 2026, the Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) increases to S$79,000, giving residents more capacity to save for medical needs.
Alongside the higher limit, schemes such as the MediSave Matching Scheme (MMSS) and tax relief incentives continue to encourage voluntary top-ups.
| Key Item | 2026 Details |
|---|---|
| Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) | S$79,000 |
| MMSS Matching Cap | Up to S$1,000 per year |
| MMSS Lifetime Matching | Up to S$10,000 |
| Tax Relief for Self Top-Ups | Up to S$8,000 yearly |
| Tax Relief for Family Top-Ups | Up to S$8,000 yearly |
| Personal Income Tax Relief Cap | S$80,000 total |
What MediSave Covers
MediSave is the medical savings account within the CPF system. Funds can be used for several approved healthcare costs.
Common uses include:
- Hospitalisation bills
- Day surgeries
- Certain outpatient treatments
- Integrated Shield Plan premiums
- Long-term care schemes
Savings in the account earn around 4% interest annually, making it a stable way to prepare for future healthcare expenses.
2026 Basic Healthcare Sum: S$79,000
The Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) sets the maximum amount individuals below age 65 can keep in their MediSave account.
Key rules include:
- Individuals can accumulate up to S$79,000 in 2026.
- Once the BHS is reached, additional CPF contributions move to the Special Account (SA) or Retirement Account (RA).
- When a member turns 65, their BHS is fixed at the prevailing amount for that year.
The higher BHS allows Singaporeans to build stronger reserves for medical expenses later in life.
MediSave Matching Scheme (MMSS)
The MediSave Matching Scheme supports lower-income Singaporeans by increasing their healthcare savings.
Under the scheme:
- The Government matches voluntary top-ups dollar-for-dollar.
- Matching is capped at S$1,000 per year.
- The lifetime matching cap is S$10,000.
Who Can Qualify
Eligibility generally includes Singapore citizens who:
- Have lower MediSave balances
- Meet certain income thresholds
- Are not receiving significant employer CPF contributions
Top-ups that qualify for matching can come from:
- The individual
- Family members
- Employers
- Community organisations
Once a qualifying contribution is made, the matching amount is credited automatically.
Tax Relief for MediSave Top-Ups
Voluntary contributions to MediSave may qualify for CPF Cash Top-Up Relief under Singapore’s income tax framework.
Tax Relief Limits
| Contribution Type | Maximum Relief |
|---|---|
| Self MediSave Top-Up | Up to S$8,000 per year |
| Family Member Top-Up | Up to S$8,000 per year |
However, the total personal income tax relief cap remains S$80,000 annually.
Who Benefits Most
Tax relief can be particularly useful for:
- Higher-income taxpayers
- Individuals planning year-end tax optimisation
- Families supporting elderly parents’ healthcare costs
How to Top Up Your MediSave Account
Making a voluntary MediSave contribution is straightforward and can be completed online.
Steps:
- Log in to your CPF account using Singpass
- Select Voluntary Contributions
- Choose MediSave Account Top-Up
- Enter the contribution amount
- Pay using PayNow, eNETS, or bank transfer
You may also top up spouses, parents, or grandparents through the same process.
Important rule: If your MediSave already reaches the BHS (S$79,000), additional contributions will automatically be redirected to your retirement accounts.
MediSave vs Other CPF Accounts
Understanding how MediSave fits within CPF helps with long-term planning.
| CPF Account | Main Purpose | Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Account (OA) | Housing, education, investments | ~2.5% |
| Special Account (SA) | Retirement savings | ~4% |
| MediSave Account (MA) | Healthcare expenses | ~4% |
Once the MediSave cap is reached, future contributions help strengthen retirement savings instead.
Who Should Consider MediSave Top-Ups
Voluntary contributions can be particularly helpful for several groups.
Self-Employed Workers
They depend heavily on MediSave for medical coverage and should maintain adequate balances.
Professionals in Higher Tax Brackets
Top-ups may reduce taxable income while increasing healthcare reserves.
Families Supporting Elderly Parents
Older family members often face higher medical expenses, making additional MediSave funds useful.
Individuals Close to the BHS
Small contributions may help them reach the cap earlier and redirect future CPF inflows to retirement accounts.
Why This Matters
Healthcare spending typically rises with age, and medical costs can increase faster than general inflation. Building MediSave savings early allows Singaporeans to rely less on cash payments during illness or hospitalisation.
The 2026 BHS increase to S$79,000 reflects rising healthcare costs and provides more room for long-term preparation. Combined with government matching schemes and tax relief, voluntary top-ups can significantly strengthen financial security for future medical needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Basic Healthcare Sum for 2026?
The Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) for 2026 is S$79,000. This is the maximum MediSave balance individuals below age 65 can hold.
Can I top up MediSave for my parents?
Yes. Singapore residents can make voluntary contributions to parents, grandparents, or spouses, subject to CPF eligibility rules.
Are MediSave top-ups tax deductible?
Yes. Contributions may qualify for CPF Cash Top-Up Relief, subject to annual limits and the S$80,000 overall personal tax relief cap.
What happens if my MediSave exceeds the BHS?
Any CPF contributions above the BHS are automatically transferred to the Special Account (SA) or Retirement Account (RA).
How much interest does MediSave earn?
MediSave savings typically earn around 4% interest annually, with extra interest on the first S$60,000 of combined CPF balances.
Can MediSave pay for private hospital insurance?
Yes. MediSave funds can be used to pay Integrated Shield Plan premiums, within CPF withdrawal limits.