CPF MediSave Top-Up Singapore: How to Maximise Your Healthcare Fund

CPF MediSave Top-Up Singapore: How to Maximise Your Healthcare Fund

CPF MediSave top-up allows you to voluntarily add cash to your MediSave Account (MA) up to the Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS). MediSave earns 4% per annum interest and funds healthcare premiums for MediShield Life, CareShield Life, and Integrated Shield Plans (IPs). This article is for informational purposes only. Verify current BHS limits and tax relief caps with the CPF Board.

CPF MediSave Top-Up Singapore

What is CPF MediSave?

CPF MediSave is one of three CPF accounts (alongside OA and SA) designated for healthcare expenses. MediSave earns 4% per annum with an extra 1% on the first SGD 60,000 of combined CPF balances.

Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) 2026

The BHS for 2026 is SGD 75,500 (announced by CPF Board, December 2025). Once your MA reaches the BHS, excess contributions flow to SA (if below Full Retirement Sum) or OA. Members aged 65 and above have their BHS fixed at the prevailing amount at age 65.

How to Top Up MediSave

Top up via: (1) Cash — via CPF Board’s e-Cashier on my.cpf.gov.sg using PayNow or GIRO. (2) CPF OA transfer — transfer surplus OA to MA, up to the BHS. Use our CPF MediSave Top-Up Calculator to find exactly how much you can still top up.

Tax Relief for MediSave Top-Ups

Cash top-ups to your own or a family member’s MediSave qualify for CPF cash top-up tax relief. As at 2026: up to SGD 8,000 for your own accounts, plus SGD 8,000 for family members — total SGD 16,000 — subject to the overall SGD 80,000 personal income tax relief cap.

What Can MediSave Pay For?

MediSave pays for: MediShield Life premiums (mandatory), Integrated Shield Plan premiums (within withdrawal limits), hospitalisation bills at approved hospitals, approved outpatient treatments (chemotherapy, dialysis, day surgery), and CareShield Life premiums. MediSave cannot be used for general GP visits.

Should You Top Up MediSave?

If your MA is below the BHS, topping up offers guaranteed 4% returns, tax relief, and a larger healthcare fund for future bills. The trade-off is illiquidity. For overall CPF optimisation, see our CPF Investment Strategy guide and CPF Retirement Sum Calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) for 2026?
The CPF Basic Healthcare Sum for 2026 is SGD 75,500, as announced by the CPF Board in December 2025. The BHS increases annually to account for healthcare cost inflation.
How much tax relief do I get for MediSave top-ups?
Cash top-ups to CPF accounts qualify for up to SGD 8,000 tax relief per year for your own accounts and an additional SGD 8,000 for family members — total SGD 16,000 — subject to the overall SGD 80,000 personal relief cap.
Can I transfer OA funds to MediSave?
Yes. You can transfer surplus CPF OA funds to your MediSave Account, up to the BHS. This earns 4% per annum but reduces your OA (which earns 2.5%).
Does MediSave earn interest?
Yes. CPF MediSave earns 4% per annum. The government pays an additional 1% on the first SGD 60,000 of combined CPF balances, making it one of the best risk-free returns for Singapore residents.
What if my MediSave balance exceeds the BHS?
Once your MA reaches the BHS, excess CPF contributions go to your SA (if below Full Retirement Sum) or OA. You cannot hold more than the BHS in your MA.