CPF MediSave Cap 2026: BHS Raised to $79,000 — Complete Guide
MediSave Limits · Allocation Rates by Age · Withdrawal Limits · Tax Relief
The CPF MediSave cap — officially called the Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) — has been raised to S$79,000 for 2026, up from S$75,500 in 2025. This is the maximum balance you can hold in your MediSave Account (MA) before contributions automatically overflow to your Ordinary or Special Account. Your MediSave earns a guaranteed 4% per annum interest, making it one of the best risk-free savings vehicles in Singapore.
Not financial advice. CPF data sourced from CPF Board official releases.
- BHS 2026 = S$79,000 — up S$3,500 from 2025
- MediSave earns 4% p.a. guaranteed
- Voluntary top-ups earn tax relief up to S$8,000/year
What Is the CPF MediSave Cap (Basic Healthcare Sum)?
The Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) is the maximum amount you can keep in your MediSave Account at any point in time. Once your MA hits this number, any new contributions spill over automatically to your Ordinary or Special Account.
CPF Board sets the BHS based on estimated healthcare costs in old age. It rises every year until you turn 65, when your personal BHS is locked in for life.
- Determines maximum MediSave balance, earning guaranteed 4% p.a.
- Affects your CPF contribution overflow strategy
- Voluntary top-ups beyond BHS are automatically rejected
MediSave earns the same 4% as your Special Account — well above the 2.5% OA rate. For members below 55, an extra 1% applies on the first S$60,000 of combined CPF balances.
CPF MediSave Cap 2026 — What Changed This Year?
From 1 January 2026, the BHS rose from S$75,500 to S$79,000 — a S$3,500 or 4.6% increase. Members who turned 65 before 2026 retain their cohort BHS.
| Year | BHS (MediSave Cap) | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | S$63,000 | — |
| 2022 | S$66,000 | +S$3,000 |
| 2023 | S$68,500 | +S$2,500 |
| 2024 | S$71,500 | +S$3,000 |
| 2025 | S$75,500 | +S$4,000 |
| 2026 | S$79,000 | +S$3,500 |
Source: CPF Board, BHS announcements 2021–2026
MediSave Allocation Rates by Age (2026)
Rates effective 1 January 2026:
| Age Group | MA % | OA % | SA/RA % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 & below | 21.62% | 62.17% | 16.21% |
| Above 35–45 | 24.32% | 56.77% | 18.91% |
| Above 45–50 | 27.02% | 51.36% | 21.62% |
| Above 50–55 | 28.37% | 40.55% | 31.08% |
| Above 55–60 | 30.88% | 35.30% | 33.82% |
| Above 60–65 | 42.00% | 14.00% | 44.00% |
| Above 65–70 | 63.63% | 6.07% | 30.30% |
| Above 70 | 84.00% | 8.00% | 8.00% |
Source: CPF Board, CPF Allocation Rates from 1 January 2026
Example: Age 57, S$6,000/month: MA gets ~S$685/month. Reaching S$79,000 from zero takes ~9.6 years.
What Happens When Your MediSave Exceeds the BHS?
For members below 55: overflow goes to SA first (still 4%). If SA is at the FRS, flows to OA (2.5%). For members 55+: excess goes to RA up to FRS, then OA. Voluntary top-ups beyond BHS are simply rejected — no penalties.
MediSave Withdrawal Limits 2026 (Budget Updates)
Budget 2026 increased outpatient chronic condition limits:
| Use of MediSave | Before 2026 | From 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Outpatient chronic (CDMP) | S$500/year | S$700/year |
| Complex chronic (CDMP) | S$700/year | S$1,000/year |
| MediShield Life premiums | Full | Full |
| Hospitalisation (B2/C) | Full bill | Full bill |
| Day surgery | Full bill | Full bill |
| CareShield Life premiums | Full | Full |
Source: MOH/CPF Board Budget 2026 announcements
How to Top Up Your MediSave
Top up via my.cpf.gov.sg → Grow My Savings → MediSave top-up (PayNow or bank transfer). Maximum = gap between current MA and S$79,000.
- 4% guaranteed interest — beats most savings accounts and T-bills for funds you won’t need soon
- Tax relief — up to S$8,000/year for yourself, S$8,000 for eligible family members
For funds beyond CPF: Endowus (CPF-OA investing, code 2V343), Syfe (ETF portfolios, code SRPRFFFCD), or our Singapore Savings Bonds guide.
MediSave Tax Relief 2026
| Top-Up For | Max Relief | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yourself | S$8,000/yr | Mandatory + voluntary contributions combined |
| Spouse/Parents/In-laws | Up to S$8,000 | Combined CPF top-up relief cap: S$16,000/yr |
Source: IRAS 2026. Top-ups must be made by 31 December each year.
See our CPF investment strategy guide for the complete picture.
Is Your MediSave on Track? Planning Tips
By age 65, aim for S$79,000 in MediSave. A full MA means MediShield Life and CareShield Life premiums are covered automatically — zero out-of-pocket in retirement.
- Check MA balance annually — especially above age 55
- Self-employed? Pay mandatory MediSave contributions first
- Top up before 31 December for that year’s tax relief
- Both spouses working? Top up each other’s MediSave for double the relief
Use our Singapore retirement calculator for the full picture, and the passive income Singapore guide for building income outside CPF.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CPF MediSave cap for 2026?
The CPF MediSave cap (Basic Healthcare Sum) is S$79,000 for 2026. Members who turn 65 in 2026 have their BHS fixed at this amount for life.
What interest rate does MediSave earn?
MediSave earns a guaranteed 4% per annum — same as the Special/Retirement Account. Members below 55 earn an extra 1% on the first S$60,000 of combined CPF balances.
Can I withdraw MediSave for non-medical expenses?
No. MediSave can only be used for approved healthcare — hospitalisation, day surgery, CDMP outpatient treatments, MediShield Life, and CareShield Life premiums. You cannot withdraw it as cash.
What happens if I top up MediSave beyond the BHS?
Voluntary top-ups beyond S$79,000 are automatically rejected. Mandatory salary contributions that exceed the BHS are automatically transferred to your OA or SA.
Does topping up MediSave qualify for tax relief?
Yes — up to S$8,000/year for your own account, plus S$8,000 for eligible family members, subject to a combined CPF top-up relief cap of S$16,000/year.
When is the BHS fixed for life?
Your personal BHS is fixed at age 65 permanently — so if you turn 65 in 2026, your BHS is S$79,000 for life.
Grow Your Savings Beyond CPF
Your MediSave handles healthcare. Use these platforms to grow the rest.
