Maximum MediSave Amount in Singapore (2026): BHS $79,000 Explained
What happens when you hit the cap, where your excess goes, and growth scenarios
The maximum amount you can hold in your CPF MediSave Account is $79,000 in 2026 – called the Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS). CPF raises the BHS every year for members aged 65 and below to keep pace with rising healthcare costs. Once you turn 65, your BHS is locked in permanently. Any MediSave contributions above the cap automatically flow to your other CPF accounts – you do not lose the money.
Not financial advice. All figures are for educational reference only. Data verified against CPF Board official sources as at September 2026.
- The BHS is $79,000 in 2026 – the hard cap on your MediSave balance
- Excess contributions overflow to your SA (if under 55) or RA (if 55+), earning the same 4% p.a.
- You cannot withdraw MediSave as cash – it can only be used for approved healthcare expenses and insurance premiums
What Is the Maximum MediSave Amount?
The maximum MediSave balance allowed is set by the Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS). In 2026, the BHS is $79,000.
Think of the BHS as a ceiling. Your MediSave Account (MA) grows from CPF contributions, interest earned, and voluntary top-ups – until it hits that ceiling. After that, the overflow goes elsewhere.
Two important rules to know:
- Under 65: Your BHS rises each year. You are always chasing a moving target.
- Age 65 and above: Your BHS is fixed permanently at the BHS in the year you turn 65. So if you turned 65 in 2026, your lifetime BHS is $79,000.
The BHS is reviewed annually by CPF Board in line with projected healthcare costs. See the official CPF Board BHS 2026 announcement for details.
BHS History: How the Cap Has Grown (2020-2026)
The BHS has risen by about 4-5% each year. Here is how the maximum MediSave amount has changed:
| Year | BHS (Max MediSave) | YoY Increase |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $60,000 | – |
| 2021 | $63,000 | +$3,000 (+5.0%) |
| 2022 | $66,000 | +$3,000 (+4.8%) |
| 2023 | $68,500 | +$2,500 (+3.8%) |
| 2024 | $71,500 | +$3,000 (+4.4%) |
| 2025 | $75,500 | +$4,000 (+5.6%) |
| 2026 (current) | $79,000 | +$3,500 (+4.6%) |
Source: CPF Board official announcements, 2020-2026.
How Fast Does MediSave Fill Up by Age?
Your MediSave grows from monthly CPF contributions. The MA allocation varies by age – older workers direct a larger share to MediSave. Here is how much flows into your MediSave each month:
| Age Band | MA % of Wages | Monthly MA at $5,000 | Monthly MA at $8,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 and below | 8% | $400 | $640 |
| 35-45 | 9% | $450 | $720 |
| 45-50 | 9.5% | $475 | $760 |
| 50-55 | 10.5% | $525 | $840 |
| 55-60 | 10.5% | $525 | $840 |
| 60-65 | 10.5% | $525 | $840 |
Source: CPF Board allocation rates 2026. OW ceiling $8,000/month from January 2026.
The 4% p.a. interest also compounds and pushes your balance toward the BHS faster. Most full-time employees earning a median Singapore wage reach the BHS somewhere between their late 40s and mid-50s. Use our CPF allocation calculator to model your own numbers.
What Happens When You Hit the BHS?
When your MediSave balance reaches $79,000, contributions do not stop. Any new MediSave contributions automatically overflow into your other CPF accounts.
If you are under 55:
Excess MediSave goes to your Special Account (SA) first. If your SA has reached the Full Retirement Sum (FRS, $220,400 in 2026), the remainder flows to your Ordinary Account (OA).
If you are 55 or above:
Excess MediSave goes to your Retirement Account (RA) first. If your RA meets the Basic Retirement Sum (BRS, $110,200 in 2026 with property pledge), the remainder flows to your OA.
SA and RA earn 4% p.a. – the same as MediSave – so the overflow is not a loss. However, if contributions eventually reach your OA, you earn only 2.5% p.a. That is why planning around the BHS overflow early matters. For more on withdrawal limits, read our MediSave withdrawal limits guide.
| Your Age | Excess First Goes To | Rate | Then To (if full) | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 55 | Special Account (SA) | 4% p.a. | Ordinary Account (OA) | 2.5% p.a. |
| 55 and above | Retirement Account (RA) | 4% p.a. | Ordinary Account (OA) | 2.5% p.a. |
Source: CPF Board, 2026. FRS $220,400; BRS $110,200 (after property pledge).
MediSave Interest Rate and How It Compounds
Your MediSave earns 4% per annum – the SMRA floor rate, confirmed by CPF Board through Q1 2026 and historically stable since 1999.
Interest is credited annually in January and compounds over time. Here is what that looks like at different starting balances (no additional contributions assumed):
| Starting Balance | After 5 Years | After 10 Years | Interest Earned (10Y) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $36,497 | $44,407 | $14,407 |
| $50,000 | $60,833 | $74,012 | $24,012 |
| $70,000 | $85,166 | $103,617 | $33,617 |
Illustration only. 4% p.a. compound interest, no withdrawals or additional contributions. Actual balances will vary.
Notice how a $70,000 balance would push past $79,000 within two years from interest alone. Most members hit the BHS through interest accrual in their final years before 65. Once the balance exceeds the BHS, that year’s interest overage also flows out to SA, RA, or OA. For how the BHS interacts with your ISP premiums, see our MediSave cap and ISP guide.
Strategies to Consider Once You Hit the Cap
Hitting the BHS is a positive sign – your healthcare fund is well-funded. Here are four things worth thinking about.
1. Let the overflow fill your SA (if under 55)
If you are under 55 and your SA has not hit the FRS ($220,400), the overflow earns the same 4% p.a. There is no penalty for hitting the BHS. Your overall CPF picture simply rebalances toward retirement savings.
2. Use MediSave for your Integrated Shield Plan premiums
You can use MediSave to pay for your Integrated Shield Plan (ISP) premiums up to the Additional Withdrawal Limits (AWL). This keeps your MediSave balance manageable while ensuring robust hospitalisation coverage. The AWL for ISP premiums is $300/year (aged 40 and below), $600/year (aged 41-70), or $900/year (aged 71+). Your base MediShield Life premium is paid fully from MediSave on top of these limits.
3. Voluntary top-ups for tax relief (before you hit the BHS)
If you are not yet at the BHS, voluntary cash top-ups to MediSave qualify for income tax relief of up to $8,000 per year (combined with SA/RA top-ups under the Retirement Sum Topping-Up Scheme). Once you hit $79,000, further top-ups are rejected – so plan top-ups earlier. Platforms like Endowus (referral code: 2V343) can help you invest your CPF OA and SA once your MediSave is maxed.
4. Do not try to spend down MediSave to stay below the BHS
MediSave can only be used for approved healthcare expenses. You cannot make discretionary withdrawals to reduce your balance. CPF restricts usage to hospitalisation, approved outpatient treatments, and MediShield Life or ISP premiums.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum MediSave amount in Singapore in 2026?
What happens to MediSave contributions after I hit the $79,000 BHS?
Does MediSave interest count toward the BHS limit?
Can I withdraw MediSave as cash when I hit the cap?
Will the BHS increase again after 2026?
How is the BHS different from the MediSave withdrawal limit?
The Kopi Notes provides general educational content only. Nothing here constitutes financial advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any financial product. Always consult a licensed financial adviser for advice tailored to your situation. Data as at September 2026.
Get Free Insurance Advice
Speak with a licensed insurance advisor. No obligation, no cost.
By submitting this form, you agree to our Privacy Policy.
This article was researched with the help of AI. While we strive to keep all information accurate and up to date, there may be errors. If you notice any discrepancies, please contact us.
