Medisave Limit 2026: How Much Can You Claim for Day Surgery?
TOSP tables, withdrawal limits, MediShield Life deductibles and ISP rider rules — all explained.
The Kopi Notes · October 2026
For day surgery in Singapore, your Medisave 2026 limit covers S$830 per day in hospital charges plus a surgical fee based on your procedure’s Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP) class — ranging from $240 for the simplest procedures to $5,290 for complex operations. MediShield Life then covers eligible costs above your $1,500 day surgery deductible (for those aged 80 and below), while an Integrated Shield Plan plugs the remaining gap for private hospital bills.
Not financial advice. All figures are for educational reference only. Data as at August 2026 unless noted.
In This Guide
- What Is the Medisave Day Surgery Limit for 2026?
- How TOSP Determines Your Surgical Fee Claim
- MediShield Life Coverage: Day Surgery Deductible and Co-Insurance
- Day Surgery Bill Worked Example
- Integrated Shield Plans and Day Surgery (April 2026 Changes)
- Common Day Surgery Procedures and Their Medisave Limits
- Tips to Maximise Your Medisave for Day Surgery
- FAQ: Medisave Day Surgery Singapore
What Is the Medisave Day Surgery Limit for 2026?
When you undergo day surgery in Singapore, your Medisave can cover two separate components of your bill: the hospital charges (ward and nursing fees) and the surgeon’s fee.
As at August 2026, the Medisave daily withdrawal limit for day surgery is $830 per day. Since most day surgery patients are admitted and discharged on the same calendar day, you typically claim this once.
This is distinct from the inpatient (overnight) rate, where the limits are higher for the first two days but drop sharply from day three onwards. Understanding your complete Medisave limit 2026 guide helps you plan which setting your procedure should be done in.
Medisave Daily Limits by Setting (2026)
| Hospital Setting | Medisave Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Day Surgery | $830 / day | Typically one day; plus TOSP surgical fee |
| Inpatient – Days 1 & 2 | $1,130 / day | Higher daily rate for early inpatient days |
| Inpatient – Day 3 onwards | $400 / day | Drops significantly for extended stays |
Source: Ministry of Health Singapore (August 2026)
💡 Key Insight: Day Surgery Has a Lower MediShield Life Deductible
Unlike inpatient stays where the deductible can reach $3,500 (private hospital), day surgery carries a separate, lower deductible of just $1,500 (for those aged 80 and below). This means MediShield Life kicks in sooner to help cover your bill.
How TOSP Determines Your Surgical Fee Claim
The Ministry of Health’s Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP) classifies every surgical procedure into one of seven complexity tables (Tables 1 through 7), each with three sub-grades (A, B, and C). Your Medisave surgical fee claim is capped according to the TOSP classification that your surgeon’s specific procedure code falls under.
Higher table numbers indicate more complex procedures — and higher Medisave claim limits. Your total Medisave withdrawal for day surgery therefore equals your daily hospital charge limit ($830) plus the TOSP-based surgical fee limit.
Medisave Surgical Claim Limits by TOSP Table (2026)
| TOSP Table | Grade A | Grade B | Grade C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Table 1 (Simplest) | $240 | $195 | $155 |
| Table 2 | $350 | $280 | $245 |
| Table 3 | $590 | $470 | $415 |
| Table 4 | $870 | $700 | $610 |
| Table 5B | $1,880 | $1,510 | $1,320 |
| Table 5A | $2,610 | $2,090 | $1,830 |
| Table 6 | $3,870 | $3,100 | $2,710 |
| Table 7 (Most Complex) | $5,290 | $4,250 | $3,710 |
Source: Ministry of Health Singapore (August 2026) · Amounts are per surgical claim
The Grade (A, B, or C) is determined by the operating surgeon’s seniority and the complexity of the specific technique used. Your hospital will indicate the TOSP table and grade on your estimated bill. For a deeper look at how day surgery Medisave works overall, see our guide on Medisave for day surgery in Singapore.
MediShield Life Coverage: Day Surgery Deductible and Co-Insurance
Once your Medisave is used up, MediShield Life steps in — but only after you clear your deductible for the policy year. The deductible is the portion you must pay out-of-pocket before MediShield Life pays anything.
Day surgery has its own deductible tier, which is notably lower than inpatient ward deductibles. This is an important advantage of day surgery from a claims perspective — your MediShield Life coverage activates sooner.
MediShield Life Annual Deductibles (Effective 1 June 2026)
| Ward / Treatment Type | Age ≤ 80 | Age ≥ 81 |
|---|---|---|
| Day Surgery ⭐ | $1,500 | $2,000 |
| Class C Ward | $2,000 | $2,750 |
| Class B2 / B2+ / B1 Ward | $2,500 | $3,500 |
| Class A / Private Hospital | $3,500 | $4,500 |
| Community Hospital (Subsidised) | $2,000 | $2,750 |
| Outpatient Treatment | $500 | $500 |
Source: CPF Board (effective 1 June 2026) · Deductibles are per policy year (not per claim)
The deductible is annual — once met, it does not reset until the next policy year. If you have multiple day surgery procedures in the same year, only the first claim needs to meet the deductible. To understand how MediShield Life works holistically, read our MediShield Life benefits guide.
Co-Insurance After the Deductible
After you clear the deductible, MediShield Life pays a percentage of your remaining claimable bill. You bear the rest as co-insurance:
- 10% co-insurance on the first $5,000 of claimable charges
- 5% on the next $5,000
- 3% on amounts above $10,000
MediShield Life has an annual claim limit of $200,000. Most day surgery bills fall well within this limit, so it is rarely a constraining factor for day surgery.
Day Surgery Bill Worked Example
To see how all the layers work together, here is a worked example using a colonoscopy (TOSP Table 4A) — one of the most common day surgery procedures in Singapore. Note that actual bills vary by hospital, surgeon, and specific technique used. These figures are illustrative based on 2026 Medisave and MediShield Life rates.
Colonoscopy Bill Scenarios (TOSP Table 4A, 2026)
Assumptions: Single-day admission. Medisave withdrawal = $830 (daily) + $870 (Table 4A surgical) = $1,700 total Medisave. Deductible: $1,500 (age ≤ 80). MediShield Life co-insurance: 10% on first $5,000 claimable.
| Item | Public Hospital (B2) | Private (No ISP) | Private (ISP + 5% co-pay) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated total bill | ~$2,000 | ~$3,800 | ~$3,800 |
| Less: Medisave | – $1,700 | – $1,700 | – $1,700 |
| Remaining after Medisave | $300 | $2,100 | $2,100 |
| Deductible ($1,500) | Bill < deductible — MSL not triggered | – $1,500 | – $1,500 (ISP covers) |
| MediShield Life pays | $0 | $540 (90% × $600) | $540 |
| ISP pays | – | – | ~$1,370 |
| Cash out-of-pocket | $300 | $1,560 | ~$190 |
Estimates for illustrative purposes. Private hospital scenario assumes pro-ration factor and MediShield Life claimable amount. ISP scenario assumes 5% co-payment on total bill (from April 2026 rule change). Actual amounts will differ.
The public hospital scenario shows that for smaller day surgery bills, Medisave alone may cover the bulk — even leaving the MediShield Life deductible untouched. The private hospital scenario without ISP shows a significant cash outlay ($1,560). An ISP with the new 5% co-payment rider dramatically cuts this to ~$190.
Integrated Shield Plans and Day Surgery (April 2026 Changes)
An Integrated Shield Plan (ISP) is a private insurance plan that sits on top of MediShield Life. For day surgery at a private hospital or specialist centre, ISP coverage can mean the difference between a $1,500+ cash bill and just $190 out-of-pocket — as illustrated in the worked example above.
For a comprehensive understanding of how ISPs work, see our Integrated Shield Plan guide for Singapore 2026.
The April 2026 Co-Payment Rule for ISP Riders
As of 1 April 2026, all new ISP riders (and renewed riders) must include a co-payment requirement. Policyholders can no longer hold a “full rider” that covers 100% of costs above MediShield Life:
- Standard ISP rider: 5% co-payment (minimum $3,000 per policy year)
- Enhanced ISP rider (some insurers): 10% co-payment option
For a typical day surgery bill at a private hospital, a 5% co-payment on a $3,800 bill works out to $190 — still far more manageable than $1,560 without ISP. Full details on what changed and who is affected are in our ISP rider changes guide.
Does Your ISP Cover Day Surgery?
All major ISPs in Singapore cover day surgery for medically necessary procedures. Coverage typically includes:
- Hospital room and board charges (up to your plan’s ward entitlement)
- Surgeon’s fees (often at 100% of the billed fee, subject to any reasonable-and-customary limits)
- Anaesthetist’s fees
- Pre-admission tests and post-discharge follow-up (subject to plan limits)
Cosmetic procedures, dental surgery (unless caused by accidental injury), and experimental treatments are typically excluded.
Pre-Authorisation for Day Surgery
Most ISPs require you to obtain pre-authorisation (Letter of Guarantee) before a planned day surgery at a private hospital. Your surgeon’s office typically handles this, but confirm this process before your procedure date to avoid claim disputes.
Common Day Surgery Procedures and Their Medisave Limits
Different procedures fall under different TOSP tables, which directly affects how much Medisave you can claim. Below is a general guide — your actual TOSP classification will be confirmed by your surgeon and stated on your estimated bill. Verify the exact TOSP table with your hospital before your procedure.
| Procedure | Typical TOSP Table | Max Medisave (Grade A) | Total with Daily ($830) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor skin excision / biopsy | Table 1 – 2 | $240 – $350 | $1,070 – $1,180 |
| Diagnostic gastroscopy (OGD) | Table 3 | $590 | $1,420 |
| Colonoscopy | Table 4 | $870 | $1,700 |
| Simple arthroscopy | Table 4 – 5B | $870 – $1,880 | $1,700 – $2,710 |
| Cataract extraction with IOL | Table 5A | $2,610 | $3,440 |
| Laparoscopic hernia repair | Table 6 | $3,870 | $4,700 |
| Complex laparoscopic procedure | Table 7 | $5,290 | $6,120 |
TOSP tables are indicative. Confirm your exact procedure code and TOSP classification with your surgeon. Source: MOH Singapore (August 2026)
For the full Medisave hospitalisation and day surgery framework, including how claims differ for inpatient admissions, see our dedicated guide.
Tips to Maximise Your Medisave for Day Surgery
1. Time multiple procedures in the same policy year
The MediShield Life deductible resets on 1 January each year. If you can schedule two procedures (e.g. a colonoscopy in January and a cataract surgery later in the year), you only need to clear the $1,500 day surgery deductible once for the year. The second procedure benefits from MediShield Life coverage from the very first dollar above Medisave.
2. Confirm your TOSP table before agreeing to billing
TOSP tables are assigned by the surgeon’s procedure code, not by the procedure name. Two colonoscopies performed by different surgeons may be billed under different tables depending on the technique (e.g. with or without polypectomy). Ask your surgeon for the MOH procedure code and verify the corresponding TOSP table on MOH’s website before your surgery.
3. Get a pre-admission cost estimate from your hospital
Public and private hospitals are required to provide estimated bill sizes upon request. Use this estimate to calculate your expected out-of-pocket cost and to pre-authorise your ISP claim (if applicable). For private hospital surgery, your ISP’s Letter of Guarantee is usually obtained by your surgeon’s billing team — confirm this has been done before your admission date.
4. Check if your procedure qualifies for day surgery (vs inpatient)
MOH maintains a list of procedures that can be safely performed as day surgery. If your surgeon recommends an inpatient stay for a procedure on the day surgery list, ask whether day surgery is appropriate in your case. Day surgery’s $1,500 deductible is significantly lower than the $2,500–$3,500 inpatient deductible — and many procedures that once required overnight stays can now be done safely as day cases.
5. Review your ISP plan annually
ISP plans have changed significantly since April 2026. If you hold an older “full rider” policy, check whether your insurer has notified you of changes at renewal. Make sure your plan still covers the hospitals and surgeons you prefer for day surgery. If you are considering switching ISPs or adding a rider, compare plans carefully — the 5% co-payment requirement now applies to all new and renewed riders. See our Integrated Shield Plan comparison guide for the latest options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Medisave day surgery limit in 2026?
What is the MediShield Life deductible for day surgery?
Can I use Medisave to pay for day surgery at a private hospital?
Do I need pre-authorisation from my ISP insurer for day surgery?
How does the 5% co-payment apply to ISP riders for day surgery?
What happens if my day surgery TOSP table limit is lower than the surgeon's fee?
Can I use my Medisave for day surgery on a family member?
Key Takeaways
- The Medisave day surgery limit is $830 per day from 1 June 2026 — up from $700. This is your maximum Medisave withdrawal for each day of day surgery, on top of which MediShield Life and your ISP may pay further.
- The TOSP table determines how much of the surgical fee is Medisave-claimable. Most common day surgery procedures fall under Tables 1A–5A, with claimable limits ranging from $250 to $5,250 per procedure.
- The MediShield Life deductible for day surgery is $1,500 (for patients ≤80 years). Once cleared, MediShield Life pays a portion of eligible claims above this amount, subject to co-insurance.
- ISP riders now require a minimum 5% co-payment (from 1 April 2026) on the insurer-covered portion above MediShield Life. This applies to all new and renewed riders regardless of insurer.
- For private hospital day surgery, your out-of-pocket cost can be substantial if your surgeon’s fee exceeds the TOSP allowable amount. Always request a fee estimate and compare it to the TOSP table before proceeding.
- Pre-authorise your ISP claim before day surgery to avoid paying first and claiming later. Contact your insurer’s hotline as soon as your surgery date is confirmed.
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or medical advice. Medisave withdrawal limits and MediShield Life benefits are subject to change. Always verify current figures with CPF Board and MOH before making decisions.
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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.
