CPF MediSave Contribution Rate Singapore — How Much Goes into MediSave Each Month

CPF MediSave Contribution Rate Singapore — How Much Goes into MediSave Each Month

The CPF MediSave contribution rate is the proportion of monthly CPF contributions allocated specifically to the MediSave Account (MA), earmarked for approved medical expenses, hospitalisation, and healthcare insurance premiums in Singapore.

For informational purposes only. Not financial advice.

Table of Contents

What Is the CPF MediSave Contribution Rate?
CPF MediSave Contribution Rates by Age (2026)
CPF MediSave Account (MA) — What Can It Be Used For?
Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) — The MediSave Cap
How to Optimise Your CPF MediSave
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the CPF MediSave Contribution Rate?

Every working Singapore citizen and permanent resident contributes to the Central Provident Fund (CPF) monthly. CPF contributions are split across three accounts: the Ordinary Account (OA), Special Account (SA), and MediSave Account (MA).

The MediSave contribution rate is the portion of total CPF contributions that goes directly into your MediSave Account. This account earns a guaranteed interest of 4% per annum (as at 2026) and can only be used for approved healthcare purposes — including hospitalisation bills, approved outpatient treatments, and MediShield Life premiums.

Both the employee and employer contribute to CPF. The MediSave allocation applies to the total CPF contribution (employee + employer combined).

CPF MediSave Contribution Rates by Age (2026)

CPF contribution rates and MediSave allocations vary by age group. The rates below are for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents (graduated rates apply for new PRs in their first two years). As at Q1 2026:

Age Group Employee CPF Rate Employer CPF Rate Total CPF Rate MediSave Allocation (of total)
Below 35 20% 17% 37% 10.5%
35 – 45 20% 17% 37% 11.5%
45 – 50 20% 17% 37% 13%
50 – 55 20% 17% 37% 15%
55 – 60 15% 15% 30% 15.5%
60 – 65 10.5% 11.5% 22% 15.5%
Above 65 7.5% 9.5% 17% 15.5%

Note: Always verify the latest rates on the CPF Board website (cpf.gov.sg) as rates are subject to periodic review and Budget announcements.

As you age, a larger percentage of your total CPF contributions is directed to MediSave, reflecting the higher healthcare costs associated with older age groups.

CPF MediSave Account (MA) — What Can It Be Used For?

MediSave funds can only be used for approved medical purposes. Key uses include:

Hospitalisation: MediSave can be used to pay hospitalisation bills (including day surgeries) at approved hospitals. There are per-day withdrawal limits depending on ward class and procedure.

MediShield Life premiums: MediShield Life is Singapore’s mandatory national health insurance scheme. Premiums are automatically deducted from MediSave annually.

Integrated Shield Plan (IP) premiums: The MediSave-approved portion of private Integrated Shield Plans can be paid using MediSave, up to a yearly MediSave withdrawal limit.

CareShield Life premiums: Premiums for CareShield Life (long-term care disability insurance) are payable from MediSave.

Approved outpatient treatments: Certain outpatient treatments, chronic disease management, and vaccinations are MediSave-claimable under the Outpatient Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP) and other MAS-approved programmes.

MediSave cannot be used for general outpatient GP visits (unless under approved programmes), cosmetic procedures, or overseas medical treatment (with limited exceptions).

Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) — The MediSave Cap

The MediSave Account has a contribution cap called the Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS). Once your MA balance reaches the BHS, additional contributions that would normally flow to MediSave are redirected to your Special Account (or Retirement Account for those aged 55+).

As at 2026, the BHS is S$71,500 (exact figure subject to CPF Board annual revision — verify at cpf.gov.sg). The BHS is adjusted annually to keep pace with projected lifetime healthcare costs.

Once you reach the BHS, you effectively receive more into your OA or SA, which can then be invested or used for housing. Many CPF members in their 40s and 50s are approaching or have exceeded the BHS, causing their excess MediSave contributions to top up their SA.

How to Optimise Your CPF MediSave

For most Singapore employees, MediSave is largely automated — contributions flow in monthly and premiums are deducted automatically. However, there are some optimisation considerations:

Voluntary MediSave top-ups: You can make voluntary cash top-ups to your MediSave up to the BHS. Top-ups to your own MA are eligible for a dollar-for-dollar tax relief (capped annually — check the IRAS website for the latest figure).

Top-up family members’ MA: You can top up the MA of immediate family members. Cash top-ups to a family member’s MA are also eligible for tax relief, subject to IRAS annual caps.

Monitor your BHS: Track your MediSave balance. If you are nearing the BHS, your excess MediSave contributions will automatically flow to your SA, helping grow your retirement nest egg.

For a comprehensive CPF overview, see CPF Special Account and SRS Account Singapore guides on TKN.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CPF MediSave contribution rate in Singapore?
The CPF MediSave contribution rate is the percentage of total monthly CPF contributions allocated to your MediSave Account. For employees below 35, approximately 10.5% of wages go to MediSave. The proportion increases with age, reaching 15.5% for those aged 55 and above, as at 2026.
How is CPF MediSave calculated on my salary?
Your employer and you each contribute a percentage of your monthly salary to CPF. The MediSave portion is calculated as a fixed percentage of the total contribution based on your age bracket. For example, for a 30-year-old earning S$5,000, total CPF contribution is S$1,850 (37%), of which approximately 10.5% of the S$5,000 wage = S$525 goes to MediSave.
What is the Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) for MediSave?
The Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) is the maximum balance you can hold in your MediSave Account. As at 2026, the BHS is S$71,500. Once your MA reaches this amount, additional MediSave contributions are redirected to your Special Account or Retirement Account.
Can I invest CPF MediSave in stocks or REITs?
No. MediSave funds cannot be used for investments. They are ring-fenced for approved healthcare expenditure, including hospitalisation, MediShield Life premiums, CareShield Life premiums, and approved outpatient treatments.
Does topping up MediSave give tax relief?
Yes. Cash top-ups to your own MediSave Account qualify for tax relief (subject to IRAS annual limits). Top-ups to an immediate family member’s MediSave also qualify. Check the IRAS website for the latest relief caps before making top-ups.

Disclaimer: Content on The Kopi Notes is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.