CPF Medisave Top-Up Calculator Singapore 2026
Calculate how much you can top up to your Medisave Account, your tax relief, and estimated interest earned — free calculator with real-time results in SGD.
CPF Medisave Top-Up Calculator 2026
Your Medisave Top-Up Results
Understanding CPF Medisave Top-Ups for Singapore Investors
Your CPF Medisave Account (MA) is one of Singapore’s most tax-efficient savings vehicles, earning a guaranteed 4% per annum — significantly higher than any standard savings account. Yet many Singaporeans leave Medisave top-ups off their financial planning checklist, missing out on both compound interest and substantial income tax relief. In 2026, the Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) is S$75,500, meaning you can voluntarily top up your MA until it reaches this cap. Cash top-ups to your own CPF accounts (SA + MA combined) qualify for up to S$8,000 in tax relief under IRAS rules (as at Q1 2026). For a median Singapore household earning S$80,000–S$120,000 a year, this translates to a real tax saving of S$560–S$920 per year — while your Medisave balance continues compounding at 4%.
Not financial advice. All figures are for educational reference only. Data as at Q1 2026 unless noted. Consult CPF Board and IRAS for your individual situation.
What Is the Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS)?
The Basic Healthcare Sum is the cap set by CPF Board on how much can sit in your Medisave Account. Once your MA hits the BHS, mandatory CPF contributions are redirected to your Special Account (SA) or Retirement Account (RA), and voluntary cash top-ups to MA are no longer permitted. The BHS is reviewed annually and typically increases each year to keep pace with healthcare inflation. For 2026 the BHS is S$75,500 — up from S$71,500 in 2025. If you are below the BHS, every dollar of voluntary top-up earns a guaranteed 4% interest and may qualify for tax relief.
CPF Medisave Interest Rate and Compounding
Medisave earns the CPF Ordinary Account (OA) interest rate plus 1.5%, giving a floor of 4% per annum. This is guaranteed by the Singapore government and credited monthly. On a balance of S$50,000, 4% p.a. yields S$2,000 in interest annually — entirely tax-free since CPF interest is not subject to Singapore income tax. When you compound this over 10–20 years, the impact is material: S$50,000 growing at 4% for 20 years becomes approximately S$109,556. This makes Medisave one of the best risk-free savings instruments available to Singapore residents.
How to Use This CPF Medisave Top-Up Calculator
- Enter your current Medisave balance: Check your CPF Statement online at cpf.gov.sg. This is your current MA balance before any top-up.
- Enter your age: Age is used for context. CPF contribution rates and BHS eligibility vary slightly by age band, but the BHS cap (S$75,500 in 2026) applies to all members below 65.
- Set your top-up amount: Use the slider or type directly. The calculator automatically caps your eligible top-up at the gap between your current balance and the BHS (S$75,500).
- Enter your annual taxable income: This allows the calculator to estimate your marginal tax rate and show you roughly how much income tax you will save through the S$8,000 CPF cash top-up tax relief.
Results show instantly: your eligible top-up amount, tax relief, estimated tax saved, new MA balance, projected annual 4% interest, and remaining room to the BHS.
Pro tip: Combine this calculator with our CPF Cash Top-Up Tax Relief Calculator to optimise both your SA and MA top-ups for maximum tax savings.
Contents — Click to Expand
What Is a CPF Medisave Top-Up?
A CPF Medisave top-up is a voluntary cash contribution you make directly into your Medisave Account (MA) or that of a family member. Unlike mandatory CPF contributions that flow automatically from your salary, a voluntary top-up is an active decision to set aside extra funds for future healthcare costs. Medisave can be used for MediShield Life premiums, hospitalisation, day surgery, outpatient treatments (including certain chronic disease management), and approved integrated shield plans. Because withdrawals are ring-fenced to approved medical uses, the Singapore government rewards voluntary top-ups with a guaranteed 4% interest rate — well above inflation and most fixed deposits.
Voluntary cash top-ups can be made any time through the CPF website (cpf.gov.sg), bank transfers, or the CPF Mobile app. There is no minimum top-up amount, and you can top up on behalf of your parents, grandparents, or spouse to help them reach the BHS faster. Top-ups on behalf of family members also qualify for a separate S$8,000 tax relief, giving households with multiple CPF members potentially significant combined tax savings. For self-employed persons (SEPs) who are not automatically contributing to Medisave via employer deductions, topping up Medisave is especially important to maintain MediShield Life coverage.
It is important to note that once money is in your Medisave Account, it is locked for healthcare use and cannot be withdrawn as cash. This illiquidity premium is offset by the 4% guaranteed return and tax relief — but you should only top up amounts you genuinely do not need for immediate living expenses.
How CPF Medisave Top-Ups Work: The Maths Behind the BHS
The Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) acts as the ceiling for your Medisave Account. For 2026 the BHS is S$75,500. The top-up room at any point is simply: BHS minus your current MA balance. If your MA holds S$40,000 today, you can voluntarily top up a maximum of S$35,500 in 2026.
Once your MA is at or above the BHS, mandatory CPF contributions that would otherwise go to MA are diverted: if you are below 55, the overflow goes to your Special Account (SA); if you are 55 and above, it goes to your Retirement Account (RA). No additional voluntary cash top-ups to MA are permitted once the BHS is reached.
The tax relief arithmetic is straightforward. Cash top-ups to your own CPF accounts — including both SA and MA — are capped at a combined S$8,000 tax relief per year (IRAS rule as at Q1 2026). So if you top up S$4,000 to your SA and S$4,000 to your MA, you claim exactly S$8,000 in relief. At a marginal tax rate of 7% (typical for income S$40,000–S$80,000), that is S$560 saved. At 11.5% (S$80,000–S$120,000), it is S$920 saved. At 15% (S$120,000–S$160,000), it is S$1,200 saved — on top of the guaranteed 4% compound interest on the entire balance.
Medisave Top-Up Tax Relief vs SA Top-Up in Singapore
Many CPF members wonder whether to prioritise a Medisave top-up or a Special Account top-up. Both fall under the same S$8,000 combined cash top-up relief cap for self-top-ups, so the tax benefit is identical per dollar. The strategic difference lies in purpose and flexibility:
| Feature | Medisave Top-Up | SA Top-Up (RSTU) |
|---|---|---|
| Interest Rate | 4% p.a. | 4% p.a. |
| Tax Relief Cap (self) | S$8,000 combined | S$8,000 combined |
| Withdrawal Use | Healthcare only | Retirement (from 55+) |
| Cap Amount (2026) | BHS S$75,500 | FRS S$213,000 |
| Best For | Healthcare costs, MediShield Life, ageing parents | Retirement income, CPF LIFE payouts |
A balanced approach: prioritise MA top-ups first if you have significant remaining room below BHS (especially if you are in your 30s–40s), then direct remaining capacity to SA. If your MA is already near the BHS, shift the full S$8,000 to an SA top-up. Use our CPF Cash Top-Up Tax Relief Calculator to model both scenarios side by side.
Best Ways to Top Up Medisave in Singapore
Topping up your Medisave Account is straightforward once you know where to go. The primary method is through the CPF website (cpf.gov.sg) — log in with Singpass, navigate to “Top Up CPF Accounts” and select Medisave. You can pay by eNETS, PayNow, or bank transfer from DBS, OCBC, UOB, and other major Singapore banks. The CPF Mobile app also allows quick top-ups directly from your phone.
Self-employed persons (SEPs) in particular should note that their Medisave contribution obligation is computed by IRAS based on net trade income, and is paid via the IRAS myTax Portal. Voluntary top-ups above the mandatory amount follow the same cpf.gov.sg route. If you are topping up for a family member, you will need their CPF Account number (found on their CPF statements) and you can do so online with a separate top-up for each eligible family member. Each eligible recipient’s top-up qualifies for an additional S$8,000 tax relief — separate from your own S$8,000 self top-up cap.
For Singapore investors who prefer a more holistic approach to CPF optimisation, robo-advisors like Endowus offer CPF-invested portfolios (using OA funds) — though Medisave itself cannot be invested in unit trusts or ETFs (it is reserved for healthcare). If you want to grow investment assets alongside your CPF, consider pairing Medisave top-ups with a CPF Investment Scheme (CPFIS) strategy — see our CPFIS Calculator to model returns.
BHS 2026: Key Numbers Every CPF Member Should Know
CPF Board announces updated CPF limits each year. For 2026, the key numbers for Medisave planning are:
| Metric | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) | S$71,500 | S$75,500 |
| Full Retirement Sum (FRS) | S$205,800 | S$213,000 |
| Medisave Interest Rate | 4% p.a. | 4% p.a. |
| Cash Top-Up Tax Relief (self) | S$8,000 | S$8,000 |
| Cash Top-Up Relief (family) | S$8,000 | S$8,000 |
Note: Members who turn 65 in 2026 will have their MA balance pegged at the BHS applicable in the year they turn 65 — that amount becomes fixed for life, and subsequent increases to the BHS do not change their individual cap. For those below 65, the BHS rises each year, creating a “moving target” that provides more room to top up over time. Use our CPF LIFE Payout Calculator to see how Medisave interacts with your CPF LIFE income in retirement.
Medisave as Part of Your Singapore Retirement Strategy
A robust Singapore retirement plan typically involves three CPF pillars working together: OA (housing and investments), SA/RA (retirement income via CPF LIFE), and MA (healthcare in retirement). The Medisave Account is often the most underrated of the three. With healthcare costs in Singapore rising at roughly 6–8% annually according to MOH data, having a fully funded Medisave Account — at or near the BHS — acts as a dedicated healthcare endowment fund that earns 4% tax-free every year.
For Singapore investors pursuing passive income through S-REITs and dividend stocks, Medisave top-ups provide a complementary risk-free return. Rather than viewing CPF contributions as money “locked away”, think of Medisave as your healthcare-specific savings account with a guaranteed 4% yield — better than SSBs and competitive with T-bills on a risk-adjusted basis. Pair a fully funded Medisave with a strong dividend portfolio to cover both day-to-day living and healthcare in retirement. Our Retirement Planning Calculator lets you model how Medisave and investment income combine to fund your retirement. Also see the CPF Retirement Sum Calculator for a complete picture of your CPF LIFE income at 65.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CPF Medisave top-up limit for 2026?
The maximum Medisave Account balance allowed is the Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) of S$75,500 in 2026. Your personal top-up limit is the gap between your current MA balance and the BHS. For example, if your MA holds S$40,000, you can voluntarily top up a maximum of S$35,500 in 2026. There is no minimum top-up amount.
How much tax relief do I get for a Medisave top-up?
Cash top-ups to your own CPF accounts (SA and MA combined) qualify for up to S$8,000 in income tax relief per year under IRAS rules (as at Q1 2026). Cash top-ups to eligible family members’ CPF accounts (SA or MA) qualify for an additional S$8,000 in tax relief — separate from your own cap. So a couple could claim up to S$16,000 in combined CPF cash top-up relief between them.
Can I top up Medisave for my parents in Singapore?
Yes. You can make cash top-ups to the Medisave Accounts of your parents, grandparents, spouse, and siblings (provided they are Singapore Citizens or PRs). Top-ups to eligible family members qualify for up to S$8,000 in additional income tax relief, completely separate from the S$8,000 cap for your own CPF top-ups. Your family member’s MA must also be below their applicable BHS for the top-up to be accepted.
What is the interest rate on Medisave in 2026?
Medisave earns a guaranteed 4% per annum interest rate (the same as the CPF Special Account floor rate). Interest is credited monthly and compounded annually. This rate is set by CPF Board and has been stable at 4% for many years. It significantly outperforms standard Singapore savings accounts (typically 0.05%–3.5%) and is comparable to, or better than, current T-bill and SSB yields on a risk-free basis.
Is it worth topping up Medisave or should I invest instead?
For most Singapore residents, a partial Medisave top-up up to the tax relief threshold of S$8,000 makes strong financial sense — you get a guaranteed 4% return plus real tax savings of S$560–S$1,200 or more depending on your income. Beyond the tax relief cap, the 4% guaranteed return remains attractive versus risk-free alternatives, but you should weigh it against your need for liquidity (Medisave cannot be withdrawn as cash) and the potential for higher returns through S-REIT or dividend investing. A diversified approach — topping up Medisave to the BHS over time while building a dividend portfolio — is a common strategy among Singapore retirement planners.
What can Medisave be used to pay for in Singapore?
Medisave can be used for hospitalisation, day surgery, certain outpatient treatments (including chemotherapy, dialysis, and chronic disease management under the Medisave500/700 schemes), MediShield Life premiums, approved integrated shield plan premiums, and certain dental procedures. It cannot be used for general GP visits under most circumstances unless the patient is enrolled in an approved Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP). Full details are on the CPF Board website (cpf.gov.sg).
How do I check my current Medisave balance in Singapore?
Log in to the CPF website at cpf.gov.sg using your Singpass. Your Medisave Account balance is shown on the CPF dashboard under “My CPF Overview”. You can also check via the CPF Mobile app (available on iOS and Android). Your annual CPF Statement, mailed or accessible digitally, also shows your MA balance as at 31 December each year.
Does topping up Medisave affect my OA or SA balances?
No — a voluntary cash top-up to Medisave goes directly into your MA and does not affect your OA or SA balances. However, the tax relief for MA top-ups is counted in the same S$8,000 annual cap as SA top-ups (RSTU), so topping up your MA reduces the remaining tax-relief-eligible amount available for SA top-ups in the same year. Plan both top-ups together to maximise your S$8,000 combined relief. Our CPF Cash Top-Up Tax Relief Calculator can help you split the optimal amount between SA and MA.
What happens to Medisave when I turn 65 in Singapore?
When you turn 65, your Medisave Account balance is compared against the BHS applicable in the year you turn 65. If your balance is at or above that BHS, your MA is considered fully funded and no further mandatory contributions flow into it — they are redirected to your Retirement Account instead. Your MA balance remains in place to fund healthcare costs in retirement, continuing to earn 4% interest. Voluntary top-ups to MA are no longer permitted once you have reached the BHS at age 65.
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