Compulsory national health insurance covering large hospital bills and selected outpatient treatments. Premiums are paid from MediSave.
MediShield Life is Singapore's compulsory national health insurance scheme, run by the CPF Board. It covers large hospital bills and selected outpatient treatments (dialysis, chemotherapy, immunotherapy).
Coverage is for life — premiums are charged but the policy cannot lapse. Pre-existing conditions are also covered (unlike private plans).
Inpatient hospitalisation: targeted at subsidised Class B2 and C wards in public hospitals. Coverage extends to Class A and private hospital stays but with the same payout limits, leaving large gaps that an Integrated Shield Plan fills.
Approved outpatient treatments: kidney dialysis, immunosuppressants, cancer drugs and treatments (within the Cancer Drug List), erythropoietin, parenteral nutrition.
Annual claim limit: S$200,000 (no lifetime cap since 2021).
Deductible: payable per claim, ranging from S$1,500 to S$3,500 depending on age and ward class.
Co-insurance: 10% of the bill above the deductible. Reduced to 3% for very large bills.
Remaining gap: a real bill of S$60,000 might leave you with deductible + co-insurance of around S$5,000 – S$7,500 even with MediShield Life.
Premiums rise with age — S$200 / year for young adults to S$2,000+ in your 80s.
Premiums can be paid entirely from MediSave (subject to annual withdrawal limits).
Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation Singaporeans receive premium subsidies; lower-income households can also apply for Additional Premium Support.
Most Singaporeans top up MediShield Life with an Integrated Shield Plan to cover Class A or private hospital costs and reduce co-insurance via riders.
Large hospital bills (especially Class B2 / C wards in public hospitals) and select outpatient treatments — kidney dialysis, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other cancer treatments on the Cancer Drug List. Universal coverage for all Singapore Citizens and PRs for life.
Coverage targets Class B2 / C public ward bills. For higher ward classes (Class A or private), payouts have hard caps that leave significant gaps — which an Integrated Shield Plan fills. Annual claim limit is S$200,000 with no lifetime cap.
Entirely from your MediSave account, subject to annual withdrawal limits. Premiums rise with age, from ~S$200/year in your 20s to S$2,000+/year in your 80s. Pioneer / Merdeka Generation seniors and lower-income households get subsidies.
If you'd ever choose Class A or a private hospital, yes — MediShield Life alone leaves substantial gaps at those ward tiers. If you'll always go subsidised (Class B2 / C), MediShield Life alone is workable.