Medisave is a personal savings account for all Singaporeans to help tackle heavy medical expenses should the need arise in the future. The Medisave account is part of the 3 accounts under our Central Provident Fund (CPF) and is contributed by a withdrawal of a part of our monthly income. More information about Medisave contributions and when we can use Medisave can be found here.
MediShield Life, on the other hand, is a low-cost medical insurance initiative to help Singaporeans pay for larger B2/C class wards hospitalisation bills. MediShield Life replaced MediShield at the end of 2015 to provide lifelong protection for all Singaporeans against large hospitalisation bills. For more information about MediShield Life and premiums and subsidies, read more here.
Medisave and Medishield Life can be used together to pay hospitalisation bills, The difference is that Medishield life is designed to help pay larger B2/C hospitalisation bills, while Medisave for smaller ones. Of course, you still can reap the benefits of Medishield life whichever ward class (A/B1) you choose to stay in, or in a private hospital. The benefits are just pegged based on the costs of class B2/C wards.
Medisave has also been expanded for more outpatient uses such as long-term treatment for chronic illnesses ie. cancer treatment, and preventive health measures such as health screenings and newborn vaccinations.
The needs for outpatient treatments are greater in old age when one is more likely to have more health problems, and incur higher medical expenses, especially towards the end of life. This is why there are withdrawal limits for Medisave so that you have enough Medisave for your lifelong needs. Hence, we have to use our Medisave wisely to ensure enough to pay for Medishield Life premiums and higher medical expenses in the future.
Through Medisave and Medishield Life, Singapore’s government ensures affordable, dependable and accessible healthcare for the masses.