Complete guide to MediSave, MediShield Life, CareShield Life, and Integrated Shield Plans
Singapore's healthcare financing is built in layers. Each scheme serves a specific purpose in your overall protection.
Your healthcare savings account
National health insurance
Severe disability coverage
Private hospital coverage
These schemes are designed to work together. MediSave funds your insurance premiums. MediShield Life provides the base coverage. CareShield Life protects against disability. Integrated Shield Plans enhance for private care. Understanding the layers helps you avoid over-insurance or gaps.
MediSave is Singapore's national medical savings scheme. It helps CPF members set aside part of their income for future healthcare expenses and insurance premiums.
Hospital bills for you and your dependants
Approved outpatient surgical procedures
Diabetes, hypertension, and other conditions
Preventive care and health checks
National health insurance for all Singaporeans/PRs
Enhanced coverage from private insurers
Long-term care insurance premiums
Term/whole life with MediSave-approved components
MediSave should be viewed as risk funding, not emergency cash. Overdrawing it early increases long-term healthcare vulnerability. Use it strategically to pay insurance premiums rather than depleting it on ad-hoc expenses.
MediShield Life is Singapore's basic national health insurance scheme. It provides coverage for large hospital bills and costly outpatient treatments like dialysis and chemotherapy.
Protection from birth to end of life, with no exclusions for pre-existing conditions
Covers public hospital B2/C ward stays and selected treatments
Premiums fully payable using MediSave with government subsidies
MediShield Life is the foundation. You cannot opt out. Integrated Shield Plans build on top of this. They are not replacements. Before buying an Integrated Shield Plan, ensure you understand what MediShield Life already covers.
CareShield Life is Singapore's national long-term care insurance scheme. It provides monthly cash payouts if you become severely disabled and need long-term care.
Monthly cash for as long as you remain severely disabled
Payouts increase 2% yearly until 67 or claim
Premiums fully payable using MediSave
Premium subsidies available based on income
| Feature | ElderShield | CareShield Life |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | 5-6 years | Lifetime |
| Monthly Payout | $300-$400 | From $600 (increasing) |
| Premium Payment | Until 65 | Until 67 |
| Payout Growth | Fixed | +2% yearly |
While CareShield Life provides basic coverage, you can enhance protection with private supplements:
Private supplements should focus on higher monthly payout and earlier trigger, not overlapping base coverage. The goal is to fill the gap between CareShield Life payout and actual care costs (which can exceed $3,000/month for quality nursing care).
Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) are private health insurance that builds on top of MediShield Life. They provide higher coverage limits and access to private hospitals or Class A/B1 wards.
Full access to private hospitals
Single-bedded ward in public hospitals
4-bedded air-con ward in public hospitals
No IP needed. Covered by MediShield Life.
Before upgrading to Private Hospital class, ask yourself: Can I afford the premiums long-term? Premiums increase with age and can exceed $1,000/year after 60. Many people find Class A or B1 sufficient. Downgrading later may result in exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
All schemes at a glance
| Scheme | Purpose | Type | Funding | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
💰
MediSave
|
Healthcare savings | Savings account | CPF contributions | Yes |
|
🛡️
MediShield Life
|
Hospital bills & treatments | National insurance | MediSave / Cash | Yes |
|
🤝
CareShield Life
|
Severe disability care | National insurance | MediSave / Cash | Yes (1980+) |
|
🏨
Integrated Shield
|
Enhanced hospital coverage | Private insurance | MediSave / Cash | Optional |
Understanding how MediSave, MediShield Life, CareShield Life, and Integrated Shield Plans work together can be complex. Let us help you optimize your healthcare protection. Free consultation, no obligations.