Monthly Payout
$689+ (2026)
Payout Duration
Lifetime
Premium Payment
MediSave
Singapore's national long-term care insurance schemes providing lifetime monthly payouts for severe disability. CareShield Life replaced ElderShield in 2020 with enhanced benefits including lifetime coverage and annual payout increases.
The Basics
CareShield Life is Singapore's national long-term care insurance scheme that provides basic financial support if you become severely disabled and cannot perform at least 3 of the 6 Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
It replaced ElderShield in 2020 and is mandatory for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents born in 1980 or later. The scheme provides lifetime payouts that increase over time, funded by premiums that can be fully paid using MediSave.
From January 2026, the annual payout growth rate has doubled from 2% to 4%. The government is providing over $570 million in subsidies to help with premium increases.
| Monthly Payout (2026) | From $689/month |
| Payout Duration | Lifetime |
| Annual Payout Increase | 4% per year |
| Premium Period | Until age 67 |
| Auto-Enrollment Age | Age 30 |
| Eligibility | Citizens & PRs |
Long-term care costs can last for years, potentially exhausting family savings and retirement funds.
MediShield Life and hospital plans focus on medical bills. They do not replace long-term income.
CareShield Life provides monthly cash to support daily living needs when you can no longer care for yourself.
The Reality
1 in 2
Singaporeans healthy at 65 are at risk of becoming severely disabled
$2,952
Average monthly cost of long-term care including all expenses
10+ Years
Average duration of long-term care claims
$391
Medication
$430
Personal Care
$166
Transport
$369
Home Mods
2 in 3
Fear Being a Burden
Are concerned about becoming a burden to their loved ones
59%
Deplete Family Savings
Of caregivers dip into personal savings to finance care
Nursing home costs range from
$2,200 - $4,200/month
Before MOH subsidies • Source: Agency for Integrated Care
Claim Criteria
Unable to perform at least 3 out of 6 Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) independently
Washing
Bathing or showering
Dressing
Putting on or removing clothes
Feeding
Eating prepared food
Toileting
Using toilet, managing hygiene
Mobility
Moving indoors room to room
Transferring
Bed to chair movement
Assessments conducted by MOH-accredited assessors. First assessment is free.
The Problem
CareShield Life alone may not be enough for quality long-term care
Optional upgrade for adequate protection
Recommended by MOH for all Singaporeans & PRs to enhance their coverage
Government-mandated for SC/PR born 1980+
Without a supplement, there is a $2,263/month gap in coverage
Comparison
CareShield Life replaced ElderShield in October 2020 with significantly improved benefits:
| Feature | ElderShield 300 | ElderShield 400 | CareShield Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Payout | $300/month (Fixed) |
$400/month (Fixed) |
$689+/month (Increases yearly) |
| Maximum Payout Duration | 5 years | 6 years | Lifetime |
| Maximum Total Payout | $18,000 | $28,800 | Unlimited |
| Annual Payout Growth | None | None | 4%/year |
$18,000
Maximum payout
Stops after 5 years
$28,800
Maximum payout
Stops after 6 years
$100,000+
Over 10 years (with growth)
Continues for life
The Solution
Bridge the protection gap with MOH-approved supplements. Up to $600/year payable via MediSave.
CareShield Standard / Plus
Great CareShield Supreme
Care Secure Pro
| Feature | Singlife Standard / Plus |
Great Eastern Great CareShield Supreme |
Income Care Secure Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Benefit | $200 - $5,000 Option: Level or escalating (2-3% p.a.) |
$300 - $5,000 in increments of $10 |
$200 - $5,000 in increments of $10 |
| Maximum Benefit Period | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Claims Eligibility (Monthly Benefit) |
Standard: ≥2 ADLs (100% for 12 mo), ≥3 ADLs (lifetime) Plus: ≥1 ADL (100% for 12 mo), ≥2 ADLs (lifetime) |
≥1 ADL: 50% monthly ≥2 ADLs: 100% monthly |
≥1 ADL: 60% (up to 60 mo before age 75) ≥2 ADLs: 100% monthly |
| Waiting Period | None (90-day deferment for monthly benefit) |
90 days | 90 days |
| Initial Lump Sum Benefit | 3× monthly benefit (≥3 ADLs for Standard, ≥2 ADLs for Plus) |
3× monthly benefit (≥1 ADL) |
3× monthly (≥2 ADLs) 6× monthly (≥3 ADLs) |
| Death Benefit (During Claims) |
3× last monthly benefit | - | 3× monthly benefit |
| Dependant Benefit | 20% of monthly for up to 36 mo (child ≤22 at claim) |
30% of monthly for up to 48 mo (child <22 at claim) |
25% of monthly for up to 36 mo (dependant at claim) |
| Caregiver Relief Benefit | 60% for up to 12 months | 60% for up to 12 months | 60% for up to 12 months |
| Premium Waiver | ≥1 ADL | ≥1 ADL | ≥1 ADL |
| Other Benefits |
✓ Rehabilitation benefit (Standard) ✓ Guaranteed Issuance Option |
- | - |
| Premium Structure | Level or Escalating | Level | Level |
| Entry Age | 30 - 64 | 30 - 64 | 30 - 69 |
Premiums are inclusive of GST. All indicated ages are as of last birthday. Premium rates are non-guaranteed.
📄 View Official MOH Comparison (Sep 2025)
Get a quote for Singlife CareShield in minutes. Up to $600/year payable via MediSave.
Get Singlife CareShield QuoteImportant Tips
Don't Wait Until 37
Most Singaporeans believe the ideal age to start preparing is 37 years old. However, CareShield Life eligibility starts at age 30 - that's 7 years earlier. Starting early means lower premiums and better protection while you're still healthy.
Use up to $600/year from MediSave for CareShield Life Upgrades instead of paying cash.
Age 30 pays ~$266-$394/year. Age 50 pays ~$2,000-$3,000/year for same coverage.
Pre-existing conditions may result in exclusions. Secure coverage while healthy.
Over $570M in support from 2026-2030. Up to 30% subsidies for lower-income households.
Belief
"I already have hospital insurance."
Reality
Hospital plans pay medical bills. CareShield pays monthly living support.
Belief
"My family will take care of me."
Reality
Caregiving has significant financial and emotional cost on loved ones.
Belief
"Government payout is enough."
Reality
$689 covers only 23% of costs. There is a $2,263/month gap.
Questions
Born 1980 or later: You're automatically enrolled when you turn 30 (mandatory for SC/PR).
Born 1970-1979: If you were on ElderShield 400 and not severely disabled, you were auto-enrolled in Dec 2021.
Born before 1970: You can voluntarily join if you're not severely disabled.
1. Contact an MOH-accredited assessor for a disability assessment (first assessment is free).
2. Login to AIC's eService portal (eFASS) with Singpass to submit your claim.
3. Processing takes 6-8 weeks. If approved, payouts start the following month.
MediShield Life: Covers large hospitalisation bills and selected outpatient treatments.
CareShield Life: Provides monthly cash payouts for long-term care if you become severely disabled.
Both are MediSave payable and complement each other.
Yes. Use up to $600/year per insured person from MediSave for CareShield Life Upgrades. You can also pay for immediate family members (spouse, parents, children, siblings, grandchildren). Any amount above $600/year is paid in cash.
Get a CareShield Life Upgrade while you're young and healthy for lower premiums and comprehensive coverage.
MOH-approved supplement providers: