MediSave Top-Ups 2026 Singapore: BHS S$79,000, MMSS & Tax Relief

Thinking of topping up your MediSave in 2026? You’re not alone. Between rising healthcare costs and new CPF schemes kicking in, many Singaporeans are asking the same question — worth topping up now or not?

Short answer: for many people, yes, but only if you understand the new limits, matching rules, and tax relief properly. Get it wrong, and you might lock up cash you can’t touch.

MediSave Top-Ups 2026 Singapore

Item	2026 Details	Why It Matters
Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS)	S$79,000 (under age 65)	Sets the maximum MediSave balance you can build up
Matched MediSave Scheme (MMSS)	2026–2030, match up to S$1,000/year	Free government money if you qualify
CPF Cash Top-Up Tax Relief	Up to S$16,000/year	Lowers your income tax bill
Top-Up Methods	PayNow, bank transfer, CPF savings	Fast but irreversible
Refundable?	No	Once topped up, cannot take back

What Changed in 2026 (Big Picture)

The biggest headline is the Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) increase to S$79,000 for members below 65. This means you can now hold more money in MediSave before hitting the cap — useful if you’re planning ahead for hospitalisation, premiums, or long-term healthcare needs.

The other major update is the introduction of the Matched MediSave Scheme (MMSS) from 2026 to 2030. For eligible Singaporeans aged 55 to 70, the government will match voluntary cash top-ups dollar-for-dollar, capped at S$1,000 per year. Free money is free money — but not everyone qualifies.

CPF interest rates and healthcare-related adjustments were also announced for early 2026, which slightly affect how your MediSave grows over time. Not dramatic, but still worth noting.

Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS): Why This Number Matters

Think of the BHS as the ceiling for your MediSave. Once your balance hits S$79,000 (for those under 65), you cannot top up beyond that amount through voluntary contributions that count towards MediSave.

This matters because:

• You can’t get tax relief for amounts that don’t go into MediSave.
• You may not qualify for government matching if your balance is already too high.
• Any excess CPF contributions get redirected elsewhere, not into MediSave.

For most working adults, knowing how much “room” you have before hitting the BHS is the first step before any top-up.

Matched MediSave Scheme (MMSS): Who Should Pay Attention

This scheme is clearly aimed at helping older Singaporeans with lower MediSave balances.

Who may qualify (high-level):

• Singapore Citizens aged 55–70
• Average monthly income at or below the stated threshold (around S$4,000, subject to official confirmation)
• Owns no more than one property
• MediSave balance below half of BHS

If you qualify and voluntarily top up S$1,000, the government adds another S$1,000 into your MediSave. That’s an instant 100% return, but capped at S$1,000 per year.

Important: matching is not automatic for everyone. CPF will apply strict checks, so always confirm eligibility before topping up.

Tax Relief on MediSave Top-Ups (Don’t Assume Everything Qualifies)

CPF cash top-up relief still applies in 2026, but many people misunderstand the limits.

You can claim up to S$16,000 per Year of Assessment, split as:

• S$8,000 for topping up yourself
• S$8,000 for topping up eligible family members

However, not all top-ups qualify fully, and there are age-based and account-specific caps. If you top up more than allowed, the excess won’t give you extra tax savings.

Honestly speaking, if you’re planning large top-ups, double-check IRAS rules or ask a tax advisor. No need to overthink — just don’t assume.

Who Can Top Up and How It Works

You can top up:

• Your own MediSave
• Eligible family members (spouse, parents, grandparents, children)

Most top-ups are done online via CPF e-Services using:

• PayNow (QR or app)
• Online bank transfer
• CPF savings transfer (from OA)

One critical reminder: top-ups are irreversible. Once CPF accepts the money, there is no “undo”.

Limits and Real-Life Example

The main limit is simple:

• Maximum top-up = BHS – your current MediSave balance

Example:
If your MediSave balance is S$70,000 in 2026, and the BHS is S$79,000, you can top up S$9,000.

If you qualify for MMSS and top up S$1,000, you may receive S$1,000 extra from the government, bringing the total credited to S$2,000 for that year.

Tax relief still applies separately, subject to IRAS caps.

Step-by-Step: How to Top Up MediSave Safely

1. Log in to CPF e-Services and check your current MediSave balance.
2. Confirm how much room you have before hitting the BHS.
3. Check whether you qualify for tax relief or MMSS matching.
4. Submit the MediSave top-up form via CPF e-Services.
5. Pay using PayNow or approved banking methods.
6. Keep your receipt and check CPF statements later for confirmation.

Double-check NRIC numbers and amounts — mistakes cannot be reversed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a deadline for MediSave top-ups to get tax relief?

Yes. The top-up must be made within the calendar year for it to count toward that Year of Assessment.

Can I top up my child’s MediSave account?

Yes, if the child meets CPF eligibility rules. Relationship and age conditions apply.

Will I automatically receive MMSS matching after topping up?

No. Matching only applies if you meet all MMSS eligibility criteria for that year.

Practical Tips for Singapore Residents

Once you turn 65, your personal BHS is locked in — it may differ from future annual BHS figures. Always check yours.

If tax relief is your main goal, plan your top-ups carefully around the S$16,000 cap.

For lower-income Singaporeans aged 55–70, MMSS is one of the rare times the government literally matches your cash. If you qualify, it’s hard to beat.

Keep all CPF statements and payment records. It saves headaches later.