KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) for 2026 rises to S$79,000 for CPF members below 65.
- This affects how much you can keep in MediSave and where excess CPF contributions go.
- Change starts 1 January 2026; top-ups are optional but irreversible.
If you track your CPF closely, this one is worth your attention. From 1 January 2026, the Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) goes up again — and yes, it affects how your MediSave grows.
For most Singaporeans, BHS isn’t about getting free money. It’s about understanding how much you’re allowed to keep in MediSave, and where your CPF contributions will flow once you hit that cap. Miss this detail, and your retirement planning assumptions might be off.
What exactly is the Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS)?
In simple terms, BHS is the maximum amount you can hold in your MediSave Account (MA). Think of it as a ceiling set by the Government to ensure CPF members have enough set aside for basic subsidised healthcare needs in old age.
Once your MediSave balance hits the BHS, any future CPF contributions meant for MediSave won’t disappear. They get redirected to your Special Account (SA) or Retirement Account (RA), depending on your age. The BHS figure is reviewed yearly — but only for members below 65.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026 BHS amount | S$79,000 |
| Effective date | 1 January 2026 |
| Who it applies to | CPF members below 65 in 2026 |
| Cohort rule | BHS is fixed for life once you turn 65 |
| What happens at cap | Excess CPF contributions flow to SA or RA |
What changed for 2026?
The headline update is straightforward. From 1 January 2026, the BHS increases to S$79,000 for all CPF members who are below 65 years old in 2026.
If you turn 65 in 2026, S$79,000 becomes your cohort BHS, locked in for life. If you already turned 65 earlier, nothing changes — your BHS stays at the amount that applied when you hit 65. For example, someone who turned 65 in 2025 keeps their S$75,500 BHS.
Why the increase? Healthcare costs don’t stay still. The annual adjustment reflects expected long-term healthcare spending, not a sudden policy shift.
Who does this apply to?
This applies automatically to all CPF members — Singapore Citizens and PRs — who have a MediSave Account. There’s no application, no opt-in, and no form to fill.
If you’re under 65 in 2026, the S$79,000 figure determines your MediSave cap. If you’re turning 65, that same number becomes your permanent cohort limit. If you’re already past 65, your cohort BHS remains unchanged.
Does BHS mean you receive S$79,000 in cash?
No — and this is where people get confused.
BHS is not a payout, grant, or bonus. It’s an accounting cap. When the BHS rises, CPF doesn’t credit you money. Instead, it changes:
- how much you’re allowed to keep in MediSave,
- where new CPF contributions are allocated, and
- how you plan voluntary top-ups.
How to check your MediSave balance and BHS
Checking is quick and fully online. Log in to myCPF (website or app) using SingPass. Your dashboard shows your current MediSave balance and whether you’re near or at your applicable BHS.
If you’re turning 65 or already there, your cohort BHS will also be displayed. Not sure what you’re seeing? CPF’s helpdesk and AskGov pages explain common scenarios clearly.
How to top up your MediSave (if you choose to)
First — an important warning. Cash top-ups to MediSave are irreversible. Once the money goes in, you can’t take it back.
If you still decide to top up, CPF’s system makes it quite straightforward:
- Log in to myCPF.
- Go to “Top up your MediSave Account”.
- The system auto-calculates how much more you (or your family member) can receive before hitting the BHS.
- Choose the recipient and enter the amount.
- Pay via PayNow, debit, or GIRO.
You can top up your own account or eligible family members (parents, spouse, siblings, grandparents), subject to CPF rules.
Tax relief: is there any benefit?
Yes, potentially. Under CPF Cash Top-up Relief, you may qualify for income tax relief of up to S$16,000 per Year of Assessment, commonly split as:
- up to S$8,000 for topping up your own CPF accounts, and
- up to S$8,000 for eligible family members.
Exact eligibility depends on who you top up and their age. Always check IRAS rules before assuming relief applies.
Practical planning tips for Singaporeans
If your MediSave balance is far below BHS, topping up can improve healthcare security — but only if your cash flow allows it. No need to rush; top-ups are optional.
If you’re already near or at BHS, remember future CPF contributions will flow into SA or RA instead. That can actually work in your favour, depending on your retirement strategy and interest rates.
For adult children, topping up parents’ MediSave can help with healthcare planning while also offering tax relief. Just double-check caps before transferring any money.
Frequently Asked Questions
I turn 65 in 2026 — what is my BHS?
Your cohort BHS is S$79,000, fixed for life once you turn 65.
I’m already 66 in 2026 — does this increase apply to me?
No. Your BHS stays at the amount that applied when you turned 65 (for example, S$75,500 if you turned 65 in 2025).
Can I reverse a MediSave top-up if I make a mistake?
No. All cash top-ups to MediSave are irreversible, so double-check before confirming payment.
Useful official links & resources (start here)
- Ministry of Health — CPF interest rates & Basic Healthcare Sum for 2026 (press release) — explains the 1 Jan 2026 BHS change. Ministry of Health
- CPF — What is the Basic Healthcare Sum? — official explanation of BHS and cohort rules. Central Provident Fund
- CPF — Top up MediSave Account / Top up options — step-by-step forms and online top-up. Central Provident Fund+1
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