GUIDES
12 Mar 2026 · Updated 4 Sep 2026 · By Dr Jamie Wong, BDSc (Queensland)
Medisave for Dental Treatment in Singapore (2026): What’s Claimable, Limits & How to Claim
One of the most common questions we get at Trust Dental Surgery is whether Medisave can be used for dental work. The short answer is yes — but only for certain procedures. Here is a clear breakdown of what is and is not claimable.
Key Takeaway (2026)
Medisave-claimable: dental implant surgery — up to $1,950 per implant for the surgical stage (crown and abutment excluded; e.g. a $2,449 implant with crown = $1,950 Medisave + $499 cash) · surgical wisdom tooth removal · gum and jaw surgery · surgical removal of an implant (up to $490). Not claimable under standard Medisave: root canal treatment, crowns, bridges, fillings, dentures, scaling, braces, cosmetic work. Flexi-MediSave (age 60+): up to $400 a year for root canal treatment and permanent crowns at CHAS dental clinics from 1 June 2026. CHAS is a separate subsidy scheme and does not cover implants.
What Is Medisave?
Medisave is a national medical savings scheme in Singapore, managed by the Central Provident Fund (CPF). Every working Singaporean and Permanent Resident contributes a portion of their monthly income to their Medisave account. These funds can be used to pay for certain approved medical and dental procedures.
Unlike MediShield Life (which is insurance), Medisave is a savings account — you are spending your own money, just from a dedicated healthcare fund. The key is knowing which dental procedures qualify for Medisave claims.
Which Dental Procedures Are Medisave Claimable?
Not all dental treatments can be paid for with Medisave. The Ministry of Health (MOH) only allows Medisave to be used for surgical dental procedures. Here are the main treatments that qualify:
Surgical extraction of wisdom teeth is fully Medisave claimable. This is the most commonly claimed dental procedure in Singapore. The Medisave withdrawal limit covers the surgical fee, and in many cases, patients pay nothing out of pocket (or only a small co-payment for consultation and medication).
At Trust Dental, wisdom tooth surgery is one of our most popular procedures, and we process Medisave claims directly so you do not need to handle the paperwork yourself.
2. dental implant Surgery — Up to $1,950 per Implant
The surgical component of dental implant placement is Medisave claimable up to $1,950 per implant. The $1,950 is the Medisave claim, not the price of the implant. The implant crown (the visible tooth part) and the abutment are restorative components and are not covered by Medisave; at Trust Dental Surgery a $2,449 implant with crown works out to $499 cash after the $1,950 claim. How the claim works, multi-implant claims and the process: Medisave claims for dental implants explained.
For patients needing multiple implants or All-on-4 treatment, the claimable amount adds up and can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket cost.
3. gum surgery (Periodontal Surgery)
Surgical treatment for gum disease, including flap surgery and bone grafting procedures, is Medisave claimable. The claimable amount depends on the complexity of the procedure and the Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP) classification.
4. Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)
Corrective jaw surgery for functional problems (not purely cosmetic) is also Medisave claimable. This is typically performed in a hospital setting and involves significant Medisave withdrawal limits.
5. Other Surgical Dental Procedures
Other procedures that may qualify include surgical removal of cysts, biopsies of oral lesions, and certain types of surgical extractions. The general rule is that if the procedure is classified as a surgery under MOH guidelines, it is likely claimable.
What Is NOT Covered by Medisave?
Medisave does not cover routine or elective dental treatments. This includes braces, Invisalign, teeth whitening, veneers, scaling and polishing, fillings, simple extractions, and dentures. Only surgical procedures — dental implant placement, surgical wisdom tooth extraction, and gum surgery — qualify for Medisave claims. Routine treatments may be covered by CHAS subsidies instead.
Many common dental treatments do not qualify for Medisave. These include:
- Braces and Invisalign — orthodontic treatment is considered elective and is not claimable.
- Scaling and polishing — routine dental cleaning is not a surgical procedure.
- Fillings — whether composite or amalgam, fillings are not covered.
- Crowns and bridges — these prosthetic restorations are not claimable (though the surgical implant placement underneath a crown is).
- Cosmetic procedures — teeth whitening, veneers, and other aesthetic treatments are excluded.
- Dentures — not claimable under standard Medisave (CHAS subsidies may apply for eligible cardholders).
- root canal treatment — not covered under standard Medisave; patients aged 60+ can use Flexi-MediSave from 1 June 2026 (see can I use Medisave for root canal treatment?).
Medisave Claimable Dental Procedures at a Glance
| Procedure |
Medisave Claimable? |
Limit |
| Wisdom Tooth Surgery |
Yes |
100% of surgical fee |
| Dental Implant (surgical) |
Yes |
Up to $1,950/implant (surgical stage) |
| Gum Surgery |
Yes |
Based on TOSP |
| Jaw Surgery |
Yes |
Based on TOSP |
| Braces / Invisalign |
No |
— |
| Scaling & Polishing |
No |
— |
| Fillings |
No |
— |
| Root Canal (standard) |
No |
— |
| Root Canal (60+ Flexi-MediSave, from 1 Jun 2026) |
Yes |
Up to $400/year |
| Permanent Crown (60+ Flexi-MediSave, from 1 Jun 2026) |
Yes |
Up to $400/year |
Flexi-MediSave for Seniors (60 and Above)
If you are a Singaporean aged 60 or above, you may be able to use Flexi-MediSave for two outpatient dental treatments that are not covered by standard Medisave: root canal treatment and permanent crowns, at CHAS dental clinics from 1 June 2026. This scheme allows you to withdraw up to $400 per year from your Medisave account for outpatient treatments, including:
- Root canal treatment
- Permanent crowns on natural teeth (implant crowns and abutments are not included)
The $400 limit is shared across all Flexi-MediSave outpatient uses (not just dental) and was raised from $300 on 1 October 2025, so it is worth planning your claims carefully. At Trust Dental, we can advise you on how to make the most of your Flexi-MediSave entitlement.
CHAS Subsidies: A Separate Scheme
It is important not to confuse Medisave with CHAS (Community Health Assist Scheme). CHAS provides subsidies for Singaporeans from lower- and middle-income households at participating GP and dental clinics.
CHAS dental subsidies cover treatments like scaling and polishing, fillings, extractions, and dentures — many of the procedures that Medisave does not cover. At Trust Dental Surgery, we are a CHAS-accredited clinic, which means eligible patients can enjoy subsidised rates on top of any Medisave claims for surgical procedures.
If you hold a blue, orange, or green CHAS card, you can use it at both our Jurong West and Clementi clinics.
Sources
See also: Can I use Medisave for root canal treatment?
How to Make a Medisave Claim at Trust Dental
To claim Medisave at Trust Dental Surgery, bring your NRIC (or your family member's NRIC if using their account) on the day of surgery. We handle all the paperwork and submit the claim directly to CPF on your behalf. The Medisave amount is deducted automatically — you only pay any remaining balance, if any, in cash or by card.
Claiming Medisave at Trust Dental Surgery is straightforward. Here is how it works:
- Consultation — visit us for an assessment. Your dentist will advise whether your treatment is Medisave claimable and explain the estimated costs.
- Bring your NRIC — on the day of your procedure, bring your NRIC (or your dependant's NRIC if you are claiming from a family member's Medisave).
- We handle the paperwork — our admin team processes the Medisave claim directly with CPF. The claimable portion is deducted from your Medisave account, and you only pay the remaining balance (if any) out of pocket.
- No upfront payment for the Medisave portion — you do not need to pay the full amount first and claim later. The deduction happens seamlessly.
You can also use your immediate family members' Medisave (spouse, children, parents, or grandparents) for your dental procedures, subject to the applicable withdrawal limits.