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:
1. Wisdom Tooth Surgery — 100% Claimable
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. This covers the procedure of placing the titanium implant into the jawbone. However, the implant crown (the visible tooth part) and other prosthetic components are not covered by Medisave.
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?
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 (but may be covered under Flexi-MediSave for seniors).
- Root canal treatment — not covered under standard Medisave (but may be covered under Flexi-MediSave for seniors).
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 |
| Gum Surgery | Yes | Based on TOSP |
| Jaw Surgery | Yes | Based on TOSP |
| Braces / Invisalign | No | — |
| Scaling & Polishing | No | — |
| Fillings / Crowns | No | — |
| Root Canal (standard) | No | — |
| Root Canal (60+ Flexi) | Yes | Up to $200/year |
| Dentures (60+ Flexi) | Yes | Up to $200/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 certain outpatient dental treatments that are not normally covered. This scheme allows you to withdraw up to $200 per year from your Medisave account for outpatient treatments, including:
- Root canal treatment
- Dentures
- Simple tooth extractions
- Dental X-rays
The $200 limit is shared across all outpatient treatments (not just dental), 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.
How to Make a Medisave Claim at Trust Dental
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.