Question 1

What is MediShield Life in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

MediShield Life is a basic health insurance plan administered by the CPF Board that covers all Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents for life. It pays for large hospital bills and selected costly outpatient treatments. Premiums are payable using Medisave and are structured on a step-up basis — higher premiums as you age.

Question 2

What is the difference between MediShield Life and an Integrated Shield Plan (IHP)?

Accepted Answer

MediShield Life covers Class B2/C ward hospitalisation in public hospitals. An Integrated Shield Plan (IHP) is an optional add-on from private insurers (AIA, Prudential, NTUC Income, Great Eastern, Singlife) that upgrades coverage to Class A wards or private hospitals. You pay an additional premium on top of MediShield Life.

Question 3

How are MediShield Life premiums paid?

Accepted Answer

MediShield Life premiums are automatically deducted from your Medisave account. If your Medisave balance is insufficient, premiums will be deducted from your CPF OA or SA. Premiums are not paid in cash. Premiums for Integrated Shield Plan riders may require a cash component above the Additional Withdrawal Limits (AWL).

Question 4

Can I use Medisave to pay for Integrated Shield Plan premiums?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only up to the Additional Withdrawal Limits (AWL). The AWL is S$300 per year for those below 40, S$600 for 40–70, and S$900 for 71 and above. Any IHP premium above the AWL must be paid in cash. This means many IHP holders pay some cash for their plans.

Question 5

Is MediShield Life enough for Singapore hospitalisation?

Accepted Answer

MediShield Life provides basic coverage for subsidised wards (B2/C) in public hospitals. If you want the flexibility of Class A wards or private hospital care, you need an Integrated Shield Plan add-on. Most financially prudent Singaporeans buy at least an A-ward IHP for better ward flexibility.

Age Band	MediShield Life ($/yr)
1–20	130
21–25	160
26–30	195
31–35	280
36–40	355
41–45	445
46–50	565
51–55	710
56–60	945
61–65	1,080
66–70	1,295
71–73	1,490
74–75	1,715
76–78	1,880
79–80	2,000
81–83	2,060
84+	2,060

Plan Type	Ward Coverage	Hospital	Premium
MediShield Life	Class B2/C	Public only	Medisave
IHP — Ward A	Class A	Public	Medisave + Cash
IHP — Private	All wards	Public + Private	Medisave + Cash

MediShield Life Premium Calculator Singapore 2026

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