Dental care is essential, but it can also be costly—especially for families juggling multiple needs. In Singapore, Medisave for dental treatments offers some relief. But how exactly can families use it? And what types of procedures are eligible? These are common questions among parents, caregivers, and even young adults navigating dental bills. In this guide, we’ll break down what Medisave is, how it applies to dental care, and how families can take full advantage of it. For those in other areas this article is a helpful guide for what questions to ask when looking for dental coverage.

What Is Medisave?

Medisave is a national medical savings scheme that helps Singaporeans and Permanent Residents set aside part of their income for future hospitalisation and certain outpatient expenses. It's part of the broader Central Provident Fund (CPF) framework and is widely used for medical treatments, including selected dental procedures.

While not all dental treatments are covered, Medisave can be used for surgical or medically necessary dental procedures, not routine check-ups or cosmetic work.

Which Dental Treatments Are Medisave-Claimable?

Medisave cannot be used for general cleanings, fillings, or teeth whitening. However, it does cover more complex procedures such as:

Wisdom tooth surgery (especially if impacted)
Dental implants
Surgical removal of teeth
Biopsies of oral tissue
Jaw surgery (orthognathic procedures)
Treatment of dental cysts or tumors
Bone grafting procedures

To qualify, the dental procedure must be surgical in nature, performed by a licensed dental surgeon, and done in a Medisave-accredited clinic or hospital.

How Much Can You Claim?

The claimable amount depends on the complexity of the surgery. Under the Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP) by MOH, the limits are defined in tiers.

Simple procedures (e.g., minor wisdom tooth removal): Up to $250–$950
Moderate procedures (e.g., implant placement, cyst removal): Up to $1,250
Complex procedures (e.g., jaw surgery): Up to $5,000 or more

You can also use your Medisave to cover the costs of immediate family members—spouse, children, parents, and even grandparents—so long as they are Singapore Citizens or PRs.

Step-by-Step: How To Make A Medisave Dental Claim

Wondering how to actually make a claim? Here's a simplified step-by-step guide:

Choose a Medisave-accredited dental clinic or hospital.
Not all private dental clinics are Medisave-eligible, so ask before you proceed.
Confirm the procedure is claimable.
Your dentist or oral surgeon will advise you if the treatment qualifies under the Medisave framework.
Provide documentation.
Bring your NRIC and CPF details. You’ll need to sign a Medisave Authorisation Form.
Let the clinic handle the rest.
Most clinics will submit the claim on your behalf. You only pay the amount not covered by Medisave.

Why This Matters For Families

Raising children or caring for elderly parents means keeping an eye on both health and budget. Here’s why understanding Medisave for dental is important:

Cost savings: Major procedures can be costly. Medisave helps reduce out-of-pocket burden.
Access to timely care: Delaying dental treatment due to cost can make problems worse—and more expensive.
Family support: Being able to use your Medisave for dependents adds flexibility to how families manage healthcare expenses.

Conclusion

Using Medisave for dental care can be a smart, budget-conscious decision—especially for families balancing multiple healthcare needs. Understanding what’s covered, how much you can claim, and how to navigate the process helps reduce stress and ensures your loved ones receive timely healthcare.

According to Nuffield Dental, awareness about Medisave coverage is still limited among families, leading to unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses. Asking the right questions and choosing accredited providers can help you make the most of the support already available to you.