While many people in Singapore associate MediSave primarily with hospitalisation or surgeries, it can also be used for specific dental procedures to improve your oral health — provided they meet the eligibility criteria set by the Ministry of Health (MOH). So, if you’re considering using your MediSave for dental treatment, here’s what you need to know!
What is MediSave?
MediSave is a national savings scheme that helps Singaporeans and Permanent Residents set aside part of their income for future medical expenses/medical treatment and dental expenses. While it’s primarily used for hospitalisation, surgeries, and certain outpatient treatments, some dental procedures do fall under the umbrella of MediSave-claimable services, but only under specific conditions.
Can I Use MediSave for Dental Treatments?
Yes — but only for surgical or medically necessary dental services.
The Central Provident Fund Board of Singapore states that dental treatments cannot be paid for using MediSave, unless they involve surgery and are required for medical reasons. Routine, non-surgical procedures like simple extractions, crowns, dentures, or braces are not eligible for MediSave claims.
Which Dental Procedures Are Claimable Under MediSave?
Several dental procedures that involve surgery or medical necessity can be partially or fully covered by MediSave. These include:
- Surgical wisdom tooth removal (single tooth or multiple teeth)
- Dental implants/Implant surgery
- Gum surgery (such as frenectomy to remove or adjust the frenulum)
- Gum grafting or surgery
- Biopsies of oral lesions
- Jaw surgery (corrective jaw surgery or surgery for jaw cysts)
- Bone grafting
- Retained roots (removal via surgery)
- Sinus lift
- Crown lengthening
- Surgical removal of fractured teeth
Which Dental Procedures Are NOT Claimable Under MediSave?
Routine dental care that does not involve surgery (non-surgical treatments) is generally not eligible for MediSave claims. These include:
- Scaling and polishing
- Dental fillings
- Non-surgical extractions
- Dentures
- Dental crowns
- Dental bridges (non-surgical)
- Dental braces (orthodontics)
- Invisalign (teeth straightening)
- Teeth whitening and other cosmetic treatments
You may still qualify for subsidised rates on these treatments if you have a CHAS/PG/MG card. The amount of dental subsidies you receive depends on the card type and your eligibility. If you’re unsure about your eligibility or the specific subsidies available to you, it’s best to check with your dental clinic. We can verify your card status and help guide you on the most cost-effective treatment options.
What Do You Need to Make a MediSave Claim?
1. Ensure that your clinic or dentist is MOH-accredited
Before proceeding with any treatment, it’s important to ensure that the clinic or dentist is accredited by the Ministry of Health (MOH). This accreditation ensures that the clinic adheres to the high standards set by the government for medical and dental practices, including the proper handling of MediSave claims. At Dental Designs Clinic, all our dentists are fully MOH-accredited, ensuring that you receive quality of care. Click here to learn more about our dedicated team of professionals and their qualifications!
Let us know your preferred doctor for your dental services and we will assist in booking an appointment with him/her.
2. Book your dental appointment
The next step is to schedule an initial consultation with one of our dentists. During this appointment, they will evaluate your condition and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. They will also inform you whether the procedure you're seeking is eligible for MediSave claims, as only certain surgical or medically necessary treatments are covered under the scheme.
3. Bring your NRIC and inform the clinic that you wish to use MediSave before the procedure
When you visit the clinic, be sure to bring your NRIC as this will be used to verify your identity for the MediSave claim. It’s also essential to inform us in advance that you wish to use MediSave for your dental procedure. This will allow our team to prepare the necessary paperwork for the claim and ensure that the process goes smoothly.
4. Sign the Medical Claims Authorisation Form (MCAF) to give consent for the deduction
To proceed with the MediSave claim, you will need to sign the Medical Claims Authorisation Form (MCAF). This form grants the clinic permission to deduct the approved amount from your MediSave account for the treatment. Signing the MCAF is a standard procedure and ensures that all parties are aware of the MediSave claim and the amount to be withdrawn.
5. The clinic will submit the claim directly to CPF on your behalf
Once all the necessary forms are completed, our clinic will handle the rest! We will proceed with the MediSave claim submission directly to the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board on your behalf. This eliminates the need for you to do anything further and ensures that the claim is processed quickly and efficiently.
Can I Use My Family Member’s MediSave?
In the event that you do not have a Medisave account or your Medisave does not have sufficient funds to cover the dental bill (exceeded claim limits), your immediate family members may use their Medisave to help you with the bill payment for your dental care. Immediate family members refer to your spouse, parents, siblings or child. Please note that they must provide their consent, meet eligibility requirements, and the use of Medisave is still subject to withdrawal limits.
Why Choose Dental Designs Clinic for Your MediSave-Claimable Dental Treatments?
✅ MOH-Accredited Dentists
All our dentists are accredited by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and we are a MediSave-accredited clinic. This means you can confidently use your MediSave for eligible procedures at our clinic.
✅ Convenient CBD Locations
We’re located in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District (CBD), at 4 Robinson Road and 133 Cecil Street, making it easy for working professionals to access quality dental care without taking too much time out of their day.
✅ Transparent Cost Breakdown
We believe in clear communication. During your consultation, we’ll assess your condition and let you know whether your procedure is MediSave-claimable and how much you can claim.
✅ Supportive, Friendly Team
Our team is always ready to answer your questions and help you make the most of your benefits. We’ll walk you through the claim process with care and clarity.
FAQs
1. What happens if my MediSave is not enough?
If your CPF MediSave account does not have sufficient balance to cover the full cost of the treatment, you can pay the partial cost and settle the remaining balance out-of-pocket. Some patients also use their immediate family members’ MediSave accounts, such as those of their spouse or parents, provided they have consented and meet the eligibility requirements.
2. Is a root canal procedure covered by MediSave?
Routine root canal treatments performed without surgery (non-surgical root canal treatment), such as those done for standard fillings, are typically not claimable.
4. Can I claim MediSave for getting braces?
Braces, or orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign, are considered a non-surgical cosmetic procedure and are not claimable under MediSave. If your orthodontic treatment is part of medical intervention, such as for jaw deformities requiring surgery, MediSave might cover the surgical aspect but not the braces or Invisalign themselves. Click here to read more on Invisalign and MediSave.
5. Is a dental crown covered by MediSave?
No, dental crowns are not covered by MediSave. This is because they are considered non-surgical and routine dental procedures, which fall outside the scope of MediSave claims. MediSave only covers dental treatments that involve surgery or are medically necessary under specific conditions set by the Ministry of Health. Click here to read more on dental crowns and MediSave.
5. Is tooth extraction covered by MediSave?
Tooth extraction may be covered by MediSave, but only if it is a surgical extraction (dental surgeries), such as when multiple or single tooth is impacted or requires an incision. Routine non-surgical extractions or simple tooth extractions are not eligible for MediSave claims. Click here to learn more about the differences between a regular tooth extraction and a wisdom tooth surgery/wisdom tooth removal surgery.
6. Can MediSave be used for non-surgical dental treatments?
MediSave cannot be used for non-surgical dental treatments like cleanings, fillings, crowns, dentures, or braces. MediSave coverage is typically limited to medically necessary procedures, such as surgical extractions or dental implants.
Conclusion
MediSave can definitely help ease the financial burden for surgical expenses and certain dental treatments. But it’s always a good idea to check with your dental clinic beforehand to confirm if the procedure is MediSave-claimable and what documents you’ll need.
At Dental Designs Clinic, we’re happy to walk you through the process and help you make the most of your MediSave to improve your oral health. If you’re planning a surgical procedure or have questions about your coverage, don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re here to help!