What Is the Medisave Grant for Newborns?
Every Singapore Citizen baby receives a S$4,000 Medisave Grant automatically at birth. Here is what it covers and how to make full use of it.
What the Medisave Grant Is
Every Singapore Citizen newborn receives a S$4,000 Medisave Grant, credited directly into the baby's Medisave account within one to two weeks of birth registration. This is a government contribution; you do not need to apply for it separately, and you do not need to contribute anything yourself to receive it.
The grant does not expire in the way the CDA does. It stays in the child's Medisave account and, if unspent, becomes part of their CPF Medisave when they turn 21.
It Is Automatic and No Action Is Needed
The Medisave Grant is processed automatically once the baby's birth is registered with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). If your baby is born at a Singapore restructured hospital such as KKH or NUH, the hospital notifies ICA directly. The grant is then credited within one to two weeks.
You can verify the grant has been credited by checking your child's Medisave balance via:
- HealthHub app (log in with Singpass, then check your child's CPF Medisave)
- CPF website under My Statement
- Calling CPF Board at 1800-227-1188
MediShield Life from birth: All Singapore Citizen newborns are automatically enrolled in MediShield Life, the national health insurance scheme, from the moment of birth. Premiums for children are subsidised by the government for the first few years. You do not need to purchase separate health insurance for a newborn SC baby to have basic coverage.
What the Medisave Grant Can Be Used For
The S$4,000 grant follows the same rules as regular Medisave: it can be used for healthcare expenses at approved institutions. For children, this covers a wide range of common expenses.
| Expense Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Hospitalisation | Ward fees at restructured hospitals (KKH, NUH, SGH) and private hospitals |
| Outpatient treatments | Certain outpatient conditions at approved clinics |
| NCIP vaccinations | All National Childhood Immunisation Programme vaccines (BCG, Hep B, DTaP, PCV, MMR, Varicella) |
| Optional vaccines | Selected vaccines on the approved Medisave list (pneumococcal, rotavirus, influenza at approved clinics) |
| Dental (from age 1) | Approved dental procedures at CHAS clinics and polyclinics |
| MediShield Life premiums | Premiums deducted from Medisave annually once the child has a Medisave account |
Vaccinations Covered by Medisave
For many families, one of the most practical uses of the newborn Medisave Grant is paying for vaccinations. This is especially useful for optional vaccines not covered by the NCIP (which are free at polyclinics but cost money at private paediatric clinics).
Free at Polyclinics (NCIP)
- BCG (tuberculosis)
- Hepatitis B (3 doses)
- DTaP-IPV-Hib (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Hib)
- PCV13 (pneumococcal)
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- Varicella (chickenpox)
Optional (Medisave-Claimable)
- Influenza vaccine (annual)
- Rotavirus vaccine (Rotarix or RotaTeq)
- Meningococcal vaccine
- Hepatitis A vaccine
Medisave claims for optional vaccines are subject to per-visit withdrawal limits. Check the CPF website for current claim limits and approved vaccine codes. Your paediatric clinic will handle the Medisave claim process directly.
Medical disclaimer: this content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or financial advice. Medisave rules are set by CPF Board and MOH and are subject to change. Verify at cpf.gov.sg.