Medi-Curious? Here’s Your Complete Guide To MediFund

Not to be confused with MediSave, MediFund is an endowment fund that helps needy Singaporeans finance their healthcare bills.

Even devoid of any private insurance coverage, Singaporeans in need of medical subsidies will always have national healthcare schemes to fall back on. Remarkably, up to 80% of our hospitalisation bill can be taken care of through the help of government subsidies alone (albeit for public hospitals, B2/C ward stay). 

It’s safe to say that we are pretty well-protected against rising healthcare costs.

Typically, national schemes and insurance plans like MediShield Life, CareShield Life and MediSave would come to mind when we talk about financial support for medical bills. This is why we’re putting the spotlight on an equally important government scheme that deserves some love too — MediFund.

What is MediFund?

Launched by the government in April 1993, MediFund is short for Medical Endowment Fund. It is essentially an endowment fund that helps lower-income Singaporeans in need of further financial assistance for healthcare bills.

Interests collected from the capital sum goes towards a list of approved healthcare institutions to help pay off medical bills for individuals in need.

Aptly dubbed as a ‘safety net’, MediFund swoops in if there’s still a need for financial support after tapping on other means of payment such as MediSave savings, cash, CareShield Life and private insurance products.

If you find that you can’t cope with the large medical costs after subsidies, schemes like MediFund could just be the financial boost you need to take that huge burden off your shoulders.

Why is MediFund important?

No one wants to find themselves in a situation where they can’t afford medical treatment.

This is especially helpful for vulnerable groups such as children from low-income families and the elderly as cash flow is likely to be in limited supply. In fact, MediFund Junior and MediFund Silver were introduced in 2007 and 2013 respectively to provide them with targeted assistance should they experience financial difficulties.

Who is covered by MediFund?

To qualify for MediFund, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:

• You’re a Singapore citizen; 
• You’re a subsidised patient; 
• You’ve received or require treatment from a MediFund-approved institutions; and 
• You’re unable to afford your healthcare bills after exploring other available government subsidies such as CareShield Life, MediSave as well as cash payment

How do I apply?

Whether you’re seeking healthcare in a polyclinic, nursing home or hospital, MediFund is available to you if you meet the eligibility criteria. 

Get in touch with a medical social worker where you’re seeking treatment (you’ll find one in any of the MediFund-approved institutions). Your social worker will assist you in finding alternative ways to lighten the load of your treatment payments plus help to submit your MediFund application.

Find the list of approved MediFund-approved institutions here (Annex A).

How much will I receive in MediFund subsidy?

Keep in mind that there’s no standardised amount in offsetting healthcare costs. Ultimately, the amount disbursed under MediFund will be decided by the healthcare provider’s MediFund Committee, and it is dependent on your bill amount as well as your family’s financial, health and social circumstances. 

To support your MediFund application, be prepared to supply the necessary documents as proof of your family’s income, savings and expenditure.

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