Singaporeans and Permanent Residents (PRs) have more options for their medical needs, including the ability to use their MediSave funds for treatment in approved hospitals overseas. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of using MediSave in Malaysia, focusing on MediSave coverage for overseas Singaporeans, MediSave approved hospital in Malaysia and the conditions under which MediSave can be used for overseas medical expenses.
Information in this guide is provided as a reference only. You should refer to the Central Provident Fund Board for updates and the latest information regarding MediSave, as well as confirm your eligibility to draw on MediSave with the MOH approved hospital in Malaysia.
MediSave Coverage For Overseas Singaporeans
Based on our research, as of 1 July 2024, the CPF policy on MediSave Life coverage for overseas Singaporeans are as follows:
Use of MediSave for Overseas Treatment – Elective
Patients who are Singaporeans (SC) or Permanent Residents (PR) may use their own or their approved dependants’ MediSave for overseas elective treatments. Approved dependants refer to spouses, children, parents, siblings and/or grandchildren.
Patients will need a referral from MediSave-accredited healthcare provider, Health Management International (HMI), if they wish to use MediSave to pay for the medical bill. The patient can contact HMI at 6322 6333 to check if they have affiliated hospital(s) in the country where they wish to receive treatment.
Use Of MediSave For Overseas Treatment – Medical Emergency/Treatment Not Available In Singapore
When travelling overseas, CPF members should consider purchasing travel insurance to protect against the risk of incurring unforeseen medical expenses. Requests to use MediSave for overseas emergency treatments will be considered on a case-by-case basis subject to certain conditions.
MediSave-Approved Hospitals In Malaysia
Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) has approved specific hospitals in Malaysia where Singaporeans and PRs can use their MediSave funds. As of 1 July 2024, MediSave approved hospitals in Malaysia include:
These hospitals have been vetted to ensure they meet the standards required for MediSave usage, providing peace of mind to patients seeking affordable and high-quality medical care outside of Singapore.
Conditions For Using MediSave In Malaysia
To use MediSave for treatment in Malaysia, certain criteria and processes must be followed:
1. Eligibility
- The patient must be a Singapore Citizen (SC) or Permanent Resident (PR).
- Immediate family members of SCs and PRs who reside in Singapore, such as spouses, children, parents, and grandparents, are also eligible to use MediSave for treatments overseas, provided they are also SCs or PRs residing in Singapore.
2. Types of Treatments Covered
- Day Surgery: Procedures that do not require overnight hospital stays.
- Inpatient Hospitalisation: Medically necessary hospital stays for treatment and surgeries. The stay must exceed a minimum of eight hours.
3. Financial Limits
The expenditure limits for using MediSave in Malaysia are similar to those in Singapore. This includes up to SGD 550 per day for inpatient hospitalisation and varying fixed limits for surgical procedures, ranging from SGD 150 to SGD 5,000 depending on the type of procedure.
Steps To Use MediSave In Malaysia
To utilise MediSave funds for medical treatment in Malaysia, the following steps should be taken:
1. Referral from HMI
Patients need a referral from Health Management International (HMI), a MediSave-accredited healthcare provider. HMI can be contacted at +65 6322 6333 to check for affiliated hospitals and to facilitate the referral process.
2. Documentation
Gather the necessary documents, including:
- Original copy (Certified true copy by Hospital is accepted) of the patient’s medical records
- Final hospital bills
- Passport information
- Completed Medical Claims Authorisation Form (MCAF).
- NRIC – Front and back copy belonging to patient and MediSave payer (if applicable).
Ensure that all documents are certified true copies and, if necessary, officially translated into English.
3. Submission
Submit the documents to the Ministry of Health (MOH) for approval. Requests for MediSave usage in cases of medical emergencies will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
4. Approval And Payment
Upon approval, the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board will process the MediSave deduction and transfer the funds to the MediSave payer’s bank account.
For more information, you may refer to the Central Provident Fund Board, contact HMI, or visit the Singapore Ministry of Health’s website.
How To Use MediSave In Regency Specialist Hospital And Mahkota Medical Centre?
Refer to the following steps according to HMI Group:
Benefits of Using MediSave in Malaysia
Using MediSave in Malaysia offers several advantages:
- Cost Efficiency – Medical treatments in Malaysia can be more affordable compared to Singapore, allowing patients to stretch MediSave dollars further.
- Access To Quality Care – Approved hospitals provide high-quality medical services that meet Singapore’s stringent healthcare standards.
- Convenience – The geographical proximity and cultural similarities make Malaysia a convenient option for Singaporeans seeking medical treatment abroad.
The ability to use MediSave funds for treatment at approved hospitals in Malaysia provides Singaporeans and PRs with greater flexibility and options for their healthcare needs. By understanding the eligibility criteria, treatment coverage, and necessary procedures, patients can effectively utilise MediSave funds to receive quality medical care in Malaysia, ensuring both financial savings and health benefits.
Contact Us For Medical Treatments In Malaysia
Health365 has partnerships with trusted healthcare providers in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. Contact us if you would like to make an appointment for health screening or medical treatment in Malaysia, including Regency Hospital (MediSave approved).
FAQs
Some Frequently Asked Questions on MediSave usage in Malaysia from HMI website:
Q: What are the overseas treatments that Medisave can be used for?
For a start, you may use your Medisave for medically necessary hospitalisation and day surgery received overseas. Medisave cannot be used for outpatient treatment.
Q: Can I use my Medisave for plastic & reconstructive surgery overseas?
No, unless these procedures are done for medical conditions only.
Q: Who can use Medisave for overseas treatments?
Singaporeans and PRs who normally reside in Singapore can use their Medisave for their own treatment overseas. They may use their Medisave to pay medical expenses incurred by their immediate family members such as spouse, parents or children, if these family members are Singaporeans/PRs and normally reside in Singapore. They may also use their Medisave for their grandparents, if their grandparents are Singaporeans/PRs and normally reside in Singapore.
If you would like to find out more, please contact our patient representatives at +65 6334 7283.
Q: What is the limit that I can spend for Medisave in Malaysia?
You may spend the same Medisave limit as that in Singapore, and depending on the treatment you are seeking.
Medisave covers up to:
– S$450 per day for inpatient hospitalisation & $300 per day for day surgery
– A fixed limit per table of surgical procedures (varying between S$250 and S$7,550 depending on the procedures)
Q: What hospital charges does Medisave cover for overseas treatments?
Currently, Medisave covers the following hospital expenses:
- Daily ward charges/day surgery charges
- Doctor’s fees;
- In-patient charges for medical treatment, investigations, medicines, medical supplies, implants and prostheses introduced during surgery;
- Surgical operations, including the use of operating theatres
Q: What is the process for Medisave use in Regency or Mahkota in Malaysia?
You may follow these simple steps: First, call the Medisave Hotline (+65 6334 7283) to make an appointment and to ensure your eligibility of using Medisave overseas. You will be advised to bring along the relevant documentation and come personally to the HMI Patient Service Centre for Medisave and financial counselling prior to surgery. You may then proceed to Regency or Mahkota for your treatment. Upon discharge, our patient representatives will submit relevant documents for Medisave claims processing.
Q: Why did the government allow the use of Medisave in Regency or Mahkota?
The Singapore Government introduced this policy to give patients a wider choice and to take advantage of the lower cost of hospitalization overseas.
Q: Are the treatments in Regency or Mahkota safe and of good quality?
Regency and Mahkota are committed to providing Singapore quality of care at affordable rates. Patients can expect to be treated by experienced medical specialists, many of whom have been trained overseas. These specialists have to undergo due process by the hospital’s Credential Committee Board before they are allowed to practice in the hospital. In addition, you will be reassured to know that Regency and Mahkota are owned and managed by Health Management International Ltd, a Singapore Main Board listed healthcare company.
Q: What are the 10 common Medisave claimable procedures?
- Cataract operation
- Delivery
- Gallstone removal
- Heart vessel stenting
- Hysterectomy
- Inguinal hernia operation
- Kidney stones ultrasonic disintegration or operation
- Slipped disc operation
- Total knee / hip replacement
- Varicose veins removal
For other questions, you may contact the HMI Patient Service Centre at +65 6334 7283 (OK MEDISAVE).
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This article is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.