MediSave is part of Singapore’s Central Provident Fund (CPF). It pools a portion of your monthly salary into a dedicated account for medical expenses.
In an accredited hearing clinic in Singapore like this one https://dsaudiology.sg/dont-miss-the-signs-could-hearing-loss-be-holding-your-child-back-a-parents-guide-to-testing-and-treatment-in-singapore/, you may be able to draw on these savings for hospital stays, approved day surgeries and certain outpatient treatments under public schemes. When you check into a public or private hospital for an approved procedure, MediSave settles room charges, surgical fees and other related costs.
Beyond hospital bills, MediSave also co-pays premiums for MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans. These insurance schemes reduce your out-of-pocket expenses for major illnesses.
MediSave’s purpose is to ensure you have funds for serious medical needs. It can’t cover every outpatient visit or device, but it greatly eases the cost of hospital-level care.
What is Not Typically Covered by MediSave?
As is the case with other insurance plans, MediSave is selective in regards to what it covers. So before visiting a hearing clinic in Singapore you might want to ask; what is not typically covered by MediSave? Here’s a quick list to give you a rough idea of what you can basically expect;
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Optional and Cosmetic Treatments
Services like cosmetic surgery, for example LASIK eye correction, or other elective aesthetic procedures fall outside MediSave’s scope. MediSave prioritises medically necessary treatments, so purely cosmetic work even if performed in a hospital setting remains your own expense.
This rule ensures savings focus on life-impacting care, not vanity procedures. That said, be keen to always check with your provider before booking to avoid unexpected bills.
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Accident and Emergency Fees and Ambulance Costs
A trip to Accident & Emergency and ambulance transport count as non-medical or unscheduled services under MediSave rules. While urgent, these visits do not qualify as approved day surgeries or inpatient stays, so MediSave cannot offset the charges.
You will need to pay for the ambulance ride and emergency department fees directly or via private coverage. If cost is a concern, please consider adding on private ambulance plans or insurance riders that cover bills.
How Much Does a Hearing Aid Cost in Singapore?
Hearing aids come in a spectrum of prices, from basic models to advanced devices. Basic or entry-level aids start at around SGD 600–1,200 per device.
These analogue models amplify sound but lack sophisticated noise filtering or wireless features. They suit mild hearing loss or users on a tight budget but they may pick up excess background noise.
The standard digital hearing aids cost about SGD 1,600–2,500 each. These ones convert sounds into digital signals to offer clearer speech understanding.
You get preset listening programmes for quiet and noisy environments. Many clinics include ear impressions, initial fittings and a one-year warranty in this price.
Mid-range models typically range from SGD 2,500–5,500. These add rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth streaming from phones and finer automatic noise reduction.
You may also receive multiple follow-up fittings and a longer warranty of two to three years. Many users find this balance of cost and features ideal for daily life.
At the top end, premium and invisible devices can reach SGD 5,000–8,000+. Brands like Phonak, Signia, ReSound and Starkey lead here.
They pack advanced AI-driven background noise suppression, direct audio streaming and smartphone control. Clinics usually bundle fitting fees, four-year warranties and aftercare packages into the price, plus 8% GST in private settings.
Public hospitals sometimes offer lower-cost options and government subsidies and may charge less GST or have fixed device packages. However, waiting lists can stretch weeks. To find your best deal, get quotes from both public hospitals and private clinics, check subsidy eligibility, pick the features you need and trial devices before you buy.
Can I Use MediSave at a Hearing Clinic Singapore?
Routine visits to a Hearing Clinic Singapore such as audiologist consultations, standard hearing tests or hearing aid fittings do not qualify for MediSave payment. MediSave focuses on hospitalisation, day procedures and specific outpatient treatments under approved lists.
Tests like pure-tone audiometry or ear cleaning count as routine services outside MediSave’s remit. That means you settle these bills with cash, credit card or private insurance, not MediSave.
MediSave becomes relevant if you undergo approved ENT surgical procedures. For instance, cochlear implant surgery or bone-anchored hearing implant operations appear on the MediSave-eligible list.
In these cases, you may tap MediSave to cover surgical fees, ward charges and day-surgery costs for the operation itself. However, the implant hardware like the cochlear device or metal fixture does not qualify.
You pay separately for the device components. For hearing aids, MediSave does not apply at all since these devices are classified as durable medical equipment, not surgical or hospital expenses.
To ease costs, seniors can apply for subsidies under the Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF) via the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC). Eligible seniors aged 60 and above may receive up to SGD 1,800 per hearing aid, subject to income criteria and subsidy caps.
This fund specifically offsets device costs rather than clinic fees. If you plan a cochlear implant, discuss MediSave use with your ENT surgeon early.
They can guide you through pre-approval steps with the CPF Board to ensure the procedure appears on the approved list. You then submit claims for hospital and surgical fees.
For routine clinic needs, look into private insurance plans that cover audiology services or SMF subsidies for devices. Some clinics also offer payment plans or monthly instalments which can help you spread the cost of tests and devices over time.
In Closing
While MediSave covers approved ENT surgeries like cochlear implants, it won’t touch routine tests, fittings or hearing devices. However, you can tap alternative funds like the AIC’s SMF subsidies for seniors or private insurance to bridge the gap. Compare quotes, check your subsidy options and plan for full costs to avoid unexpected bills.
Do you wish to take full control of your hearing health? Please, book your appointment at our Hearing Clinic in Singapore today. Our team will guide you through costs, funding options and treatment so you can focus on living life to the fullest. Call or visit us at;
D&S Audiology – Audiologist | Hearing Aid Singapore
12 Woodlands Square, #13-73 Woods Square Tower 1, Singapore 737715
Phone: +65 8044 9632
