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Dental care is not just about keeping your smile bright; it’s also about keeping your teeth strong, functional, and pain-free. At Dental Designs Clinic, we often see seniors who delay treatment because they are worried about cost.
With the upcoming Flexi-MediSave updates in 2026, there’s good news: seniors will have more financial support for essential restorative dental treatments like root canal treatment and dental crowns.
Let’s break it down in a simple way.
What is MediSave?
MediSave is part of Singapore’s CPF healthcare scheme and is primarily designed to help pay for hospitalisation, day surgeries, and certain approved outpatient medical procedures. When it comes to dental treatment, however, the rules are more specific.
Under standard MediSave guidelines, it can only be used for surgical dental procedures, not routine or restorative care.
This means patients can typically use MediSave for procedures such as surgical tooth extractions, wisdom tooth surgery, dental implant surgery, or other medically necessary oral surgeries. Treatments like scaling and polishing, dental fillings, root canal therapy, or dental crowns are generally not claimable under standard MediSave because they are considered non-surgical restorative procedures.
What is Flexi-MediSave?
Flexi-MediSave is a separate scheme under CPF created to support Singaporeans and Permanent Residents aged 60 and above. Unlike standard MediSave, which is limited to surgical dental procedures, Flexi-MediSave is not restricted to surgery and can be used for certain dental treatments, starting mid-2026. Click here for more information.
This includes root canal treatments and permanent dental crowns, giving seniors additional financial support for essential restorative dental care.
From 1 October 2025, the annual withdrawal limit was also increased from $300 to $400 per year, providing seniors greater flexibility in managing their healthcare expenses. This means seniors aged 60 and above can use up to $400 per year from their MediSave savings to help offset the cost of these treatments.
From mid-2026, eligible seniors can use Flexi-MediSave for:
✅ Root canal treatments
✅ Permanent dental crowns
These treatments are restorative, not cosmetic. They help:
- Remove infection inside a tooth
- Prevent tooth extraction
- Restore chewing ability
- Protect weakened teeth from cracking
The goal is simple: It is to help seniors keep their natural teeth longer.
Conditions for Use
To use Flexi-MediSave for these treatments:
- The treatment must be done at a CHAS-accredited clinic or public healthcare institution.
- The clinic must be MediSave / Flexi-MediSave accredited.
Dental Designs Clinic is both a CHAS-accredited and a MediSave/Flexi-MediSave-accredited clinic. Do you have questions? Simply leave us a message here.
The Key Difference
| Scheme | Who Can Use It | What Dental Treatments Are Covered |
|---|---|---|
| MediSave (Standard) | All eligible CPF members | Surgical dental procedures only |
| Flexi-MediSave | Seniors aged 60+ and above with MediSave | Root canal treatment & permanent dental crowns (from mid-2026, at eligible clinics) |
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Can CHAS and Flexi-MediSave Be Used Together?
Yes, and this is where it becomes especially helpful for eligible seniors above 60 years of age.
1️⃣ CHAS subsidy is applied first
2️⃣ Flexi-MediSave (up to $400 per year) is applied next
In most cases, both can be used in the same visit for the same eligible procedure, helping to significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
However, it’s always a good idea to consult with the clinic first, as eligibility and claim amounts can vary depending on the procedure, the patient’s age, and the clinic’s accreditation.
Keep in mind:
- It helps offset costs, but it does not usually make treatment completely free.
- There may still be some out-of-pocket payment required.
What Is Not Covered Under Flexi-MediSave?
While Flexi-MediSave is a valuable tool for seniors, it has specific limitations. It is designed to support medically necessary restorative dental care, not elective or cosmetic procedures.
Cosmetic dental treatments
Procedures such as dental veneers, teeth whitening, or orthodontic treatment (braces, Invisalign) are not covered. These treatments are considered aesthetic and are not essential for oral health, so Flexi-MediSave cannot be applied.
Dental work at non-accredited private clinics
Only treatments performed at CHAS-accredited and MediSave/Flexi-MediSave-accredited clinics are eligible. This ensures proper governance, fee transparency, and regulated MediSave claims.
Patients under 60 years old
Flexi-MediSave is only available for seniors aged 60 and above. Patients below this age can only use standard MediSave for certain surgical procedures — typically surgical extractions, oral surgeries — but not for routine restorative treatments like root canals or crowns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the $400 limit per visit?
No. The $400 is the total yearly limit, not per visit. Once it is fully used for the year, you will need to wait until the next calendar year to use it again.
2. Can I use Flexi-MediSave for scaling and polishing?
No. Routine dental treatments like scaling and polishing are not covered under the 2026 Flexi-MediSave expansion. Only approved dental procedures such as root canal treatment and permanent dental crowns are eligible.
3. Does this mean my root canal or crown will be free?
No, Flexi-MediSave can significantly reduce the cost, but most patients will still have some out-of-pocket payment depending on the treatment complexity and yearly MediSave usage.
4. What if I am below 60 years old?
Flexi-MediSave is only for those aged 60 and above. However, CHAS subsidies may still apply if you are eligible.
5. How do I know if I qualify?
When booking your appointment, please provide your details and let us know that you wish to undergo the selected treatment using Flexi-MediSave. Our team at Dental Designs Clinic will check your eligibility and guide you, so you know what to expect before your treatment.
6. Can I use my spouse's MediSave if I've already used my own?
Yes, each eligible senior can use up to $400 per year under Flexi-MediSave for themselves, even if the payment comes from a spouse’s MediSave account.
Conclusion
Flexi-MediSave is a valuable tool for seniors aged 60 and above, making essential restorative dental care like root canal treatments and permanent crowns more affordable. At Dental Designs Clinic, we are both MediSave-accredited, so eligible patients can take advantage of these schemes.
Looking to book an appointment with us? Leave us a message here and we will be right with you!