Using CHAS and MediSave for TCM Treatment in Singapore

Cost is one of the first things people ask about when considering TCM treatment in Singapore. Two schemes come up most often, CHAS and MediSave, but they work differently, cover different things, and not every clinic participates in either.

CHAS

The Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) provides subsidies for Singapore Citizens at participating clinics, primarily for common illnesses, chronic disease management, and dental care. Whether a TCM clinic participates, and what a CHAS card actually subsidises there, varies by clinic, since participation is opt-in for providers. Not every TCM clinic that lists itself as CHAS-friendly offers subsidies on every type of treatment.

MediSave

MediSave is Singapore's national medical savings scheme, and its use is generally restricted to specific approved categories of care (hospitalisation, day surgery, and a defined list of outpatient treatments) rather than TCM consultations broadly. Some clinics may accept MediSave for specific approved services. This is clinic- and treatment-specific, not a blanket rule across all TCM care.

What to actually check

Because coverage depends on the specific clinic and treatment, the reliable way to know what you'll pay is to confirm directly with the clinic before your appointment: what they accept, what portion (if any) is subsidised, and what you'll owe out of pocket. On tcm365, clinics that indicate they accept CHAS or MediSave are labelled on their profile, which is a useful starting filter, but treat it as a starting point for your own confirmation, not a guarantee for every service they offer.

Want to filter clinics by what they accept? Browse clinics and use the CHAS / MediSave filters, or take our matching questionnaire and tell us it matters to you.