By The Ledger desk · Last verified 11 October 2026
In Singapore’s public hospitals, the ward class you choose decides your subsidy. Singapore Citizens in B2 and C wards receive 50% to 80% off the bill, depending on per capita household income (PCHI); Permanent Residents receive 25% to 50%. B2+ wards are subsidised at 35% to 50% for citizens. A and B1 wards are unsubsidised. Subsidies are applied automatically through means-testing; you do not apply. The balance is then paid by MediShield Life (or an Integrated Shield Plan), MediSave and cash. If a citizen still cannot pay, MediFund is the last safety net, reached through the hospital’s medical social workers.
A hospital stay is stressful enough without a confusing bill. Here is how the layers fit together, so you can choose your ward with confidence.
Quick facts
- Subsidised wards: C, B2 and B2+. Unsubsidised: B1 and A.
- Top citizen subsidy: 80%, for PCHI up to S$2,100 a month.
- Lowest citizen subsidy in B2/C: 50%, for PCHI above S$3,600.
- PCHI = gross household monthly income ÷ number of people living in the household.
- No household income? Your home’s annual value decides (threshold S$21,000).
- Current subsidy tiers took effect on 1 October 2024.
How much subsidy will you get?
| Monthly PCHI | B2 / C: Citizen | B2 / C: PR | B2+: Citizen | B2+: PR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to S$2,100 (or no income, AV up to S$21,000) | 80% | 50% | 50% | 25% |
| S$2,101 to S$2,300 | 75% | 42.5% | 47.5% | 23.75% |
| S$2,301 to S$2,600 | 70% | 35% | 45% | 22.5% |
| S$2,601 to S$3,000 | 65% | 32.5% | 42.5% | 21.25% |
| S$3,001 to S$3,300 | 60% | 30% | 40% | 20% |
| S$3,301 to S$3,600 | 55% | 27.5% | 37.5% | 17.5% |
| Above S$3,600 (or no income, AV above S$21,000) | 50% | 25% | 35% | 15% |
Source: MOH, effective 1 October 2024. Foreigners do not receive these subsidies.
Worked example: one family’s PCHI and subsidy
- Kumar earns S$6,000 and his wife S$2,400 a month; they live with two children and Kumar’s mother. Household income: S$8,400.
- PCHI: S$8,400 ÷ 5 = S$1,680.
- As a citizen in a B2 or C ward, Kumar’s mother would get the 80% subsidy.
- On a bill of S$10,000 before subsidy, she would owe S$2,000, which MediShield Life, MediSave and cash then cover, subject to each scheme’s rules.
The same stay in a B1 or A ward carries no subsidy, so the starting bill is higher and an Integrated Shield Plan or cash must do more of the work.
Who pays what, in order
- Government subsidy, applied automatically in subsidised wards.
- MediShield Life, or your Integrated Shield Plan, after any deductible and co-insurance.
- MediSave, yours or family members’, within withdrawal limits.
- Cash, or an insurance rider if you have one.
- MediFund, for citizens who still cannot pay.
MediFund: the safety net
MediFund helps Singapore Citizens who are subsidised patients at a MediFund-approved institution, such as a public hospital, community hospital or approved long-term care facility, and who still struggle with the bill after subsidies, insurance and MediSave. Speak to the institution’s medical social workers, who handle applications and can suggest other help. An independent committee at each institution weighs the family’s finances, health and circumstances and decides the amount. MediFund Silver serves needy seniors and MediFund Junior needy children.
The WahLiao Verdict
For most families, a subsidised B2 or C ward gives the same standard of medical care at a fraction of the price; you are paying for privacy and comfort when you go higher. Ask for a bill estimate on admission, check which ward your insurance covers in full, and never let worry about money delay treatment. If the balance is beyond you, speak to the medical social worker early, before the bill becomes a burden.
Questions people ask
Do I need to apply for the subsidy?
No. Means-testing is done automatically for each episode of care, using your household’s records.
Why is B2+ subsidised less than B2?
B2+ wards offer more comfort, so they sit between the fully subsidised wards and the unsubsidised B1 and A wards.
Can I upgrade my ward during the stay?
Hospitals usually allow changes subject to bed availability, but your subsidy changes with the ward class. Ask the admissions office how the bill will be split.
Can PRs apply for MediFund?
MOH lists Singapore Citizenship as a requirement. PRs facing hardship should still speak to the medical social worker about other help.
Sources: Ministry of Health, subsidies for acute inpatient care; Ministry of Health, MediFund. The Ledger explains; it does not advise.
Read next: MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans: What Your Hospital Cover Pays · MediSave Explained: What It Pays For, the Withdrawal Limits and the Basic Healthcare Sum · Back to The Ledger
For what’s worth it this week, with the bill shown, read The WahLiao Week.
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