Expansion of healthcare services and subsidies set to address rising costs and ageing population needs
In response to growing healthcare demands and rising costs, the Singapore Government has announced a significant increase in subsidies for dental and long-term care services, alongside expanding the use of MediSave for outpatient treatments. These measures aim to ease financial burdens on Singaporeans, as healthcare spending is projected to rise from $21 billion in 2025 to over $30 billion by 2030.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung highlighted that although managing healthcare costs remains challenging, it is vital to ensure that citizens can access necessary treatments without financial strain. He revealed that the Government will enhance the S+3Ms framework – including subsidies, the MediShield Life insurance scheme, and MediSave – to further alleviate costs for patients.
From January 2026, the annual MediSave withdrawal limit for outpatient scans like MRIs will increase from $300 to $600. Additionally, from October 2025, seniors over 60 will be able to use up to $400 annually under the Flexi-MediSave scheme, an increase from the current $300. These changes are expected to benefit over 1.2 million Singaporeans.
As the population continues to age, long-term care services are in greater demand. To address this, the Ministry of Health (MOH) will provide subsidies of up to 80% for long-term care services and raise the eligible income for assistance. These subsidies will be rolled out from July 2026, with interim rebates offered in the meantime to ease costs.
In addition, the number of hospital and nursing home beds will increase significantly by 2030, with nursing home beds rising from 20,000 to 31,000 and hospital beds from 12,000 to 15,000. To meet the growing demand for healthcare workers, Singapore’s medical schools have expanded intake, and thousands of new nurses have joined the workforce in recent years.
Minister Ong also underscored the importance of preventive health initiatives such as Healthier SG, which encourages healthier lifestyles through primary care doctors providing regular health screenings and advice. As of 2025, over 1.2 million Singaporeans have enrolled in the programme, marking a positive start in improving the nation’s overall health.
Additionally, recognising the impact of dental health on overall well-being, the Government will increase subsidies for restorative dental procedures, including root canal treatments and crowns, especially for the Pioneer and Merdeka generations.
In conclusion, while balancing healthcare quality, accessibility, and affordability remains complex, Minister Ong stressed that a focus on preventive health would allow Singapore to meet all three objectives more effectively.
