Using MediSave in JB at Regency Specialist Hospital
Singaporeans are no strangers to using MediSave to offset hospital bills, but even with it, healthcare costs can still add up quickly. For those who don’t mind crossing the Causeway for treatment, there’s actually a way to use your MediSave in JB too.
Regency Specialist Hospital is the only hospital in JB currently that allows the usage of MediSave for eligible medical treatments. Before you start booking a hospital appointment, here’s what you need to know about the scheme and how to get started.
What is Regency Specialist Hospital?
Image credit: Jeff Lee via Google Maps
The private hospital is located around a 15- to 30-minute drive from the JB checkpoint, depending on traffic. It has more than 100 specialists across various medical fields and sees around 230,000 patients annually. Regency Specialist Hospital also treats around 150 to 200 international patients each day, according to CNA.
But here’s the part that’s probably most relevant to Singaporeans: it’s currently the only hospital in JB where MediSave can be used for eligible medical expenses. In fact, it has been on Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) list of approved overseas hospitals for MediSave claims since March 2010.
Why do some Singaporeans consider going to JB for medical treatments?
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For some Singaporeans, heading to JB for medical treatment is an appealing option as the favourable exchange rate can potentially make certain treatments more affordable, while JB’s proximity to SG means you don’t have to travel far from home.
And getting there could become even more convenient once the RTS Link starts operations, making the trip across the border less of a hassle.
But cheaper healthcare doesn’t automatically mean better healthcare. It’s recommended that you do your homework on the hospital, doctor’s qualifications and experience, as well as the quality and safety standards of the treatment you’re considering.
Are medical treatments really cheaper in JB than in SG?
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MOH said in a written parliamentary answer in August 2026 that it doesn’t track how the costs of overseas medical treatments compare with similar treatments in Singapore. From 2020 to 2024, there were an average of 200 MediSave claims for overseas medical treatments, with most of these claims being for obstetrics and gynaecology services.
So while you may have heard of certain treatments costing less in JB from your friend’s friend or colleague, don’t just assume that’s always the case; there’s more to the calculation than just converting the price from MYR to SGD.
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For instance, look at the total cost of treatment. Your bill could include consultation fees, pre-op tests, medication, hospitalisation, and follow-up appointments, so a cheaper procedure price doesn’t necessarily mean a cheaper overall bill.
You’ll also want to check your insurance coverage before making any appointments. Some policies may not cover treatment at overseas private hospitals, so work out whether paying out of pocket in JB actually makes more sense for you than paying a co-payment for treatment in Singapore.
If you’re considering JB, make sure to factor in how much follow-up care you’ll need. A simpler procedure with minimal follow-ups could be more convenient to manage across the border, while treatments requiring frequent appointments could mean more time, travel, and transport costs to factor into your budget.
What can I use MediSave for overseas?
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According to CPF, it can be used for elective treatments at accredited healthcare facilities. This includes day surgery procedures and inpatient hospitalisation for eligible medical and surgical treatments.
With so many different treatments and procedures out there, it’s best to check with the relevant organisations beforehand if you’re unsure whether your treatment is covered. We’ll break down what you need to know below.
Who is eligible to use MediSave overseas?
Singaporeans and Permanent Residents (PRs) can use their own MediSave, or tap into the MediSave savings of an immediate family member. This includes your spouse, children, parents, siblings and grandchildren.
How does using MediSave at Regency Specialist Hospital work?
1. Schedule a specialist consultation with the hospital
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First things first, you’ll need to book a consultation with a specialist at Regency Specialist Hospital. You can make an appointment through the hospital’s website or call +60 16-722 7288.
2. Collect your referral letter
After your specialist consultation, you’ll receive a referral letter with the details needed for your MediSave claim. This includes your particulars, diagnosis, the relevant Table of Surgical Procedures code for the surgery, estimated cost, expected hospitalisation duration if applicable, and proposed surgery or admission date.
3. Visit HMI Patient Service Centre in Singapore
Image credit: HMI Medical
Before your procedure, you’ll need to make a stop at Health Management International (HMI) Medical’s Patient Service Centre in Singapore. This is where HMI Medical will check your MediSave eligibility, provide financial counselling, and help to collect the required deposit.
Remember to bring your referral letter along for the assessment.
Make an appointment by calling +65 6322 6333 or via WhatsApp at +65 9182 1602. For more details, check HMI Medical’s guide on using MediSave in Malaysia.
4. Proceed with treatment at Regency Specialist Hospital
Image adapted from: Lukman AL & 吳琪の via Google Maps
Once everything’s sorted, it’s time to head back to Regency Specialist Hospital for your scheduled treatment. No further deposit is required on the day of admission, as the deposit would have been arranged earlier.
After you’re discharged, a patient services consultant from HMI Medical’s Patient Service Centre will help you with the necessary MediSave claim submissions.
Take note that all MediSave claims are subject to approval by MOH.
What is the withdrawal limit when using MediSave overseas?
MediSave withdrawal limits for overseas treatments are the same as those for treatments in Singapore. Here’s a quick breakdown of how much you can use, as stated on CPF’s website:
| Treatment | Withdrawal limit |
| Hospitalisation |
|
| Day surgery |
|
| Inpatient surgery |
|
Can I use MediShield Life overseas?
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Unfortunately, MediShield Life cannot be used for medical treatment overseas. The MediShield Life scheme is meant for subsidised medical bills in Singapore’s public healthcare system, so it doesn’t extend to treatments received abroad.
And while MediSave and MediShield Life may sound like 2 sides of the same coin, they work differently.
Bookmark this article if you’re thinking about using MediSave in JB
Make sure you understand what MediSave can and cannot cover in JB, check your insurance policy, and factor in the full cost of treatment. You’ll also want to do your own research on the hospital and specialist you’re considering. After all, when it comes to healthcare, saving money shouldn’t be the only thing on your checklist.
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Cover image adapted from: Lukman AL via Google Maps, The Smart Local, RDNE Stock project via Pexels