The Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) is a vital part of Singapore’s healthcare landscape, offering financial support for eligible Singaporeans to access essential medical and dental care at participating private clinics. While CHAS has significantly improved affordability and accessibility for many, there is often confusion about its scope. One of the most common questions patients ask is whether CHAS subsidies can be used for everything at a medical clinic.
To clarify this, it’s essential to understand the framework of CHAS, the types of services it covers, and where its limitations lie. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of what CHAS subsidies include—and don’t include—so that patients can make informed decisions about their medical care.
Understanding CHAS and Its Objectives
CHAS was launched by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to extend subsidies to Singapore Citizens for common illnesses, chronic disease management, and selected dental services at participating General Practitioner (GP) and dental clinics. It is targeted at those who prefer the convenience and shorter wait times of private clinics but may otherwise find them cost-prohibitive.
Subsidy amounts are tiered based on household monthly income per person or the Annual Value (AV) of one’s home. The three main CHAS cards—Blue, Orange, and Green—offer different levels of support depending on the patient’s eligibility. Additionally, CHAS supports Pioneer Generation (PG) and Merdeka Generation (MG) seniors with enhanced benefits.
Scope of CHAS Subsidies in Medical Clinics
CHAS subsidies can be used for three main categories of healthcare services at participating medical clinics:
- Common Illnesses – Conditions such as cold, flu, fever, and diarrhea fall under this category. If you visit your CHAS-accredited clinic for such ailments, your consultation and basic treatment may be subsidised.
- Chronic Conditions – CHAS supports the management of 23 chronic conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, and mental health disorders like depression and schizophrenia. Patients may receive subsidies for doctor consultations, laboratory tests, and medications.
- Recommended Health Screenings and Vaccinations – Certain nationally recommended screenings and vaccinations (especially for seniors under Healthier SG) are also subsidised under CHAS. This includes screenings for diabetes, high cholesterol, colorectal cancer, and vaccinations like pneumococcal and influenza for eligible age groups.
However, not every service or treatment in a clinic qualifies for subsidy. This is where some patients may find surprises.
What CHAS Does Not Cover in a Medical Clinic
Although CHAS provides wide-ranging assistance, it does not equate to blanket coverage for all services at a medical clinic. Here are some examples of services typically not covered by CHAS subsidies:
- Non-essential or elective procedures – Services like cosmetic treatments, weight loss injections, or elective aesthetic procedures are not subsidised under CHAS.
- Health screening packages – While CHAS supports specific, MOH-recommended screenings, general or comprehensive health screening packages offered by clinics are usually not subsidised.
- Non-CHAS-approved vaccinations or tests – Travel vaccines, pre-employment medicals, and other non-nationally recommended vaccinations are generally not eligible for CHAS subsidies.
- Third-party charges – Administrative charges, issuance of medical reports, or insurance forms are also not covered.
- Out-of-scope medications – Not all medications are subsidised. Only those aligned with MOH-approved treatment protocols for common or chronic conditions are eligible.
How to Maximise Your CHAS Benefits
To make the most of your CHAS subsidies, consider the following steps:
- Choose a CHAS-accredited clinic – Always verify that the clinic you’re visiting is CHAS-approved. Clinics like Keystone Clinic & Surgery are registered under CHAS and clearly display the CHAS logo.
- Inform the clinic of your CHAS status upfront – Present your CHAS, Merdeka, or Pioneer card during registration to ensure your eligibility is considered from the start.
- Clarify coverage before treatment – Ask the clinic which services and medications are subsidised. Many clinics will transparently advise patients about whether a treatment qualifies for CHAS subsidies.
- Use MediSave alongside CHAS – For chronic conditions, patients can often use MediSave in conjunction with CHAS to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
- Review your eligibility – Subsidy amounts and eligibility are reviewed periodically. You can reapply or update your household details through the CHAS website or support centres.
Special Programmes Under CHAS
Under Singapore’s Healthier SG initiative, selected screenings and vaccinations are fully subsidised when residents enrol and choose a regular clinic. CHAS cards complement this framework by providing ongoing support for chronic conditions and common illnesses outside of the Healthier SG programme.
CHAS is also integrated into other national schemes such as the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP) and Mental Health GP Partnership Programme, allowing for broader access to care beyond acute medical needs.
Navigating Your Healthcare Journey with CHAS
While CHAS subsidies are a major help in managing healthcare costs, patients should remain proactive in understanding what is and isn’t covered. It is not designed to subsidise every single visit or procedure at a medical clinic, but rather to encourage regular, necessary healthcare—particularly for those with chronic conditions and lower incomes.
Educating yourself on CHAS coverage ensures that you avoid unexpected bills and take full advantage of what the scheme offers. Clinics also have a responsibility to explain these distinctions clearly, and reputable practices like Keystone Clinic & Surgery make this part of their patient communication.
Get Personalised Guidance on CHAS Coverage
At Keystone Clinic & Surgery, we are committed to helping you understand and make full use of your CHAS subsidies. Our friendly and experienced team will explain which of your medical needs qualify for subsidies and assist in coordinating care for chronic conditions, vaccinations, and screenings.
Conveniently located in Singapore and accredited under the CHAS programme, Keystone Clinic & Surgery is your trusted partner for affordable, quality care. Whether you’re managing a long-term condition or seeking support under the Healthier SG initiative, we’re here to provide guidance every step of the way.
Visit https://keystonemedical.com.sg to book an appointment or find out more about CHAS-covered services. Let’s work together toward better health—made affordable.
References
Chas.sg. CHAS Subsidies. https://www.chas.sg/chas-subsidies
moh.gov.sg. Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS). https://www.moh.gov.sg/managing-expenses/schemes-and-subsidies/chas
Keystonemedical.com.sg. What are the Limitations of CHAS Subsidies?. https://keystonemedical.com.sg/what-are-the-limitations-of-chas-subsidies/