Acupuncture Insurance Coverage in Singapore: What Is Covered

Acupuncture, part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is widely used in Singapore for pain, relaxation and general wellbeing. The cost is a common concern, and coverage depends heavily on where you are treated and what you are treated for. This guide sets out what the government covers, what private insurance may cover, and the questions to ask before you book.

Government subsidies and MediSave

Government support for acupuncture is narrow. In December 2020, the Ministry of Health (MOH) started a pilot extending means-tested subsidies and MediSave use to acupuncture for lower back pain and neck pain at specialist outpatient clinics in public healthcare institutions. Key points from MOH:

• It applies to patients referred by a medical specialist at a public hospital, not to walk-in visits at a private TCM clinic.
• Subsidised patients get means-tested subsidies of up to 70%, with extra discounts for eligible Pioneer and Merdeka Generation members.
• Under Flexi-MediSave, Singaporeans aged 60 and above can use their own or their spouse's MediSave for this treatment, up to an annual limit. MOH's 2020 announcement stated $200 a year, while CPF's current guidance cites $400 a year, so check the CPF Board or MOH for the present figure.
• Acupuncture for other conditions was not part of the pilot.

Public hospital clinics may set their own rules, such as a cap on the number of sessions and treatment by acupuncturists registered with the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board. Ask the clinic what applies.

In 2025, the Health Minister said MOH was evaluating proposals to bring more evidence-based TCM treatments into public care, including acupuncture for conditions such as migraine and post-stroke rehabilitation. These were proposals under evaluation, so do not assume extra coverage until MOH confirms it.

Importantly, MediSave generally cannot be used for acupuncture at a private TCM clinic. If a clinic says otherwise, check with CPF Board first.

Private insurance

Standard Singapore hospital plans (MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans) are built around hospitalisation and approved outpatient treatments, and do not usually reimburse everyday acupuncture. Some private medical plans, corporate group plans and international health plans include a TCM or complementary medicine benefit, often with an annual limit, a per-visit cap or a requirement that the practitioner is registered.

Because these benefits differ by insurer and by plan, we have not listed insurers. Check your policy schedule or ask your insurer:

• Is acupuncture or TCM covered, and under which benefit?
• What are the annual and per-visit limits, and is there a co-payment?
• Do you need a doctor's referral, or must the practitioner be registered with the TCM Practitioners Board?
• Do you pay first and claim later, or can the clinic bill the insurer directly?

Other ways to reduce the cost

1. Employer benefits: Some employers include TCM or wellness allowances in their benefits. Check your staff handbook or ask HR.
2. Packages and trial rates: Many clinics sell multi-session packages. Compare the per-session price, and confirm what happens to unused sessions.
3. Community and charitable clinics: Some community organisations and charitable TCM clinics offer lower rates. Availability and eligibility vary, so ask directly.

Before you book

Check that the practitioner is registered with the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board, ask for the total cost per session and any consultation or medicine fees, and keep receipts and a treatment record if you plan to claim from an insurer or employer.

Sources: Ministry of Health (pilot for extension of subsidy and MediSave for acupuncture at public specialist outpatient clinics); CPF Board guidance on Flexi-MediSave.