Medical savings accounts have been suggested as one way of addressing the question of how Australia can pay for its future health needs. They are similar to compulsory superannuation – individuals save a proportion of their income into an account which can only be used for health expenses. Luke Buckmaster examines the case for MSAs by explaining what they are and what they are intended to do, presenting evidence from overseas about their efficacy, and discussing issues raised by any attempt to introduce them into Australia.