Maternity insurance & giving birth in Singapore

Different stages of life call for different approaches to choosing what’s right for you. Here, we ask a medical insurance expert for advice on maternity insurance, especially for expats who aren’t covered by Singapore’s Medicare. We also have a look at private and public hospitals in Singapore for giving birth.

Maternity insurance for growing families – a word from the team from Pacific Prime CXA Singapore:

Welcoming a new family member is one of the most beautiful and rewarding experiences in life. However, it can also be a stressful event, especially if you’re giving birth outside of your home country. Contributing to this stress factor is the cost of having a baby in Singapore – which is why finding out about good maternity insurance before you plan to fall pregnant is essential.

Quality healthcare in Singapore comes with a hefty price tag. Whether you’re an expat or a local living in Singapore, not having good maternity coverage can add a whole level of worry you don’t need when you’re having a baby. It may be tempting to opt for the cheapest plan you can lay your hands on, but this isn’t a smart move in the long run – not all maternity insurance plans are created equal.

Six things to be aware of with maternity insurance

1. Maternity insurance should be purchased early because, in most cases, policies have a waiting period ranging anywhere from 10 to 24 months.
2. Maternity policies typically have a long list of terms and conditions – from childbirth complications to newborn underwriting.
3. Talk to a good insurance provider to help answer any questions you may have, not only regarding benefits, claims and coverage but also for any general advice you need about maternity insurance in Singapore.
4. Work out if you need bills to be paid by the insurer directly, or if you’re happy to pay first and then be reimbursed.
5. Do you want maternity insurance that covers having the baby back in your home country?
6. Make sure the new baby is added onto your health insurance policies as soon as it arrives!

How much does it cost to have a baby in Singapore?

For standard delivery at a private hospital in Singapore, it can cost between $7,500 and $12,500. But there can be numerous add-ons including specialist visits and medication. For example, a C-section birth at a private hospital can cost from $11,000 to $19,000. This will vary depending on the complexity of the surgery, after care, epidurals and so on.

Pre- and postnatal expenses also have to be factored into the cost of having a baby in Singapore. These can include screening, scans, supplements and blood tests – and they can add another $1,000 to $2,000 to the bill!

Maternity benefits should be purchased early because, in most cases, they are attached with a waiting period ranging anywhere between 10 and 24 months. Also, it’s important to remember that maternity policies typically have a long list of terms and conditions – from childbirth complications to newborn underwriting. Our dedicated team of experts are here to help and answer any questions you may have, not only regarding benefits, claims, and coverage but also for any general advice you need about maternity and all insurance in Singapore.

10 key maternity hospitals

If you’re planning on giving birth here, there are many medical centres with great doctors. So, do your research to find out which will best fit your needs and preferences. Here are some suggestions for maternity hospitals, including both public and private hospitals in Singapore.

Public hospitals in Singapore

#1 Singapore General Hospital

The Obstetrics and Gynaecology Centre at SGH is a one-stop location for maternity care. There are many specialities and services on offer, so you can get comprehensive advice and treatment all under one roof. These include first trimester screening and prenatal tests, foetal ultrasound, high-risk obstetrics, breastfeeding and postpartum assessment.

#2 KK Women & Children’s Hospital

Dedicated to women and children up to 16 years of age, this hospital offers all types of gynaecological, paediatric and obstetrical services. It’s a referral centre for complicated pregnancies, with a focus on high-risk deliveries and foetal abnormalities. The hospital also specialises in fertility issues and houses other services such as a birth registration counter.

#3 National University Hospital

Amongst its many specialisations, NUH offers obstetric and gynaecological care as part of the NUH Women’s Centre. Services include routine and emergency care in pregnancy, foetal therapy, and multiple and breech pregnancies. To complement these, the obstetric department also provides breastfeeding and postpartum care.

Private hospitals in Singapore

#4 Gleneagles Hospital

Part of the Parkway Hospital group of hospitals, Gleneagles is a private medical centre located in the Bukit Timah area. It offers a wide range of care for mums and babies, including fertility and maternity. The ParentCraft Centre has a team of experienced staff to prepare you for birth, offer advice on postnatal care and caring for your newborn. Childbirth preparation classes are also available.

#5 Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital

The hospital offers obstetrics and gynaecology, pediatrics and neonatology. It has a wide variety of services, including pre-pregnancy health screening, prenatal diagnosis, high-risk pregnancy care and even cancer management in gynaecology.

#6 Mount Elizabeth Orchard Hospital

The Orchard branch also offers maternity care for mums and babies. You’ll be able to access services such as ParentCraft classes before you give birth.

#7 Mount Alvernia Hospital

This private hospital will follow you throughout your entire pregnancy journey. From pre-pregnancy to post-birth, the maternity hospital has a team of experienced Parentcraft centre staff to guide you on newborn care and breastfeeding.

#8 Raffles Hospital

This health facility has over 53 specialties, including women’s health. It offers general obstetrics and gynaecology services as well as maternal-fetal medicine. There are also dieticians and lactation consultants who work together with doctors to help mothers through pregnancy and after birth.

#9 Thomson Medical Centre

Along with specialisations for women and children, this private maternity hospital offers prenatal, delivery and post-natal care. These include an in-house obstetrics assessment unit and antenatal classes, as well as home-care services and breastfeeding consultations.

#10 Parkway East Hospital

Located in Joo Chiat, this hospital has many medical specialities, including maternity services. The experienced team is trained in obstetrics and gynaecology, neonatology and paediatrics.

Should I go to a public or private hospital in Singapore?

In the Singapore healthcare system, hospital safety and standards are high in both private and public hospitals. Choosing one over the other comes down to personal choice.

Public hospitals generally appeal to most because of their lower cost. Due to their popularity, though, you can expect a longer waiting time. Many have restricted visitation hours and you also need to settle your own paperwork for insurance claims.

If you’re after all the bells and whistles, a private hospital might be for you. They have more perks and shorter waiting times. To ensure that your medical costs can be covered, find out more about what’s covered in your health insurance and maternity insurance policies.

Pacific Prime CXA Singapore
#09-02 China Square Central, 18 Cross Street
6346 3781 | pacificprime.sg 

Now you’ve got your maternity insurance plans covered, why not take a look at some great things to do in Singapore, and our neighbourhood guide if you are still deciding where to live in Singapore? You can also check out more articles on health and fitness here!