Starting a fertility journey can be overwhelming, particularly if you’re concerned about the cost. The good news is, IUI subsidy in Singapore provides couples with financial support, making this fertility treatment more affordable and bringing you one step closer to your dream of parenthood.
What is IUI procedure?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a simple and gentle fertility procedure designed to improve your chances of conception. During an IUI procedure, your doctor places your partner’s sperm directly into your womb at the time of ovulation, helping the sperm get closer to the egg.
IUI is often recommended as a first step in fertility treatment because it is less invasive and more affordable than more complex procedures, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF). It may be suitable for couples experiencing unexplained infertility, mild male factor infertility, a low sperm count or cervical issues that make natural conception more challenging.
Is IUI subsidised under the public healthcare system in Singapore?
Yes, intrauterine insemination (IUI) is partially subsidised under Singapore’s public healthcare system for eligible couples.
Singapore’s Marriage and Parenthood Scheme offers co-funding for up to three IUI cycles performed at public hospitals, helping to make fertility care more affordable. To qualify for the IUI subsidy, couples must meet the following criteria:
Both partners are below 40 years old
A doctor has assessed the couple as suitable for ART
At least one spouse is a Singaporean citizen
The couple has not already received co-funding for three fresh and three frozen IVF cycles
Eligible couples can receive up to 75% co-funding, capped at SGD 1,000 per treatment cycle, for a maximum of three IUI cycles at public hospitals. These criteria ensure the subsidy is directed to couples with the best chance of success and who meet clinical suitability for IUI.
IUI at public vs private clinics: Cost considerations
The cost of IUI in Singapore can vary depending on whether you undergo the procedure at a public hospital or a private fertility clinic.
At public hospitals:
An IUI procedure from hospitals such as NUH, SGH, and KKH typically costs between SGD 660 and SGD 760 (excluding GST).
This estimate does not include additional expenses such as doctor consultation fees, medications, or diagnostic tests.
At private fertility clinics:
IUI is generally more expensive, ranging from SGD 1,800 to SGD 3,000 per cycle.
These packages usually include consultation fees, ultrasound scans, injections, hormonal medications (such as hCG), and blood tests.
If further cycles are needed within six months, the cost may drop to around SGD 700 - SGD 900 per cycle. Some clinics also offer IUI packages starting from SGD 880 to SGD 1,000, although these usually do not include medication or investigation fees.
Not sure which option is right for you? Contact our medical concierge services to help you understand the differences between public and private IUI treatments and guide you through available subsidies and Medisave support.
Our IUI specialists in Singapore
Loading...
Can Medisave be used for IUI in Singapore?
Definitely! You can use Medisave to help pay for IUI treatments in Singapore. The Medisave scheme allows couples to withdraw part of their savings to offset fertility treatment costs, making IUI more affordable.
The current Medisave withdrawal limits for assisted reproductive treatments are:
SGD 6,000 for the first cycle
SGD 5,000 for the second cycle
SGD 4,000 for each subsequent cycle
Each couple has a lifetime Medisave withdrawal limit of SGD 15,000 for assisted reproductive treatments, including IUI.
Alternatives with subsidy: IVF under public schemes
For couples who may need more advanced fertility treatment, the Singapore government also offers subsidies for in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) under public healthcare schemes. This initiative is part of Singapore’s Marriage and Parenthood Scheme, designed to make conception support more affordable.
Eligible couples can receive co-funding of up to SGD 7,700 per treatment cycle, depending on the type of procedure and citizenship status. The scheme covers up to three fresh cycles and three frozen cycles, helping to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
To qualify for IVF co-funding, couples must meet the following criteria:
At least one spouse is a Singaporean citizen
Both partners are below 40 years old at the start of treatment
The couple has not previously received co-funding for three fresh and three frozen IVF cycles
They have been assessed by a doctor as medically suitable for IVF
These public subsidies make IVF a more accessible alternative for couples who may not have success with IUI or require more comprehensive fertility support.
Private insurance coverage for IUI in Singapore
In addition to government subsidies, some private insurance plans in Singapore offer coverage for pregnancies conceived through assisted reproductive treatments (ART) such as IUI and IVF. Here are a few options to consider:
Manulife ReadyMummy:
Specifically covers pregnancies resulting from fertility procedures like IVF and IUI. It’s designed for individuals seeking essential maternity protection with the flexibility to include ART-related pregnancies.
PRUFirst Promise:
A maternity insurance plan that covers assisted pregnancies and offers tailored benefits for both mother and baby. It also provides coverage for certain complications that may arise from fertility treatments.
Singlife MyMaternityPlan:
Covers multiple births from a single pregnancy, including those conceived via IVF or IUI, and provides protection for various pregnancy-related complications.
Want to confirm whether your private insurance can support IUI subsidies? Contact our medical concierge service for personalised support in assessing whether your private insurance may be applied towards IUI subsidies, and to receive clear guidance on your coverage options.
FAQ
How much do three rounds of IUI cost?
In Singapore, three rounds of IUI generally cost between SGD 2,000 and SGD 9,000, depending on whether treatment is done at a public hospital or private clinic, and the amount of medication required.
Public hospital cycles cost about SGD 660 to 760 each (excluding additional fees), while private clinic cycles range from SGD 700 to 3,000 per cycle, with discounts often available for subsequent rounds.
Are there exceptions or special assistance options?
In Singapore, there are a few exceptions and special assistance options available for couples undergoing IUI. Government co-funding is offered for IUI treatments at public hospitals, and MediSave withdrawals can also be used to help offset treatment costs.
Can I use my insurance plan to cover my IUI treatment?
Most insurance plans in Singapore don’t cover the cost of fertility treatment. Coverage for procedures such as IUI or IVF is often offered as an additional benefit in a hospitalisation plan. These plans typically come with a 12-month waiting period, meaning you can only make a claim one year after your policy begins.
Claims for fertility treatment are usually capped at SGD 4,000 per cycle and include imaging, medical investigations, inpatient and outpatient hospital expenses, and other related medical fees. A cycle begins with the necessary medical care for the treatment and ends with insemination or embryo transfer. Coverage is limited to three cycles per lifetime.
Is any financial assistance available for IUI in public hospitals?
Yes, public hospitals in Singapore provide government co-funding for eligible couples undergoing IUI. Under the Marriage and Parenthood Scheme, couples can receive co-funding for up to three IUI cycles performed at public hospitals. Eligible couples can receive up to 75% co-funding, capped at SGD 1,000 per treatment cycle, for a maximum of three cycles.
If IUI is unsuccessful, can I get support for IVF instead?
Yes. If IUI is unsuccessful after several cycles, many fertility specialists recommend switching to IVF, particularly for couples facing ongoing fertility challenges or where the female partner is over 35 years old.
Is there a subsidy for IVF in Singapore?
Yes, the Ministry of Health (MOH) provides co-funding for IVF and other assisted reproductive treatments (ART) at public hospitals, covering up to 75% of treatment costs, subject to specific caps. Couples may also use MediSave to help pay for IVF expenses, with withdrawal limits of:
- SGD 6,000 for the first cycle
- SGD 5,000 for the second cycle
- SGD 4,000 for the third and subsequent cycles
There is a lifetime withdrawal limit of SGD 15,000 per patient.
The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice based on your unique situation, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical today.
For more information, contact us:
Thomson Fertility Centre
- Paragon: 6252 7766
Thomson Specialists (Women's Health)
Request an Appointment