While the journey to parenthood is one of life's most exciting experiences, it also brings important financial considerations. Maternity insurance provides essential coverage for pregnancy-related expenses, offering peace of mind during this cherished time.
Understanding your options in Singapore's healthcare system helps you receive the best possible care while managing costs effectively.
What is maternity insurance?
Maternity insurance is a specialised form of health coverage designed to support expecting mothers throughout their pregnancy journey, from conception through delivery and postnatal care. This insurance helps cover the costs associated with medical care during this period.
Maternity insurance typically covers:
Regular antenatal check-ups
Ultrasound scans
Laboratory tests
Delivery costs (both natural and caesarean)
Hospitalisation expenses
Immediate newborn care.
Some plans extend coverage further to include pregnancy complications, emergency procedures, and extended postnatal support for both you and your baby.
Why should I consider getting maternity insurance?
Maternity insurance offers financial protection during pregnancy, when medical expenses can quickly accumulate and unexpected complications may arise. The financial security provided allows you to focus on your health and family rather than worrying about mounting medical bills.
Coverage also extends beyond routine care to include protection against unexpected complications that can significantly increase medical costs. Pregnancy complications, emergency procedures, premature births, or extended hospitalisation can result in expenses exceeding typical delivery costs.
Many maternity insurance plans also cover your newborn's medical needs. This often includes routine newborn screenings, vaccinations, and treatment for common neonatal conditions.
If you are unsure whether investing in maternity insurance is worthwhile, it's best to discuss this with your insurance provider. Should you be planning your care with Thomson Medical, our medical concierge team will be able to help you determine which maternity insurance plans offer the most suitable coverage for your needs.
What maternity insurance options are currently available?
Singapore's healthcare system offers various maternity insurance coverages, combining government-backed schemes with private insurance options to provide comprehensive protection for expecting mothers.
MediShield Life
MediShield Life serves as Singapore's basic universal health insurance scheme, providing foundational coverage for all residents, including pregnancy-related care. This government-administered plan covers essential maternity services, including prenatal consultations, delivery procedures, and immediate postnatal care within the public healthcare system.
Under MediShield Life, expecting mothers have access to subsidised maternity care at public hospitals and polyclinics, with coverage including routine antenatal check-ups, essential diagnostic tests, normal deliveries, and emergency caesarean sections when medically necessary. The scheme also covers pregnancy-related complications and extended hospitalisations when required.
While MediShield Life provides essential coverage, it operates within a public healthcare framework with standardised benefits and may involve longer waiting times or a limited choice of healthcare providers.
MediSave Maternity Package
This covers delivery expenses, as well as pre-delivery medical expenses such as consultations and ultrasounds, in public and private hospitals. You may withdraw:
Up to SGD 900 for pre-delivery medical expenses.
An additional surgical withdrawal limit ranging from SGD 1,120 to SGD 2,770 depending on the type of delivery procedure.
Up to SGD 1,130 per day for the first two days of admission and SGD 400 per day from the third day onwards for the hospital stay.
To claim pre-delivery charges from MediSave, present the bills incurred for pre-delivery medical care to the hospital where your baby was delivered. The hospital will submit these bills to the CPF Board for you, together with the delivery expenses. You can use the MediSave amount that is lower than either the actual bill or the MediSave withdrawal limit.
For maternity cases from 1 November 2016, MediSave can be used to pay bills incurred in delivery.
Integrated Shield Plans (IP)
Integrated Shield Plans represent enhanced insurance coverage that builds upon MediShield Life's foundation, offering expanded benefits and greater flexibility in healthcare choices. Approved insurance companies offer these plans, giving access to private healthcare facilities and specialists.
Typically, IPs provide access to private hospitals and specialist obstetrics and gynaecology services, offer higher coverage limits and reduce or eliminate co-payment requirements. Many plans include coverage for single-room accommodation, diagnostic procedures, pregnancy complications, and specialised treatments.
Different insurance providers offer varying IP options with different coverage levels, benefits, and premium structures, allowing expecting mothers to choose plans that best match their healthcare preferences and financial circumstances.
What does maternity insurance cover?
Maternity insurance coverage encompasses the full spectrum of pregnancy-related care, including:
Regular consultations with obstetricians
Routine health monitoring
Scheduled check-ups throughout pregnancy
Blood pressure monitoring
Weight management consultations
Routine assessments of both maternal and foetal health
Diagnostic and screening services often include:
Blood tests
Oral glucose tolerance tests
Genetic screenings
Ultrasound examinations
Specialised diagnostic procedures recommended based on your risk factors or medical histories
Delivery-related coverage encompasses both natural births and caesarean sections, including:
Hospital accommodation
Surgical fees
Anaesthesia costs
Immediate post-delivery monitoring
Furthermore, maternity insurance usually covers postnatal care, like:
Immediate post-delivery monitoring
Routine check-ups for both mother and baby
Breastfeeding support
Treatments for common post-delivery
Routine screenings
Vaccination
Some plans extend coverage to include pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, premature labour, or other conditions requiring specialised treatment or extended hospitalisation.
Depending on your medical circumstances, some more thorough plans may also recommend fertility treatments, pregnancy loss support, and specialised procedures.
What is not covered by maternity insurance?
Understanding the limitations and exclusions of maternity insurance coverage is crucial for avoiding unexpected expenses and making informed decisions about additional coverage or out-of-pocket planning. Most policies contain specific exclusions that expecting mothers should carefully consider.
Pre-existing conditions diagnosed before policy inception are typically excluded from coverage, particularly those that could affect pregnancy outcomes or require ongoing specialist treatment. This includes pre-existing diabetes, hypertension, heart conditions, or other chronic health issues that existed prior to obtaining insurance coverage.
Elective procedures and premium services beyond medically necessary care often fall outside standard coverage parameters. This might include requests for specific delivery methods without a medical indication, cosmetic procedures, premium room upgrades beyond policy limits, or specialised services chosen for convenience rather than medical necessity.
Fertility treatments, including IVF procedures, fertility medications, and assisted reproductive technologies, are frequently excluded from standard maternity insurance coverage. Couples planning to use fertility treatments should specifically seek policies that include these services or consider supplementary coverage.
Complications arising from high-risk behaviour or non-compliance with medical recommendations may not be covered. This includes pregnancy complications that arise from substance abuse, failing to attend required prenatal appointments, or not following medical advice, which can lead to preventable complications.
Alternative or complementary treatments such as traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, massage therapy, or other non-conventional treatments may not be included in standard coverage unless specifically stated in the policy terms.
Complementing your maternity insurance
While maternity insurance provides financial peace of mind during your pregnancy, choosing where to welcome your baby is just as important.
At Thomson Medical, we offer maternity packages to support you during childbirth. Whether you are planning a natural delivery or require a caesarean section, our packages cover a range of room types – from shared accommodation to private suites.
Our packages cover various lengths of stay, different delivery types and a range of rooms to suit your preferences. Find out more about Thomson Maternity Packages and see which option is right for you.
We also offer additional maternity services, including:
Tests & scans
During pregnancy, it’s important to monitor your health and that of your baby to ensure a smooth journey. At Thomson Medical, we provide diagnostic services such as ultrasound examinations, genetic screening tests, oral glucose tolerance tests, and routine blood tests.
We also offer specialised diagnostic procedures, including genetic testing, detailed anatomical surveys, foetal echocardiography and other targeted assessments based on your individual medical needs.
Courses & workshops
To help you prepare for the challenges of pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood, Thomson Medical offers a range of educational programmes.
Our antenatal classes provide essential information about pregnancy, labour and delivery preparations, pain management, and basic newborn care. These classes help to build your confidence and knowledge, providing you with the skills you need to navigate pregnancy and early parenthood.
We also offer specialised workshops on topics such as breastfeeding preparation, newborn care techniques, postpartum recovery planning, and partner support strategies. These educational opportunities complement medical care by equipping you with the practical skills and knowledge to improve your overall pregnancy experience.
Planning your care with Thomson Medical? Our medical concierge team can help you understand which maternity insurance plans work best with our services, ensuring seamless coverage and minimal out-of-pocket expenses.
Our pregnancy doctors with insurance panels
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When should you get maternity insurance?
The optimal timing depends on your life circumstances, family planning, and specific insurance policy requirements. Ideally, maternity insurance should be obtained before conception occurs, as most policies include waiting periods before pregnancy-related benefits become active.
These waiting periods typically range from 10 to 12 months, meaning coverage purchased during pregnancy may not provide benefits for the current pregnancy.
If you’re planning to start a family within the next few years, obtaining maternity insurance well in advance ensures full coverage availability when pregnancy occurs. This approach help to reduce the stress of rushing to secure coverage after conception and guarantees access to comprehensive benefits throughout pregnancy.
How much does maternity insurance cost?
The cost of maternity insurance in Singapore varies based on the coverage level, insurance provider, policy features, and individual factors such as your age and health status. Understanding the cost structure helps you make informed decisions about coverage levels and budget planning.
MediShield Life:
MediShield Life's basic coverage entails relatively modest premiums that subsidise lower-income households and are automatically deducted from Medisave accounts.
These premiums increase gradually with age but remain affordable for most residents, providing essential coverage within the public healthcare system.
Integrated Shield Plans:
IPs typically cost significantly more than basic coverage but provide enhanced benefits and greater healthcare provider choice.
Annual premiums for comprehensive IPs can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on coverage level and specific policy features.
Premium factors that affect costs include the expecting mother's age at policy inception, with older applicants typically facing higher premiums due to increased pregnancy risks. Previous medical history, pre-existing conditions, and lifestyle factors may also influence premium calculations and coverage availability.
Coverage level choices can also impact costs, with basic plans providing essential coverage at lower premiums while comprehensive plans offer extensive benefits at higher costs. Many insurers offer multiple coverage tiers, allowing individuals to balance premium costs against desired coverage levels.
Additional riders or supplementary coverage options can enhance basic policies but increase overall premium costs. These might include coverage for specific complications, premium hospital accommodations, or extended postnatal care benefits.
How to choose the right maternity insurance?
Selecting the right maternity insurance requires careful evaluation of your healthcare preferences, financial circumstances, family planning timeline, and specific coverage needs. A systematic approach to comparison and selection ensures optimal coverage for your individual situation.
Begin by assessing your healthcare preferences, including whether you prefer private or public healthcare facilities, specific obstetricians or hospitals, and particular amenities or services that are important to your pregnancy experience. These preferences significantly influence the type and level of coverage that will provide optimal value.
Evaluate your financial capacity for both insurance premiums and potential out-of-pocket expenses, considering your current income, savings, and other financial commitments. Balance coverage desires with realistic budget constraints to ensure sustainable premium payments throughout the policy period.
Compare coverage details carefully across different insurers and policy options, paying particular attention to waiting periods, coverage limits, excluded conditions, and specific benefits that align with your anticipated needs.
Seek professional advice from insurance advisors or financial planners who specialise in healthcare coverage, particularly if you have a complex medical history or specific coverage requirements that require expert evaluation and comparison.
Still unsure which maternity insurance is right for your needs? Contact our medical concierge team for further information on which maternity insurance plans work best with our services.
How do you apply for maternity insurance?
The application process for maternity insurance requires careful timing, thorough documentation, and understanding of insurer requirements to ensure successful coverage approval and optimal benefit access.
Begin your application process well before conception, ideally 12-18 months before your planned pregnancy, to ensure the waiting periods are satisfied and coverage is fully active when needed.
First, gather your medical documentation, including recent health assessments, vaccination records, family medical history, and any relevant specialist consultations.
Complete application forms thoroughly, providing all requested information and documentation to avoid processing delays or coverage complications.
Consider working with qualified insurance agents who specialise in health insurance and can guide you through the application process.
Schedule medical examinations or health assessments as required by your chosen insurer, understanding that these evaluations may influence coverage terms, premium rates, or policy approval.
Review policy documents carefully upon approval, ensuring you understand waiting periods, coverage effective dates, claim procedures, and any specific requirements for accessing benefits.
Maintain regular communication with your insurance provider regarding any changes in health status, contact information, or coverage needs that might affect your policy or benefit access throughout the coverage period.
FAQ
What are some limitations of getting maternity insurance?
Maternity insurance, while providing valuable coverage, does have several limitations.
Waiting periods:
Waiting periods represent one of the most significant limitations, typically requiring 10-12 months of coverage before pregnancy-related benefits become available, which means insurance purchased after conception may not provide coverage for the current pregnancy.
Pre-existing conditions:
If you have chronic health conditions that could affect your pregnancy, such as diabetes or hypertension, or if you have had complications in previous pregnancies, these may be excluded from coverage due to pre-existing condition exclusions.
Coverage caps:
Coverage caps and benefit limits may restrict access to premium services or extended care, particularly for complicated pregnancies requiring specialised treatment or extended hospitalisation.
These limitations can result in substantial out-of-pocket expenses despite having insurance coverage.
Provider restrictions:
Provider network restrictions may limit the choice of healthcare facilities and specialists, particularly for coverage plans that require using approved providers to access full benefits. This can impact continuity of care if preferred providers are not included in the network.
What is the waiting period for maternity insurance in Singapore?
Waiting periods for maternity insurance in Singapore typically range from 10 to 12 months from policy inception, though specific timeframes vary by insurer and policy type. This waiting period ensures that coverage is obtained for genuine insurance purposes rather than immediate claim needs.
Some insurers may offer shorter waiting periods for specific circumstances or as part of promotional offers, though standard industry practice maintains 10-12 month waiting periods for comprehensive maternity coverage. Group insurance plans through employers may have different waiting period structures.
The waiting period calculation typically begins from the policy effective date or premium payment date, depending on specific policy terms. It's crucial to understand exactly when coverage begins to ensure adequate protection when pregnancy occurs.
Is maternity insurance worth it?
Maternity insurance generally provides a good value for expecting mothers, particularly given the substantial costs associated with maternity care and the unpredictable nature of pregnancy complications that can significantly increase medical expenses.
The financial protection provided often far exceeds premium costs, particularly when complications arise or premium healthcare services are desired. Even routine maternity care can involve substantial expenses that quickly exceed annual insurance premiums, making coverage financially advantageous.
The coverage becomes particularly valuable for families planning multiple children, as the insurance provides ongoing protection for future pregnancies, making the initial waiting period investment worthwhile for long-term family planning strategies.
How many days is the approval of maternity benefit?
Maternity benefit approval timeframes vary by insurer and claim complexity, but most standard maternity claims are processed within 7-14 working days of complete documentation submission. Straightforward claims with complete documentation often receive faster processing.
Pre-authorisation for planned procedures such as elective caesarean sections or specific treatments may receive faster approval, often within 2-5 working days, as these involve advance planning and complete medical documentation review.
Emergency claims or complicated cases requiring additional medical review may take longer to process, potentially 2-3 weeks, particularly if additional documentation or specialist opinions are required for coverage determination.
Digital submission methods and direct billing arrangements between healthcare providers and insurers can significantly expedite the approval process, with some routine claims processed within 24-48 hours of submission.
Which maternity insurance should I take?
To help ensure a smooth pregnancy journey, you have several insurance options depending on your needs and preferences, such as:
MediShield Life:
MediShield Life serves as Singapore's basic universal health insurance scheme, providing foundational coverage for all residents, including pregnancy-related care.
This government-administered plan covers essential maternity services, including prenatal consultations, delivery procedures, and immediate postnatal care within the public healthcare system.
MediSave Maternity Package:
A MediSave Maternity Package allows you to use your CPF MediSave savings to pay for delivery expenses and pre-delivery costs like consultations and ultrasounds – up to $900 for pre-delivery expenses and higher limits for actual delivery costs, whether in public or private hospitals.
Integrated Shield Plans (IP):
Integrated Shield Plans represent enhanced insurance coverage that builds upon MediShield Life's foundation, offering expanded benefits and greater flexibility in healthcare choices.
Approved insurance companies offer these plans, giving access to private healthcare facilities and specialists.
Disclaimer: The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical or financial advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice on pricing and services, contact us at Thomson Medical today.
For more information, contact us:
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