Switching from Public to Private Gynae during Pregnancy

After sitting in the crowded waiting room of your public hospital for three hours and watching your appointment run late, you might've started wondering, “Can I switch to private care at this stage?”

Many expectant mothers find themselves asking the same question. They begin their pregnancy journey at public hospitals because of the subsidised costs, only to reconsider it when they experience long waiting times, rotating doctors, and inflexible schedules.

So, before you decide to switch to a private gynaecologist, here's what you need to know to make an informed decision to support your pregnancy journey.

Should I switch from public to private gynaecology during pregnancy?

During your pregnancy, it's rarely "too late" to switch from a public to a private gynaecologist, but timing matters. In Singapore, gynaecologists who care for pregnant women are trained in both obstetrics (pregnancy and childbirth) and gynaecology (women's reproductive health), they’re also known as O&G specialists.

Most gynaes will accept new patients up to 32-34 weeks into pregnancy. After this point, many private gynaecologists become more selective, as there's limited time to build a relationship and understand your pregnancy history before delivery.

Optimal times to switch

• First trimester (before 12 weeks):

  • Easiest transition with full continuity of care

• Second trimester (13-27 weeks):

  • Still straightforward; most private gynae are open to new patients

• Early third trimester (28-32 weeks):

  • Possible, but act quickly

• After 34 weeks:

  • Challenging but not impossible, especially in urgent situations

When does switching make sense?

Switching from public to private O&G will make sense if:

• You want to see the same doctor throughout your pregnancy and delivery

• Your work schedule conflicts with public hospital or clinic operating hours

• You're experiencing complications and want more personalised attention

• Wait times at public hospital or clinic are causing you significant stress or anxiety

• You want more delivery options (specific pain management or birth plan flexibility)

When to reconsider your switching?

• You're managing well with public care and have a restricted budget

• You're past 35 weeks and comfortable with your current care team

• Your pregnancy is high-risk, and you're already under specialised public care

There's no "wrong" choice here. Both public and private systems in Singapore offer good care; it's about finding what works best for your circumstances.

What are the differences when you switch to a private hospital?

• Your costs will increase:
  • Government subsidies do not apply in private hospitals. For citizens and PRs, only certain MediShield Life or Integrated Shield Plan claims are allowed.
  • Private hospital room fees, surgical procedures, and medication costs are significantly higher.
• Specialist and ward choice increases:
  • You can select your specialist and request specific care teams. If you prefer a particular obstetrician and gynaecologist, confirm they have admitting rights at your chosen private hospital.
• The pace and setting are different:
  • Private hospitals generally feel quieter and more comfortable, with less waiting.

Tip: Check the coverage limits and co-payment rules of your Integrated Shield Plan or employer health insurance. Please verify whether your preferred private hospital and doctor are included in your insurer’s panel.

Difference between public vs private gynaecology

Here are the differences to consider when deciding whether to switch to a private gynae:

Cost difference between public vs private gynaecology

Cost is often the primary concern when considering a switch. Here is what you can expect to pay for public versus private gynae care in Singapore.

If you're considering switching to private healthcare or have questions about costs and coverage, our specialist at Thomson Medical is here to help. Contact our medical concierge team to discuss your specific situation and receive personalised guidance on making the transition smooth and stress-free.

How to switch from public to private gynaecology?

Once you've decided to switch, here's what the process involves:

Choose your private gynaecologist

Do your research before making appointments:

• Ask for recommendations from friends who've delivered recently

• Check reviews and credentials

• Ensure they have privileges at your preferred hospital

• Verify they're accepting new patients at your stage of pregnancy

At Thomson Medical, our team of experienced obstetricians includes specialists in:

• High-risk pregnancies

• Natural birth support

• Minimally invasive delivery options

• Multilingual care (English, Mandarin, Malay, and more)

Book your first consultation

When booking:

• Mention you're transferring from public care

• Note your current week of pregnancy

• Ask what documents you need to bring

• Confirm the consultation fee upfront

Transfer your medical records

Some of the essential documents you should consider transferring are:

• Antenatal care records (all visit summaries)

• Ultrasound reports and images

• Blood test results (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), full blood count, or infectious disease screening)

• Any complication notes or specialist consult reports

• Current medications or supplements

You have two options to transfer your medical records from a public hospital to a private one.

• Request the records yourself:

  • Visit your public hospital's medical records department

  • Fill out a release form

  • Pay the admin fee

  • Collection takes 3-7 working days

  • Bring copies to your new gynae

• Doctor-to-doctor transfer:

  • Your new private gynae can request records directly

  • You'll need to sign a consent form

  • This is often faster and more complete

Don't wait until your last public appointment to request records. Start the process as soon as you've decided to switch.

What to expect in private?

When you switch to a private gynaecologist, here is what to expect during your care journey:

• Your first visit:

  • Meeting your O&G specialist

  • Comprehensive health review

  • Discuss your delivery preferences and concerns

  • Establish your personalised care plan

  • Get direct contact information for urgent questions

• Ongoing antenatal care:

  • Consistent appointments with your chosen pregnancy doctor (not rotating staff)

  • Flexible scheduling, including evenings and Saturdays

  • More time for discussions and questions (15-30 minute appointments)

  • Coordination of any additional tests or specialist referrals

• Delivery day:

  • Your own obstetrician delivers your baby (unless it's their scheduled day off – they'll inform you of backup arrangements)

  • Private, comfortable labour and delivery suites

  • Flexible birth plan support (natural birth, epidural preferences, etc.)

  • Immediate skin-to-skin and breastfeeding support

• Postnatal care:

  • Private room for your recovery

  • Lactation support from a consultants

  • Paediatrician visits for your baby

  • Postbirth care education

  • Follow-up appointment with your gynae before discharge

Will my delivery plan change if I switch?

Potentially yes, and this can be a positive change for many mothers.

• Public hospital delivery typically involves:

  • Standardised protocols and procedures

  • Less flexibility with "birth plans"

  • Any doctor on duty can deliver your baby

  • Shared or ward-based postbirth rooms (unless you pay for upgrade)

• Private gynae delivery offers:

  • More personalised birth plans

  • Except in emergencies, your preferred doctor performs the delivery 

  • Greater say in pain management options

  • Private recovery room included

  • More flexible visiting hours

  • Often more time before medical interventions are suggested

However, both public and private hospitals follow the same obstetric care standards. If complications arise, you'll receive an equivalent standard of emergency care in both settings. Private doesn't mean "better medical outcomes" – it means more personalisation and comfort.

However, both the public and private sectors adhere to the same standards for obstetric care. In either setting, you will receive the same quality of emergency care if complications arise. 

If you develop complications requiring specialised care (e.g., severe preeclampsia or foetal abnormalities), your private gynaecologist will coordinate with maternal-foetal medicine specialists. In rare cases, you might be referred back to a public hospital's specialised unit.

Are you concerned about the costs associated with private healthcare? Our medical concierge team can review your insurance coverage and provide clear cost estimates for your specific needs. If you’re interested in giving birth at Thomson Medical, schedule an appointment with us.

FAQ

Can you switch your O&G during pregnancy, even in the third trimester?

Yes, you can switch O&G at any stage, though it becomes more difficult after 32-34 weeks. Many private gynaes prefer to take on new patients before the third trimester to ensure adequate time to understand your pregnancy history, but exceptions are made for urgent situations or transfers. If you're past 34 weeks, call potential gynae offices directly to explain your situation.

Can I keep seeing my current specialist if I switch to private?

Many specialists practise at both public and private hospitals. Ask your current doctor if they have private practice hours and admitting rights at a private hospital. If yes, you can continue seeing the same doctor in a private setting. If not, request a referral to a colleague in private practice who specialises in your condition. Your specialist can recommend someone with similar expertise who can continue your care plan.

What is the difference between private and subsidised patients?

Subsidised patients at public hospitals receive government-funded healthcare with significant cost reductions, but experience longer wait times, see rotating doctors, and have less flexibility in scheduling. Private patients (whether at private clinics or as patients in public hospitals) pay full fees but get consistent doctor care, shorter wait times, private rooms, and more personalised attention.

When should you see a gynaecologist when pregnant?

Ideally, book your first prenatal appointment when you're 6-8 weeks pregnant (about 2-4 weeks after your missed period). If you're switching from public to private mid-pregnancy, schedule your first private appointment as soon as you've decided to switch – don't wait for your next scheduled public appointment.

How late is too late to switch O&Gs?

How much does it cost to see a gynaecologist in Singapore?

This article provides general information about switching from public to private gynae care in Singapore. Costs mentioned are estimates and may vary. Always consult with your healthcare provider about your specific medical situation before making changes to your prenatal care. Schedule an appointment with Thomson Women’s Clinic today.