Settled down in Singapore and planning to grow your family? You’re in a good place—literally. Ranked as one of the top healthcare systems in the world, Singapore offers excellent medical care for expectant mothers and their newborns.
However, quality comes at a price—especially for expats who are not Permanent Residents (PRs) or long-term residents and do not qualify for government healthcare subsidies.
This guide explains what maternity insurance in Singapore covers, how much to budget for, and the best options available for expats who want peace of mind through every stage of their pregnancy journey.
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Maternity Care in Singapore: Public vs Private Options
Singapore is home to a world-class healthcare system, and this extends to maternity care—whether you choose to deliver in a public or private hospital. Both types of hospitals maintain high medical standards, but they differ in terms of cost, access, and overall experience.
Public/Restructured Hospitals
Public or restructured hospitals in Singapore with maternity packages include:
- Singapore General Hospital
- KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital
- National University Hospital
Public hospitals in Singapore are well-equipped and staffed by experienced obstetricians and medical teams. They are a popular choice for locals due to their affordability and accessibility.
- 💰 More affordable: Costs are lower compared to private hospitals. However, foreigners and expats do not qualify for government subsidies, so fees are closer to unsubsidised rates.
- 👩⚕️ Rotating doctor teams: You may not see the same obstetrician at each visit, and a different team may be on duty during your actual delivery.
- ⏳ Longer waiting times: Appointments and check-ins may require more time, especially during peak periods.
- 🏥 Fewer frills: Facilities are more functional than luxurious, with fewer private rooms and less emphasis on personalised services or upgraded amenities.
Public hospitals are ideal for expectant mothers who prioritise cost savings and are comfortable with a shared care model.
Private Hospitals
Private hospitals in Singapore with maternity packages include:
- Parkway East Hospital
- Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital
- Mount Elizabeth Hospital (Orchard)
- Gleneagles Hospital
- Mount Alvernia Hospital
- Thomson Medical Centre
Many expats favour private hospitals for their patient-centric approach and premium maternity packages.
- 🎯 Doctor of your choice: You can select and build rapport with a specific obstetrician who will likely oversee your pregnancy from the first scan to delivery.
- 🚪 Smooth, timely service: Enjoy shorter wait times, streamlined appointments, and fast-track admission procedures, which are especially reassuring for first-time parents.
- 🛌 Luxurious accommodations: Expect modern delivery suites, private rooms, gourmet meals, and add-on services such as lactation consultants or confinement food options.
- 📦 Custom maternity packages: Private hospitals often offer bundled prenatal and delivery packages that cover consultations, scans, and delivery charges, giving clearer visibility on costs—though prices can still vary based on complications or elective procedures like C-sections.
Private hospitals are ideal if you prefer continuity of care, added comfort, and a more customised experience.
How much does it cost to give birth in Singapore as an expat?
Giving birth in Singapore as an expat can range from affordable to premium, depending on your choice of hospital, delivery type, and whether any complications arise. The Ministry of Health (MOH) provides fee benchmarks to help guide patients on average hospital bills.
Note: Government subsidies in public hospitals only apply to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs). Expats, foreign spouses, or work pass holders are charged full private rates, even at public institutions.
What’s not included in the above figures?
With delivery bills running into the thousands—and unexpected complications pushing costs even higher—many expats wonder whether maternity insurance in Singapore can help.
The short answer? Yes—but only for certain scenarios.
Maternity insurance in Singapore is not designed to cover your routine delivery costs like hospital stays, obstetrician fees, or elective C-sections. Instead, these plans offer financial protection for serious complications during pregnancy and birth, as well as health conditions affecting your newborn.
Most maternity insurance plans include coverage for:
- Complications during pregnancy (e.g., preeclampsia, eclampsia)
- Congenital illnesses and birth defects in newborns
- NICU stays or extended hospitalisation for mum or baby
- Hospital cash payouts during prolonged stays
- Mental wellness or psychological support (depending on insurer)
- Death or permanent disability of mother or baby
Note: Some newer plans (e.g., Manulife ReadyMummy, Prudential PRUMum) may offer added benefits like coverage for IVF pregnancies or gestational diabetes, but these are still not meant to replace hospitalisation plans.
Can expats buy maternity insurance in Singapore?
Yes — most maternity insurance plans offered by major insurers in Singapore are available to expats, provided you meet certain residency and eligibility criteria. These policies can offer valuable financial protection against complications during pregnancy and delivery, as well as congenital conditions in your newborn.
However, there are some important conditions to take note of.
Who is eligible for maternity insurance in Singapore?
You can typically apply for maternity insurance if you:
- Hold a valid long-term visa, such as:
- Employment Pass (EP)
- S Pass
- Dependant’s Pass (DP)
- Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
- Reside in Singapore at the time of application
- Apply during the eligible window of your pregnancy (usually between Week 13 and Week 20)
- Meet the insurer’s age and health requirements
These policies are usually open to foreigners and Singapore citizens/PRs alike, although terms may vary slightly.
Key things you need to know
Not a hospitalisation plan:
Maternity insurance is not meant to pay for delivery costs, hospital stays, or prenatal consultations. It’s a plan that pays out if complications arise.
Bundled with life insurance:
Some plans (e.g. AIA Mum2Baby Protect) are only available when bundled with a life or savings plan, rather than as standalone maternity cover.
Premiums may differ:
Expats may be charged higher premiums depending on the insurer and underwriting process.
Delivery must occur in Singapore:
Most plans require both the pregnancy and delivery to take place in Singapore for the claims to be valid.
Why maternity insurance still matters for expats
Even if it doesn’t cover the delivery itself, maternity insurance can help offset major unexpected costs, such as:
- Emergency caesarean due to complications
- Newborn NICU admission
- Congenital birth conditions
- Prolonged hospital stays
- Mental wellness care during or after pregnancy
For expat families far from home, this type of financial safety net can provide peace of mind during a critical life stage.
What about prenatal and postnatal costs?
Routine prenatal consultations, ultrasonography, antenatal screenings, postnatal check-ups, and baby vaccinations are often only partially covered by maternity insurance. Over the course of a pregnancy, this partial coverage can result in several thousand dollars of out-of-pocket expenses.
Maternity insurance options for expats in Singapore
Insurance plan | Sum assured (S$) | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
AIA Mum2Baby Protect | $5,000, $10,000 or $25,000 | Pregnancy complications, hospitalisation cash payout, longer hospital or ICU stays, early delivery by caesarean, congenital illnesses, medical negligence |
Great Eastern Maternity Care 2 | $5,000 – $10,000 | Pregnancy complications, congenital conditions, hospitalisation cash, psychological consultations, death, juvenile illness |
HSBC Life HappyMummy | $5,000 – $30,000 | Early delivery by caesarean, pregnancy complications, death, hospitalisation, congenital conditions |
Income Maternity 360 | $5,000 – $10,000 | Pregnancy complications, congenital conditions, death, hospitalisation |
Manulife ReadyMummy | $5,000 – $20,000 | Pregnancy complications, congenital conditions, hospital care, mental wellness, IVF pregnancies |
Prudential PRUMum | $5,000 – $20,000 | Pregnancy complications, congenital illnesses, mental wellness care, gestational diabetes mellitus, hospital care |
Singlife Maternity Care | $5,000 – $20,000 | Pregnancy complications, congenital conditions, death, hospitalisation, multiple births |
Does maternity insurance cover your baby after birth?
Some maternity insurance plans provide automatic coverage for your newborn’s medical conditions within the first 30–60 days. However, this is typically limited to:
- Hospitalisation or NICU stays
- Congenital birth defects
- Neonatal complications
To continue coverage beyond that, parents are advised to purchase a separate child health insurance policy for long-term protection.
Peace of mind begins with proper coverage
Begin researching and purchasing maternity coverage as early as possible. Confirm which hospitals and ward classes are included in your plan and consider adding rider benefits for neonatal care and postnatal support.
Ensuring adequate maternity insurance in Singapore provides financial security and allows you to focus on your health and that of your baby, giving your family peace of mind during this important life stage.
