Integrating Maternity and Child Health Coverage in Your Family Insurance

To add maternity and child health coverage into your family insurance plan, expats in Singapore should review their existing policy, plan ahead for waiting periods, and contact their insurer or broker to request an upgrade or add-on.

In this Pacific Prime CXA article, we’ll explore the benefits of family health insurance, highlight the importance of maternity and child health coverage, and explain how to incorporate them into your plan. 

We’ll also share tips to help you maximize your coverage while balancing benefits with premiums.

The Benefits of Choosing a Family Health Insurance Plan as an Expat in Singapore

A family health insurance plan is often more cost-effective than purchasing individual policies, offering greater flexibility and high coverage access within a shared pool. Since the entire family is covered under a single policy, the total sum insured can be used by any member as needed.

Other benefits include:

Comprehensive Coverage

Family health insurance plans typically offer broad coverage, including hospitalization costs, doctor’s fees, diagnostic tests, and medications. Some policies may also include maternity benefits and preventive care, though this isn’t always guaranteed.

It’s important to carefully review the policy documents to understand exactly what is and isn’t included.

Family Discounts

When purchasing a family insurance plan, you can often receive discounts on overall premiums. Some insurers offer savings of up to 20–35% for families with three or more members. However, these discounts vary by provider and may only apply to the first year’s premium.

Easy to Manage

A single-family policy is easier to manage than multiple individual plans, with simpler payment, renewals, claims, and administrative processes.

Addition of New Members 

Family plans allow you to add new members, such as your newborn, as your dependents even mid-policy when they’re born. Whether a waiting period, medical underwriting, or premium adjustments apply will depend on your specific plan and the insurer’s terms. 

Financial Protection and Peace of Mind

Singapore’s public healthcare subsidies do not extend to expats and their families, meaning they must bear the full cost of any medical services.

A family health insurance plan provides financial protection by covering a wide range of healthcare needs under one policy. This reduces out-of-pocket expenses, eases financial stress, and allows you to focus on your family’s well-being.

Looking for a family plan? Check out our guide to Choosing the Best Family Health Insurance for Expats in Singapore.

Why Maternity and Child Health Coverage Matters for Expat Families in Singapore 

Without maternity and child health coverage, expats may face high medical expenses—from pregnancy and childbirth to caring for their newborn and beyond. 

While Singapore’s healthcare is recognized as one of the best in the world, the cost of accessing care can be high, especially for expats who are ineligible for public health subsidies.

For instance, a normal delivery at private hospitals can range from USD $3,190 to $12,440, with C-sections and unexpected complications driving costs of giving birth to as much as USD $20,000. 

Medical expenses for children are ongoing and can include inpatient and outpatient treatments, accidents, and illnesses, as well as preventive care such as mandatory vaccinations and routine check-ups. 

The financial impact may be even greater if a child has congenital conditions requiring long-term care. That’s why, as an expat living in or planning to start a family in Singapore, having maternity and child health coverage is essential to ensure that your loved ones receive the best possible care.

For further information, visit our article on Why Should Children Have Health Insurance in Singapore. 

How to Add Maternity Coverage into Your Family Plan

Many family health insurance plans already include maternity benefits, while others offer them as an optional add-on that can be purchased through your insurer or broker upon request.

Common Benefits and Limits of Maternity Plan

When added to your family insurance, maternity coverage typically offers a range of benefits to support both mother and baby throughout the pregnancy journey. These commonly include:

• Pre- and postnatal care
• Delivery costs
• Hospitalization expenses
• Maternity complications
• Newborn coverage

However, it’s important to be aware of certain limitations. Maternity riders often do not cover illnesses or conditions that existed prior to pregnancy. In addition, most plans have a waiting period, usually between 10 and 24 months, before the coverage becomes active. 

With this in mind, here are the key steps to take when considering adding maternity coverage to your family plan:

Step 1: Start Early 

Since a waiting period often applies, we recommend beginning the process at least 12 months before your planned pregnancy.

Step 2: Review Maternity Coverage on Your Existing Plan

Check if your existing family health insurance includes maternity benefits or if it allows for a maternity add-on.

Step 3: Compare Plans and Explore Your Options

Estimate the total pregnancy and childbirth expenses at your preferred hospital, then explore and compare insurance plans that offer adequate coverage for those projected costs. Again, keep in mind the waiting period, as it plays a crucial role in when your benefits will take effect.

After comparing your options, select one that best balances your needs, budget, and timeline. 

Step 4: Contact Your Insurer/Broker

Reach out to your insurer or broker to request the addition of maternity coverage to your family plan. Be sure to confirm the effective date, required documents, and payment details to complete the process smoothly.

Step 5: Review Coverage, Policy Limits, and Waiting Period

After receiving your policy documents, review them carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered. Pay close attention to monetary limits and waiting periods to avoid coverage gaps or unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.

Are you planning for pregnancy? Explore our guide on Best Maternity Hospital in Singapore.

How to Integrate Child Health Coverage to Your Family Plan

Adding your newborn or your child to your family plan simply requires contacting your insurer or broker, but the process should be completed within specific timeframes to avoid complications or any extra costs.

Common Benefits and Limits of Child Health Coverage

When you add your child to your family insurance plan, they typically receive a broad range of health coverage designed to address both routine and emergency medical needs. The specific benefits can vary by insurer and policy, but most family health plans include:

• Routine pediatric visit
• Immunizations and vaccinations
• Emergency services
• Hospitalization expenses
• Surgery
• Diagnostic services
• Prescriptions
• If your child is a newborn, most plans cover neonatal care, certain congenital conditions, and ongoing pediatric care from birth. 

Some plans exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions, congenital conditions, or specific treatments unless additional riders or upgrades are purchased. Coverage may also vary for dental, vision, or specialist care. 

With this in mind, here are the key steps to take when considering adding your child to the family plan:

Step 1: Check Your Child’s Eligibility

Confirm that your child qualifies as an eligible dependent (biological, adopted, stepchild, or foster child).

Step 2: Act Promptly Within the Specific Timeframe

For newborns, adopted children, or children under new guardianship, you usually have a specific window (often 30–60 days from the date of birth, adoption, or placement) to add them to your plan for coverage from birth. 

This will vary between different insurers and plan details; we recommend directly contacting your insurance providers or broker to confirm the eligible window. 

Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Providers/Broker 

If you have private insurance, reach out to your insurer or insurance broker directly through their customer service, website, or member portal. 

Step 4: Submit Required Documents and Complete Application 

Prepare and provide necessary documents, such as: 

• Birth certificate (for newborns)
• Adoption papers (for adopted children)
• Hospital record (if birth certificate is pending)
• Legal documents for other dependents

Complete any application or enrollment forms as directed by your insurer/broker. 

Step 5: Review and Confirm Changes

Once you receive your child’s policy documents, confirm that they have been officially added to the plan and that the coverage start date is correct.

Also, check for any adjustments to your premiums, as adding a dependent typically results in higher costs. That said, some plans may cover your second or third child at no additional cost—particularly in family plans with multiple members.

Lastly, be aware that children are generally only covered under a family plan until a certain age, often around 21 years old, though this may vary depending on the insurer and specific policy terms.

Cost Considerations: Finding Balance for Your Maternity and Child Coverage

The ideal family insurance plan should balance affordable premiums and adequate coverage. While family health insurance is generally a cost-effective way to protect your entire household, the total premium can still be significant, especially when it includes maternity and child coverage.

The annual cost for worldwide basic medical coverage can range between USD $7,000 and USD $22,500 for a family of four. The numbers vary widely due to many factors, including: 

• Level of coverage and benefits selected (basic to platinum levels)
• Geographic coverage (worldwide or regional, excluding costly areas like the US can reduce premiums)
• Number of insured members
• Age and health status of insured members
• Optional add-ons such as dental, vision, and maternity insurance

Therefore, it’s important to carefully assess your family’s healthcare needs, expected costs, and overall budget before selecting a plan that fits. Doing so can help reduce your family’s insurance expenses in the long run.

How to Maximize Your Maternity and Child Health Insurance Coverage

Below are a few additional actionable tips to help you maximize benefits and manage costs effectively: 

• Choose in-network providers: Ensure your preferred obstetrician and pediatrician are in-network to avoid significantly higher out-of-network fees
• Consider higher deductibles: If you’re healthy and planning ahead, higher-deductible plans often have lower premiums. 
• Look for wellness incentives: Many insurers offer premium discounts for completing health screenings, vaccinations, or wellness programs
• Evaluate regional vs. worldwide coverage: Excluding high-cost areas like the US from your coverage can reduce premiums by 20-40% if you don’t need that geographic coverage
• Time your enrollment strategically: Enroll before pregnancy to avoid waiting periods, and consider how your family planning timeline affects when to upgrade coverage. 
• Keep detailed records: Maintain clear records of medical expenses and insurer communications to support claims, avoid disputes, and track progress toward your deductible and out-of-pocket limits.

Let Pacific Prime Simplify Your Family Insurance

Integrating maternity and child health coverage into your family plan is straightforward by contacting your insurer or insurance broker, but it requires advance planning to ensure the benefits take effect on time and without complications.

With over two decades of experience, Pacific Prime supports expat families in navigating the complexities of health insurance in their new country. Whether you’re looking for the right family plan or adding maternity and child coverage to your policy, we simplify the process every step of the way.

Let us be part of your journey—contact us today for expert advice and a free plan comparison. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

When should I buy maternity insurance?

You should buy maternity insurance at least 12 months before planning a pregnancy. Most plans have a waiting period of 10–24 months, during which maternity benefits won’t apply. Planning early ensures you’re fully covered when you need it most.

How does insurance work with a newborn baby?

Newborns are usually covered under the mother’s policy for the first 30 days after birth. However, to ensure continuous coverage beyond that period, you must formally add your baby to your health plan within those 30 days. This guarantees access to essential care from day one.

Who can you add as a dependent?

You can typically add your spouse and children as dependents on a family health insurance plan. Some insurers may also allow coverage for stepchildren, adopted children, or even domestic partners, depending on the policy. Always check with your insurer for specific eligibility rules.