How to obtain maternity cover?
Before we dig deeper into this topic, it’s important to note that there's no such thing as a standalone maternity insurance policy. To secure maternity cover, you will need to add it onto a health insurance plan, which will include other benefits such as hospitalization (inpatient care) and outpatient consultations.Â
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What does our maternity plan cover?
Co-operating with all major insurers in Singapore, Pacific Prime offers maternity insurance with significant benefits and plans that cover:
- Doctor consultations
- Pre and post-natal treatments & examinations
- Medically prescribed Caesarian section
- Normal delivery
- Complications of maternity and childbirth
- Hospital, birthing centre, or home delivery costs
- Care of newborn children
- Congenital birth defects
Maternity policies can also cover medical treatment required for newborns if something unexpected happens.
Maternity insurance and waiting period : When to get maternity insurance?
We advise that you include maternity benefits in your insurance policy at an early stage. This is because, in most cases, maternity benefits are attached with a waiting period ranging from anywhere between 10 to 24 months. Hence, you will have to wait until this specific period of time elapses before you can claim your expenses. Luckily, our maternity plans have the shortest waiting periods on the market, so you won’t need to plan years in advance in order to be covered.
How much does it cost to have a baby in Singapore? (Last Updated February 2022)
Prior to selecting your maternity coverage, you should know your budget by familiarizing yourself with the cost of giving birth in the Lion City. Our latest maternity guide for Singapore lists out the typical maternity package costs in private hospitals for a standard private room (1-bed). It is essential to keep in mind that these are delivery costs as billed by the hospitals, and do not include the anesthetist and doctors' fees, which would add to the overall cost.
Standard delivery | ||
Hospital | Lower cost* (SGD) | Higher cost^ (SGD) |
Gleneagles | 9,286 | 11,960 |
Mount Alvernia | 7,082 | 9,384 |
Mount Elizabeth | 8,584 | 10,691 |
Mt. Elizabeth Novena | 8,586 | 10,659 |
Parkway East | 6,503 | 8,310 |
Raffles Hospital | 7,146 | 9,203 |
Thomson Medical Centre | 7,019 | 8,952 |
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C-Section delivery | ||
Hospital | Lower cost* (SGD) | Higher cost^ (SGD) |
Gleneagles | 14,656 | 18,096 |
Mount Alvernia | 10,742 | 13,319 |
Mount Elizabeth | 13,605 | 17,629 |
Mt. Elizabeth Novena | 13,794 | 16,906 |
Parkway East | 11,302 | 13,556 |
Raffles Hospital | 11,711 | 17,373 |
Thomson Medical Centre | 11,087 | 13,678 |
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* 1 in 4 or patients paid less than this amount.
^ 1 in 4 patients paid more than this amount.
Source: Ministry Of Health Website - 30 June 2019, Accessed 21 February 2022
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What about pre- and post-natal expenses?
Each pregnancy, doctor, and mom-to-be is different, so it is difficult to provide an accurate figure for prenatal expenses and everything required prior to giving birth. Pacific Prime’s employees and clients would usually indicate overall costs ranging from SGD$6,000 to about SGD$10,000 as a good estimate for a standard prenatal term without specific complications. Below is a summary table of the costs on a per-visit basis.
Prenatal costs | |
Procedure | Average cost (SGD) |
Pre pregnancy screening | 250-800 |
Prenatal checkup and tests - First trimester | 100-200 |
Prenatal checkup and tests - Second trimester onwards | 100-200 |
Prenatal Supplements | 100-400 |
OSCAR Scan | 300-400 |
Panorama Screening | 1,000-1,500 |
Blood tests | 100-180 |
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While prenatal expenses are typically limited if labor and delivery went well, costs can potentially skyrocket should complications with the newborn (e.g. premature birth, congenital disorders) arise. It is therefore important for expectant parents to consider securing health insurance, or ensure that their existing policy provides newborn coverage benefits.
Here at Pacific Prime, our maternity insurance plans cover complications for up to 30 days after delivery; we also have a vast range of newborn insurance options that can cover your baby continuously after delivery. If you are looking to protect your health, we also have individual insurance coverage available for mothers, too.
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What are the maternity insurance coverage details you should take note of in a plan?
Underwriting of the newborn This refers to the restrictions an insurer may impose on the baby’s coverage. Please note that there will be a premium that needs to be paid when the baby is added. Also, most insurers cap this cover at 90 days and SGD$150,000. |
Coverage for vaccinations We advise including this in the plan, as vaccination costs in Singapore are particularly high. |
Waiting periods This is the period of time you must wait before you can claim for maternity care. |
Deductibles Also known as an excess, a deductible is the amount you should pay out of your own pocket before you can claim on your policy. A higher deductible can lower premiums, and vice versa. |
Direct billing & hassle-free claims process These features will make your overall insurance experience easier. |
Choice of hospital Your plan's network of providers will have a large influence on how much freedom you have to choose your preferred medical facility and doctor. |
Complication cover These should be included in the plan as medical costs related to complications can be sky high. |
International in nature International plans will cover you should you relocate, or want to return to your home country to give birth. |
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Pacific Prime Singapore’s Maternity Insurance Guide 2022-2023
Leveraging our 20+ years of experience, our team of experts at Pacific Prime Singapore has curated this annual guide to shed light on the current state of maternity and maternity insurance in the Lion City.
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By downloading this guide you will learn:
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