Singapore Costs

Hospital Delivery Cost Singapore 2026: Public vs Private Hospital Comparison

Singapore hospital maternity ward

Giving birth in Singapore in 2026 costs between $1,500-$4,000 at public hospitals (subsidised wards) and $8,000-$25,000+ at private hospitals. For a normal vaginal delivery, expect to pay around $1,800-$2,500 at KKH subsidised ward, or $12,000-$18,000 at Thomson Medical. C-section costs are 50-100% higher. You can use Medisave ($750-$3,950 depending on delivery type) plus your Baby Bonus CDA to offset costs.

How Much Does It Cost to Give Birth in Singapore?

The cost of giving birth in Singapore varies dramatically depending on your choice of hospital (public vs private), ward class, and type of delivery. Here's a quick overview:

Hospital Type Normal Delivery C-Section
Public Hospital (Subsidised B2/C) $1,500 - $2,500 $3,500 - $6,000
Public Hospital (Unsubsidised A/B1) $4,000 - $7,000 $8,000 - $12,000
Private Hospital $8,000 - $18,000 $15,000 - $30,000+

Note: These are estimated total costs including delivery, hospitalisation, and basic newborn care. Additional complications, NICU stays, or longer hospitalisation will increase costs.

Public Hospital Delivery Costs

Singapore has three main public hospitals for deliveries: KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH), National University Hospital (NUH), and Singapore General Hospital (SGH).

KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH)

KKH is Singapore's largest maternity hospital, handling about 12,000 births annually.

Ward Class Normal Delivery C-Section Daily Ward Rate
Class C (Subsidised) $1,500 - $2,000 $3,500 - $4,500 $37/day
Class B2 (Subsidised) $2,000 - $2,500 $4,500 - $6,000 $82/day
Class B1 (Unsubsidised) $4,500 - $5,500 $8,000 - $10,000 $275/day
Class A (Single Room) $6,000 - $7,500 $10,000 - $14,000 $456/day

National University Hospital (NUH)

NUH offers similar pricing to KKH with comparable facilities and care quality.

Singapore General Hospital (SGH)

SGH handles fewer deliveries but has excellent facilities for high-risk pregnancies.

Subsidies for Singapore Citizens:
Class C: Up to 80% subsidy
Class B2: Up to 65% subsidy
Class B1 and A: No subsidy (but can use Medisave)

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Private Hospital Delivery Costs

Private hospitals offer more privacy, shorter wait times, and doctor continuity, but at significantly higher costs.

Thomson Medical Centre

One of Singapore's most popular private maternity hospitals.

Room Type Normal Delivery Package C-Section Package
4-Bedded $8,000 - $10,000 $13,000 - $16,000
2-Bedded $10,000 - $12,000 $16,000 - $20,000
Single Room $12,000 - $15,000 $18,000 - $24,000
Suite $15,000 - $18,000 $22,000 - $30,000

Mount Elizabeth Hospital

Premium private hospital with state-of-the-art facilities.

Room Type Normal Delivery C-Section
Standard Single $12,000 - $16,000 $18,000 - $25,000
Deluxe Suite $16,000 - $22,000 $25,000 - $35,000

Gleneagles Hospital

Another premium option with comprehensive maternity packages.

Parkway East Hospital

Mid-range private option, slightly more affordable than Mount Elizabeth.

C-Section vs Vaginal Delivery: Cost Difference

Caesarean sections cost significantly more than vaginal deliveries due to:

  • Surgical team fees - Surgeon, anaesthetist, assistant
  • Operating theatre charges
  • Longer hospital stay - Typically 3-4 days vs 1-2 days
  • Additional medications and supplies

Cost Comparison

Delivery Type Public (Subsidised) Private
Normal Vaginal $1,500 - $2,500 $8,000 - $18,000
Elective C-Section $3,500 - $5,500 $15,000 - $28,000
Emergency C-Section $4,500 - $6,500 $18,000 - $35,000

Tip: Emergency C-sections cost more than elective ones due to urgent operating theatre requirements and additional staffing.

Using Medisave for Delivery (MMP)

The Medisave Maternity Package (MMP) allows you to use Medisave for pregnancy and delivery expenses. Both parents' Medisave accounts can be used.

Medisave Withdrawal Limits

Expense Withdrawal Limit
Pre-delivery (consultations, scans) Up to $900
Hospitalisation $450/day
Normal Vaginal Delivery $750 - $1,500
Assisted Vaginal Delivery $1,500 - $2,150
Elective C-Section $2,150 - $2,600
Emergency C-Section $2,600 - $3,950
Pro Tip: Use BOTH parents' Medisave accounts to maximise your coverage. The limits are per delivery, not per person.

Government Subsidies for Delivery

Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents receive subsidies for deliveries at public hospitals.

Subsidy Rates by Ward Class

Ward Class Singapore Citizen PR
Class C Up to 80% Up to 55%
Class B2 Up to 65% Up to 40%
Class B1 No subsidy No subsidy
Class A No subsidy No subsidy

Additional Financial Support

  • Baby Bonus Cash Gift - $11,000 for 1st/2nd child (can offset delivery costs)
  • CDA First Step Grant - $3,000 deposited automatically
  • MediShield Life - Covers pregnancy complications (not normal delivery)
  • CHAS subsidies - If you're a blue/orange CHAS card holder

Hidden Costs to Budget For

Your hospital bill isn't the only expense. Budget for these additional costs:

  • Prenatal care: $2,000 - $5,000 (consultations, blood tests, scans)
  • Anaesthetist fees: Often billed separately ($500 - $2,000)
  • Newborn screening tests: $50 - $300
  • Jaundice treatment: $200 - $1,000+ if needed
  • Extended stay: Complications can add days to your bill
  • NICU: $1,000 - $3,000+ per day if baby needs intensive care
  • Lactation consultant: $100 - $300 per session

Complete Hospital Cost Comparison 2026

Here's a side-by-side comparison of estimated total costs for normal delivery:

Hospital Room Type Normal Delivery C-Section
KKH Class C $1,500 - $2,000 $3,500 - $4,500
KKH Class B2 $2,000 - $2,500 $4,500 - $6,000
NUH Class B2 $2,000 - $2,800 $4,500 - $6,500
Thomson Medical 4-Bedded $8,000 - $10,000 $13,000 - $16,000
Thomson Medical Single $12,000 - $15,000 $18,000 - $24,000
Mount Elizabeth Single $12,000 - $16,000 $18,000 - $25,000
Gleneagles Single $10,000 - $14,000 $16,000 - $22,000

Tips to Reduce Your Delivery Bill

  1. Choose a subsidised ward - Class B2 or C at public hospitals
  2. Use both parents' Medisave - Maximise your withdrawal limits
  3. Apply for Baby Bonus early - Get the cash gift before delivery if possible
  4. Consider PRs and subsidies - Check if you qualify for additional assistance
  5. Ask about package deals - Private hospitals often have bundled packages
  6. Request itemised bills - Review charges and ask about any unclear items
  7. Time your hospitalisation - Avoid weekends/public holidays if possible (may have higher charges)
  8. Get maternity insurance early - Covers complications not included in Medisave

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to give birth in Singapore 2026?

In 2026, giving birth in Singapore costs between $1,500-$4,000 at public hospitals (subsidised wards) and $8,000-$25,000+ at private hospitals. Normal vaginal delivery is cheaper than C-section. Your final cost depends on hospital choice, ward class, delivery type, and any complications.

Is delivery free at KKH for Singaporeans?

No, delivery is not free at KKH, but Singapore Citizens receive significant subsidies of up to 80% for Class C wards. With Medisave coverage ($750-$1,500 for normal delivery), your out-of-pocket payment can be minimal - sometimes just a few hundred dollars.

Can I use Medisave for delivery?

Yes, the Medisave Maternity Package (MMP) allows you to use Medisave for delivery. Limits are: $450/day hospitalisation, $750-$1,500 for normal delivery, and $2,150-$3,950 for C-section. Both parents' Medisave accounts can be used.

What is the cheapest way to give birth in Singapore?

The cheapest option is a subsidised ward (Class B2 or C) at a public hospital like KKH or NUH. As a Singapore Citizen, you get up to 80% subsidy. Combined with Medisave and Baby Bonus, a normal delivery could cost you less than $500 out-of-pocket.

How much does a C-section cost in Singapore?

C-section costs range from $3,500-$6,000 at subsidised public hospital wards to $15,000-$30,000+ at private hospitals. Emergency C-sections cost more than elective ones. The Medisave limit for C-section is $2,150-$3,950.

Should I choose public or private hospital for delivery?

Choose public if you want lower costs and don't mind shared wards. Choose private if you want more privacy, shorter wait times, doctor continuity throughout pregnancy, and can afford the higher costs. Both provide excellent medical care in Singapore.