Maternity Insurance Singapore: Do You Need It With MediShield Life?
Yes, you may still need maternity insurance even with MediShield Life. While MediShield Life covers basic hospitalisation, it does NOT cover normal pregnancy and delivery, pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia, or congenital conditions in your newborn. Maternity insurance fills these gaps, covering pregnancy complications, premature birth, and congenital illnesses - giving you peace of mind during this important time.
What is the Medisave Maternity Package?
In Singapore, all citizens and Permanent Residents have basic insurance coverage under MediShield Life. This provides hospitalisation coverage and select outpatient treatments, with premiums paid from your Medisave account.
For pregnant mothers, there's the Medisave Maternity Package (MMP) which allows you to use your Medisave to pay for pregnancy-related expenses.
Medisave Maternity Package withdrawal limits:
| Expense Type | Withdrawal Limit |
|---|---|
| Hospitalisation | $450 per day |
| Pre-delivery expenses (consultations, ultrasounds) | $900 total |
| Normal vaginal delivery | $750 - $1,500 |
| Caesarean section | $2,150 - $3,950 |
The MMP can be used at both public and private hospitals in Singapore. However, the withdrawal limits may not fully cover your actual expenses, especially at private hospitals.
What does maternity insurance cover?
Maternity insurance provides coverage beyond what MediShield Life and MMP offer. Here's what a typical maternity insurance policy covers:
For the mother:
- Pregnancy complications - ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, placenta previa, gestational diabetes
- Emergency caesarean section due to complications
- Death of mother due to pregnancy-related causes
- Post-delivery complications
For the newborn:
- Congenital illnesses - spina bifida, congenital deafness, heart defects, cleft lip/palate
- Premature birth and related complications
- NICU/ICU admission for the baby
- Death of newborn
Additional benefits (varies by policy):
- Savings or investment component transferable to child
- Hospital cash benefit during stay
- Coverage for follow-up treatments
MediShield Life vs Maternity Insurance: What's the difference?
Here's a side-by-side comparison to help you understand the coverage gaps:
| Coverage | MediShield Life / MMP | Maternity Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Normal delivery | MMP only (limited) | Usually not covered |
| Pre-delivery consultations | MMP: $900 limit | Usually not covered |
| Pregnancy complications | Not covered | Covered |
| Emergency C-section | Partial (MMP limits) | Covered |
| Premature birth | Not covered | Covered |
| Baby's congenital conditions | Not covered | Covered |
| Baby's NICU admission | Not covered | Covered |
| Death benefit (mother) | Not covered | Covered |
Who should get maternity insurance?
Consider maternity insurance if you:
- Want peace of mind - pregnancy complications can result in hefty medical bills
- Have a family history of pregnancy complications or genetic conditions
- Are planning to deliver at a private hospital where costs are significantly higher
- Want coverage for your newborn from birth for congenital conditions
- Are a first-time parent unfamiliar with potential pregnancy risks
Real costs to consider:
In Singapore, medical costs for pregnancy complications can be substantial:
- NICU stay: $1,000 - $3,000+ per day
- Premature baby care: $50,000 - $200,000+ for extended NICU stay
- Congenital heart surgery: $30,000 - $100,000+
- Emergency C-section (private): $15,000 - $25,000+
When should you buy maternity insurance?
Timing is crucial for maternity insurance. Here's what you need to know:
Before pregnancy:
- Some insurers require you to purchase at least 10 months before conception
- This covers pregnancy-related complications from day one
- Best option if you're planning to conceive
During pregnancy:
- Most policies can be purchased after 13 weeks of pregnancy
- Earlier is better - complications detected during scans may affect eligibility
- Some waiting periods may apply before coverage kicks in
Eligibility and exclusions
Not everyone can get maternity insurance. Here's what affects eligibility:
Factors that affect approval:
- Medical history - previous miscarriages, pregnancy complications
- Pre-existing conditions - diabetes, hypertension, heart conditions
- Age - some insurers have age limits (typically under 40-45)
- Reports from your OB-GYN - insurers may request medical reports
Common exclusions:
- IVF pregnancies - most insurers don't cover in-vitro fertilisation
- Repeated miscarriages - may be rejected or excluded
- Known complications - conditions detected before purchase
- Elective procedures - planned C-section without medical necessity
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does maternity insurance cost in Singapore?
Maternity insurance premiums in Singapore typically range from $200 to $800 for a single pregnancy, depending on the coverage level and insurer. Some comprehensive plans with savings components can cost more. Compare several options to find the best value for your needs.
Can I use my Integrated Shield Plan for pregnancy?
Integrated Shield Plans (ISPs) generally do NOT cover pregnancy, delivery, or pregnancy-related complications as these are considered "non-disease" conditions. You'll need a separate maternity insurance policy or rely on Medisave/MMP for delivery costs.
What happens if my baby is born with a congenital condition?
Without maternity insurance, your baby's congenital condition may be considered a "pre-existing condition" when you try to buy health insurance later. With maternity insurance, congenital conditions diagnosed at birth are typically covered, and some policies include lifetime coverage or help transition to a regular health plan.
Is maternity insurance worth it for a second pregnancy?
Yes, maternity insurance is worth considering for subsequent pregnancies too. Each pregnancy carries its own risks, and complications can occur even if your first pregnancy was smooth. Some insurers offer multi-pregnancy packages or discounts for repeat customers.
What's the difference between maternity insurance and prenatal insurance?
The terms are often used interchangeably in Singapore. Both typically refer to insurance that covers pregnancy complications and newborn congenital conditions. Always read the policy details carefully to understand exactly what's covered.
Conclusion: Is maternity insurance worth it?
While MediShield Life provides some basic coverage, it leaves significant gaps when it comes to pregnancy. Maternity insurance offers peace of mind by covering unexpected complications for both mother and baby.
The premium you pay is relatively small compared to potential medical bills if something goes wrong. For most expecting parents in Singapore, maternity insurance is a worthwhile investment in your family's health and financial security.