Pregnancy brings excitement and anticipation, but it can also come with unexpected medical costs. In Singapore, maternity insurance helps expectant parents manage financial risks if complications arise during pregnancy or delivery.
What is maternity insurance?
Maternity insurance, also known as pregnancy insurance, covers specific complications during pregnancy, childbirth, and a baby’s early days. While MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans provide some protection, their coverage for pregnancy-related conditions is limited.
Maternity insurance offers additional financial protection if you experience pregnancy complications or your newborn faces health challenges. Expectant mothers between 13 and 36 weeks of pregnancy can purchase a maternity plan. Premiums remain the same throughout this period, so buying earlier allows you to enjoy longer coverage.
This guide covers everything you need to know about maternity insurance in Singapore, including plan types, costs, and real-life scenarios to help you decide if it is right for you.
Types of maternity insurance plans available
Maternity insurance plans differ based on coverage scope and budget. Most plans in Singapore provide protection for both mother and baby.
What maternity insurance typically covers
Pregnancy-related coverage
- Pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, premature labour, or miscarriage.
- Hospitalisation benefits if complications require inpatient care.
Newborn-related coverage
- Congenital illnesses such as down syndrome, cleft lip or palate, club foot, and congenital heart disease.
- Certain juvenile conditions.
- Guaranteed insurance coverage for newborns (for selected plans).
There are three main types of maternity insurance plans available:
| Plan type / Coverage | Maternity related outpatient consultations | Routine delivery | Pregnancy or delivery complications | Congenital illnesses | Guaranteed insurance coverage for new-born |
| Standalone maternity | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bundled maternity | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Worldwide health plan with maternity cover | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Standalone maternity insurance includes only the maternity rider. Coverage typically starts from the 13th week of pregnancy, and you only need to pay the premium once.
These plans generally cover:
- Up to 18 pregnancy complications
- Up to 26 congenital illnesses
- Certain juvenile conditions
- Daily hospital cash benefits
Bundled maternity plans include a maternity rider attached to another policy, usually a life or investment-linked plan. You’ll pay premiums over a longer period (often 10+ years).
Prop tip: If you have a bundled plan linked to life insurance, you can transfer the policy to your child after birth. Even if pregnancy complications occur, your maternity rider will continue covering you while your base policy remains intact.
Several well-known insurers offer maternity insurance in Singapore, such as Great Eastern, Prudential, Manulife, Income, AIA, Singlife and HSBC Life. Their plans differ in premium, benefits, and coverage period, so always compare before buying.
Some providers, like Prudential, AIA, and HSBC Life, even guarantee whole life coverage for newborns without medical underwriting.
Read more: Maternity Insurance Comparison Page
Is maternity insurance right for me?
Maternity insurance may be worth considering if you want protection against unexpected medical costs during pregnancy or after birth. The following scenarios illustrate how maternity insurance can help.
Scenario A: Baby has a congenital illness
The Ministry of Health reports that about 30 newborns had birth defects for every 1,000 live births in Singapore. In the event that your newborn has a birth defect, such as a cleft lip, for example, MediShield Life will not cover the cost of the surgery.
Maternity insurance can cover these costs. For example, Great Eastern maternity plans cover 26 congenital illnesses, with payouts ranging from S$5,000 to S$10,000, paid at 100% of the sum assured upon diagnosis.
Scenario B: Emergency caesarean section (C-section) due to early delivery
According to SingHealth, up to 30% of women in labour require an emergency C-section or assisted delivery, often due to unexpected complications. When this happens, delivery costs can rise sharply. Health365 reports that in a private hospital, C-section deliveries can cost up to S$25,000. In contrast, a normal birth would cost up to S$12,000.
While MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans offer limited coverage for emergency C-sections, they do not provide cash payouts. Covering these unexpected costs can strain household finances.
Some maternity plans, such as HSBC Life EmpoweredMum, pay 15% of the sum assured for early C-section deliveries.
Scenario C: Mother’s health deteriorates during pregnancy
Pregnancy-related conditions such as gestational diabetes can make it difficult to buy new insurance without exclusions. With a bundled maternity plan, mothers can retain the base policy for themselves, while purchasing a separate plan for the newborn after birth.
Scenario D: Premature birth
The World Health Organisation estimates that 5% to 18% of babies worldwide are born prematurely. Premature babies may require care in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where daily room charges alone can reach S$725, excluding treatment and medication.
Maternity insurance helps manage these additional expenses. For instance, some Prudential maternity plans provide hospital care benefits of 2% of the sum assured per day, for up to 25 days of hospitalisation due to conditions such as premature birth.
Read more: 5 Things You Should Know Before Getting Maternity Insurance
How much does maternity insurance cost in Singapore?
Below is an estimate of what expectant parents typically pay, based on plan type and eligibility.
| Plan type | Eligibility | Premium (for age 30) |
| Worldwide health plan, excluding USA, with maternity cover | At least 10 months before delivery (Before getting pregnant) | Allianz ~S$12,000 / year x 2 as a 12-month waiting period applies |
| Standalone maternity plan | 13th week of pregnancy | ~S$750 single time |
| Bundled maternity plan | 13th week of pregnancy | ~S$750 single time for maternity rider + S$1,300 / year for 20 years limited pay whole life plan |
Worldwide health plans offer the most comprehensive coverage but are also the most expensive and require purchase before pregnancy.
Standalone maternity plans offer affordable, short-term protection, while bundled plans suit parents seeking longer-term coverage for their child.
Read more: Maternity Insurance’s Benefits Beyond Childbirth
The bottom line
Maternity insurance in Singapore is more than just an optional add-on, it’s peace of mind for expectant parents. It cushions you against costly surprises such as pregnancy complications, premature births, or congenital conditions.
To find the best maternity insurance plan:
- Compare policies from different insurers
- Check what’s covered and what’s excluded
- Understand waiting periods and payout terms
- Choose one that fits your family’s budget and future goals
If you want a personalised maternity insurance quote, Planner Bee can help you compare plans side by side and find what suits you best.
