Maternity Insurance For Expats In Singapore

When planning for a baby as an expatriate in Singapore, it is essential to have comprehensive maternity insurance coverage. This is because navigating the Singaporean healthcare system and understanding the options available can be overwhelming. 

In this Pacific Prime guide, we will go over the best maternity insurance for expats in Singapore. From the type of coverage to waiting times, we will cover all the essential information you need to know about maternity insurance.

So without further ado, let’s dive into the world of maternity insurance for expats in Singapore.

What Is The Best Maternity Insurance For Expats In Singapore?

The best maternity insurance for expats in Singapore will vary from person to person, dependent on their needs and budget. That being said, becoming a parent is a life-changing experience and maternity insurance can help provide peace of mind. 

 

Singapore has the third most expensive international private medical insurance premiums in the world. Paying for such medical expenses out of pocket can be very expensive. Maternity insurance is designed to provide financial support and peace of mind throughout your pregnancy and covers various costs such as parental care, delivery, and postnatal care. 

As an expat living in Singapore, having adequate maternity insurance is essential to ensure access to quality healthcare services without having to pay the bills out of your own pocket.

Understanding Maternity Insurance In Singapore

Maternity insurance is designed to provide financial support and peace of mind throughout your pregnancy. Note that maternity insurance is usually not included in health insurance and has a waiting period. 

Maternity insurance helps cover hospital costs associated with maternity, such as prenatal services, including doctor visits, lab tests, ultrasounds and medication. All of these services are needed during your maternity journey and ensure that you get the medical care you need.

What Is The Waiting Period For Maternity Insurance?

A waiting period in health insurance refers to the amount of time a policyholder must wait before he/she can claim benefits. So if you are planning to start a family, it is a good idea to check with your insurance provider to see what the maternity waiting period is. 

The waiting period for maternity coverage varies from insurer to insurer and you can expect to wait anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.

What Are The Advantages Of Securing A Maternity Health Insurance?

From consultation to delivery, maternity insurance helps cover all costs associated with pregnancy. Paying out of pocket is expensive and impractical as Singapore has the third most expensive healthcare in the world. 

Here are some of the key aspects that maternity health insurance offers coverage for:

Doctor Visits

Regular check-ups during pregnancy are essential for the health of both mother and baby. These visits often include physical examinations, ultrasounds, and other pregnancy-related discussions. 

Prenatal And Postnatal Care 

A lot of laboratory tests are involved during the process of pregnancy to ensure the good health of the baby. There are several treatment procedures that are used to evaluate the progress and detect any potential risks or complications. 

Maternity insurance covers tests such as blood tests, urine tests, genetic screenings and more. So it’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider to see if all of these are included in the plan. 

Medically Prescribed C-section

A case or complication may arise and your doctor may prescribe a C-section. Most plans offer coverage for a medically prescribed C-section. 

Criteria for coverage include medical complications during childbirth, pre-existing conditions, and whether the mother has had previous C-sections.

Delivery 

Maternity insurance in Singapore provides coverage for costs associated with childbirth, such as hospital fees, delivery fees, obstetrician fees, anesthesia costs, and postnatal care. 

Pregnancy And Childbirth Complications

A comprehensive maternity insurance plan in Singapore provides coverage for possible complications during pregnancy and childbirth such as stillbirth, amniotic fluid embolism, pre-eclampsia and more.

Hospital, Birth Center And Home Birth

Depending on where you choose to deliver your baby, or which situation your pregnancy requires, the costs associated with a nurse-midwife or doctor’s fees, medical supplies, etc. may be covered by your maternity plan. 

Newborn Care And Congenital Defects 

There’s more to pregnancy than just giving birth; there are postpartum medical expenses such as pediatrician fees, newborn lab tests, and more. In addition, the plan should also cover congenital birth defects.

How To Choose The Best Maternity Insurance For Expat In Singapore 

Comprehensive maternity insurance in Singapore should include and offer handsome coverage limits, an ideal waiting period, an extensive network of hospitals and clinics, etc. Here’s a quick overview of how to choose the right maternity insurance plan as an expat in Singapore.

Coverage Limits

Make sure that your maternity insurance plan covers the cost of parental care, delivery, and postnatal care in Singapore. This is essential for new parents as paying out of pocket for any medical service in Singapore is very expensive.

Waiting Period

Choose a health insurance plan that has a waiting period that suits your plans. It’s a good idea to plan ahead and discuss your needs and the different maternity insurance plans with your insurance provider.

Hospital And Clinic Network

If you have a preferred doctor or hospital, you need to make sure that your maternity insurance plan in Singapore provides the coverage you need. This can help simplify the billing process and provide access to various facilities that specialize in maternity care. 

Additional Benefits 

While looking for the best maternity insurance in Singapore, look for additional benefits that can enhance your maternity experience. From newborn care to immunization expenses, an ideal maternity insurance plan should be able to provide coverage for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of insurance can foreigners buy in Singapore?

MediShield Life, Integrated Shield, Employee-sponsored plan, and Expatriate insurance are some of the plans that are ideal for foreigners living in Singapore. Note that health insurance is mandatory for foreigners living in Singapore.

Is pregnancy covered by health insurance?

Pregnancy is considered a pre-existing condition in health insurance. There is a waiting period to avail of the benefits of maternity insurance. Hence, if you planning to start a family its important for you to plan ahead of time by taking the waiting periods into consideration. 

Conclusion

Securing comprehensive medical insurance is essential for ensuring a smooth pregnancy experience. And in order for you to choose the best maternity insurance in Singapore, you need to understand the benefits and assess your options carefully. 

If you are not sure where to look, you can always reach out to the insurance experts at Pacific Prime. With over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, Pacific Prime can help you find the best maternity insurance in Singapore. 

Pacific Prime works with leading insurance providers across the globe and has helped over a thousand families secure the right insurance plan across the globe. So, you can rest assured that Pacific Prime will help you choose the right plan from various plans and options. 

Get in touch today for an unbiased and free quote!