Maternity Insurance in Singapore: Everything You Need To Know
In Singapore, maternity insurance bridges a critical coverage gap. It protects you and your baby against pregnancy complications and congenital conditions that standard medical insurance doesn't cover. If you've already secured medical and hospitalisation coverage, maternity insurance is your next logical step to ensure comprehensive protection before and after birth.
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What is Maternity Insurance?
Maternity insurance is a specialised type of insurance in Singapore designed to protect expectant mothers against pregnancy complications, childbirth emergencies, and certain newborn congenital conditions.
Unlike MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) which cover severe hospitalisation but exclude routine maternity costs, maternity insurance specifically covers pre-defined pregnancy-related risks—providing lump sum payouts upon complications.
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How Maternity Insurance Differs From Other Plans
MediShield Life
Covers large hospital bills and some outpatient treatments for Singaporeans and PRs, but does not include standard pregnancy and delivery costs.
Integrated Shield Plans
Top-up hospitalisation plans that may chip in for serious pregnancy complications, but rarely cover routine maternity fees or elective procedures.
Facts & Myths About Maternity Insurance Coverage
What’s covered ✅
- Lump sum payouts for covered pregnancy complications (e.g. pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, gestational diabetes)
- Coverage for select congenital illnesses in newborns, listed in policy
- Daily hospital cash benefits for extended stays due to complications, for both mother and child
- Optional features like mental wellness coverage or protection for IVF and multiple births (varies by insurer)
What’s not covered ❌
- Routine prenatal visits and regular childbirth costs
- Elective caesarean sections, unless medically necessary
Who Should Consider Maternity Insurance?
Maternity insurance is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Certain groups in Singapore will benefit most from having this extra protection during their pregnancy journey. Below are a few personas who would benefit from maternity insurance:
1. First-time parents
If you’re expecting your first child, maternity insurance provides reassurance when pregnancy complications and newborn health conditions arise. It offers:
- Lump sum payouts for specific pregnancy or birth complications
- Financial protection so you can focus on parenthood, not medical bills
- Peace of mind during an already overwhelming time
2. Prospective parents using IVF or other fertility treatments
IVF and assisted conception carry heightened risks of pregnancy complications and multiple births. Key benefits include:
- Specific IVF pregnancy coverage for select plans
- Additional payouts or enhanced coverage for each child (twins, triplets, etc.)
- Protection for complications specific to multiples (premature birth, low birth weight)
- Broader protection addressing complex needs of assisted conception journeys or high-risk pregnancies
3. Mothers aged 35 and above
Pregnancy risks increase with age, making mothers over 35 years old strong candidates for maternity insurance. What to look for:
- Plans with extended age eligibility (e.g. up to 40–45 years old)
- Coverage for age-related pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, etc.
- Policy terms not penalising older mothers with higher premiums or exclusions
4. Expats building a family in Singapore
Foreigners in Singapore may not qualify for MediShield Life subsidies or IP benefits. But maternity insurance bridges these gaps:
- Standalone coverage independent of national schemes
- No Singaporean citizenship or PR status required (check specific insurer eligibility)
- Protection for pregnancy complications without relying on public healthcare subsidies
Regardless of profile, always disclose pre-existing medical conditions upfront, check hospital network requirements, coverage for IVF or multiples, and review pregnancy insurance exclusions carefully to ensure you’re sufficiently covered. Non-disclosure can lead to voided claims.
Maternity Insurance Coverage & Exclusions: Comparison
It goes without saying that maternity insurance coverage in Singapore is highly specific to pregnancy complications and conditions, varying by policy. But in general, here is a list of primary pregnancy coverage to expect across all plans:
For more insight, below is a comparison table further breaking down the key coverages and exclusions of all available maternity insurance plans in Singapore.
*1% of sum assured payable daily, for up to 30 days; capped at 30% sum assured within 42 days of childbirth
^1% of sum assured payable daily per phototherapy machine rental; capped at 10% of sum assured for up to 10 days
| Mother | Newborn |
|---|---|
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For more insight, below is a comparison table further breaking down the key coverages and exclusions of all available maternity insurance plans in Singapore.
| Insurer & plan | Coverage for mothers | Coverage for newborns | Wait period | Extra perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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AIA Mum2Baby Choices (Mum2Baby & Mum2Baby Protect) |
✅ Covered
|
✅ Covered
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From 13th week of pregnancy |
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FWD Optional Maternity Benefit (International Health Insurance) |
✅ Covered
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✅ Covered
Coverage is not pregnancy-week based
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12-month waiting period of base FWD International Health Insurance policy, before maternity benefits apply | Not a standalone maternity plan; available only as an optional rider |
| NTUC Income Maternity 360 |
✅ Covered
|
✅ Covered
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13th–35th week of pregnancy | Standalone, dedicated maternity insurance |
| Manulife ReadyMummy |
✅ Covered
|
✅ Covered
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From 13th week of pregnancy |
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PRUDENTIAL (PRUMum) |
✅ Covered
|
✅ Covered
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From 13th week of pregnancy, up to 4th policy year |
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PRUDENTIAL (PRUFirst Promise & PRUFirst Gift II) |
✅ Covered
|
✅ Covered
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13–36 weeks of pregnancy |
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| Singlife Maternity Care |
✅ Covered
|
✅ Covered
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From 13th week of pregnancy | Single premium, 3-year policy |
| GREAT Maternity Care 2 |
✅ Covered
|
✅ Covered
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From 13th week of pregnancy |
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Bupa Lifeline Insurance by Raffles Health Insurance |
✅ Covered
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N/A (details not provided) | 18 months’ membership before maternity cover applies | N/A (details not provided) |
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Allianz International Health Insurance (Singapore Premier Maternity & Singapore Club Maternity) |
✅ Covered
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N/A (details not provided) | N/A (details not provided) |
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Cigna International Health Insurance (With Maternity Cover) |
✅ Covered
|
✅ Covered
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Maternity benefits only available after being covered by health insurance plan for 12 months or more |
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| Liberty MyHEALTH Insurance |
✅ Covered
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✅ Covered (as part of plan’s maternity/newborn care benefits; details vary by tier) | N/A (details not provided) | Available to women aged 19–45 years old |
| April International MYHEALTH Insurance | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
^1% of sum assured payable daily per phototherapy machine rental; capped at 10% of sum assured for up to 10 days
Key provider highlights
Among these maternity insurance providers, there are some plans that stand out:
- Singlife, Manulife, and AIA maternity plans explicitly cover IVF pregnancies and/or multiple births.
- Only select plans like Manulife and AIA offer mental wellness benefits like psychological support or post-partum depression diagnosis.
- Singlife’s Maternity Care offers dedicated coverage for developmental delay diagnosis or stem cell surgery for newborns.
Common exclusions across all plans
- Routine delivery with no complications
- Already pregnant at time of sign-up
- Elective C-section for non-medical reasons
- Pre-existing pregnancy issues (if declared or on record)
- Late claims submitted after specified post-event deadline will be denied
Good Insurance Starts With the Right Expert
Get tailored maternity insurance quotes from our MDRT-qualified specialist(s) and choose with confidence!
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Public Health Insurance vs. Private Maternity Insurance: Comparison
In general, MediShield Life and IPs only protect expectant mothers from severe, insurer-defined pregnancy complications—but routine prenatal care and normal deliveries are often excluded. This is where private maternity insurance can help bridge the coverage gap.
| Coverage | MediShield Life / IPs | Maternity specific insurance plans |
|---|---|---|
| Routine pregnancy & delivery | ❌ Not covered | ❌ Not covered |
| Selected pregnancy complications | Only severe, insurer-defined events | Lump sum or daily hospital cash payout for wider set of named complications |
| Congenital conditions in newborns | Rarely covered, very limited | Comprehensive coverage; lump sum or cash benefit for named congenital illnesses (up to 23+ for some plans) |
| IVF & multiple births | ❌ Not covered | Only select plans (e.g. Singlife, Manulife, AIA) |
| Mental wellness & add-ons | ❌ Not covered | Only select plans (e.g. Prudential, Manulife, Singlife) cover for post-partum depression, psychological support, developmental delay payouts, and even stem cell surgery |
| Eligibility | Singaporeans and PRs only | Singaporeans, PRs, and eligible foreigners |
| Benefit flexibility | Fixed, limited triggers | Customisable coverage levels and riders depending on plan |
Factors Affecting Maternity Insurance Costs & Eligibility
Maternity insurance premiums in Singapore involve careful consideration of both costs and qualification requirements. Some factors that can increase or reduce your maternity insurance premiums include:
- Age eligibility: Most insurers accept mothers ages 18–45. However, some exceptions offer maternity coverage to as young as 16 to only 44 years old. In general, younger mothers tend to pay lower premiums, and premiums generally increase with maternal age (after age 30). Older ages are naturally associated with higher risk of pregnancy complications, which translate into higher premium costs.
- Pregnancy timing matters: Oftentimes, mothers must apply for maternity insurance between 13th week and insurer’s cut-off week (typically 35th–36th week). Premium is locked in at the time of purchase; waiting doesn’t reduce costs. In fact if you miss that critical window, you’ll be denied pregnancy coverage entirely.
- Coverage level and add-ons: More comprehensive packages, newborn illness cover, and optional mental wellness, developmental delay, or stem cell coverage can add to your costs.
- Insurer and policy features: Every insurer has varying risk appetite, benefit definitions, and claim limits factored into premium prices.
💡 MoneySmart Tip: Maternity insurance policies should usually be purchased from the start of the 2nd trimester (week 13 of pregnancy onwards) but until a set cut-off week. Missing this purchasing window period could limit your choices in terms of coverage and higher premiums.
How to Apply For Maternity Insurance in Singapore?
Step 1
Assess your maternity coverage needs
You know your family and personal health history the best. Consider your pregnancy circumstances:
- Review eligibility: Age (18–45 years old)? Residency status (Singaporean, PR, or foreigner)?
- Identify scenario: Routine pregnancy, IVF/assisted conception, or expecting multiples?
- Set an estimated budget: Review your finances and decide a feasible premium range (e.g. $300–$800).
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Coverage priorities:
- Congenital illness protection for newborns?
- Mental wellness support?
- Development delay coverage?
- Extended hospitalisation benefits?
- Lifelong protection for your child post-pregnancy?
- Pregnancy timeline: Are you between the 13th–36th week of pregnancy to apply?
Step 2
Contact our MoneySmart advisors
Click on the “Find Out More” button on this page to reach out to our MDRT-qualified specialist and his team.
Based on your eligibility and coverage needs, they’ll compare and shortlist with you the most suitable maternity insurance plan.
They’ll also guide you through requirement documentation and answer questions on exclusions, benefits, riders, and claims.
Based on your eligibility and coverage needs, they’ll compare and shortlist with you the most suitable maternity insurance plan.
They’ll also guide you through requirement documentation and answer questions on exclusions, benefits, riders, and claims.
Step 3
Submit your application
Once you’ve selected a plan:
- Gather required documents like residency proof, medical records, NRIC, etc.
- Complete the application form with the utmost accuracy.
- Either submit it via our advisors (who’ll liaise on your behalf) or directly to the insurer.
Step 4
Await underwriting approval
Upon declaring your medical history and current health conditions, wait for underwriting to be approved.
This can take 5–10 working days.
This can take 5–10 working days.
Step 5
Review maternity insurance policy
Once approved, review your maternity insurance policy wording carefully. Note coverage amounts and extents, claim deadlines, and key exclusions.
Maternity Insurance is Just the First Chapter
From pregnancy to parenthood, your family’s healthcare needs will evolve. If you want a deeper dive into broader health insurance in Singapore, our health insurance guide breaks it all down.
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How to Make Maternity Insurance Claims: Process & Tips
Filing a maternity insurance claim in Singapore involves several key steps. Here’s a walkthrough of the claims process from requirement documents to timelines to insurer considerations for a smooth submission.
1. Events that trigger a claim
Most maternity insurance claims are initiated when there’s:
- A covered pregnancy or childbirth complication (as per the policy’s named list, such as pre-eclampsia or a medically necessary C-section)
- A newborn is diagnosed with a covered congenital illness
- Hospitalisation due to a complication for either mother or child
2. Gather documents & access claim form
You’ll usually need to submit:
- Completed claim form (downloadable from insurer websites or through your agent)
- Doctor's statement or medical report describing the diagnosis/event
- Hospital discharge summary and itemised bills
- Baby's birth certificate (for newborn claims)
- Policyholder's identification (NRIC/passport)
- Bank account details for payout
Claim forms are usually available from the insurer’s website under “Claims” or “Forms”. Most insurers now accept online submissions, though some require original documents by mail or in-person delivery.
Thereafter, you may submit your claim form via the insurer’s online portals, email, or in-person.
3. Processing timelines
| Claim Type | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Simple claims | 7–14 working days | All documents complete and clear |
| Complex claims | Up to 30 working days | Further investigation required |
| Delayed processing | Longer | Incomplete documentation or unclear diagnosis |
Most delays result from the following issues:
- Incomplete documentation: Missing doctor's notes or unclear hospital summary
- Late submission: After the 30-day deadline results in outright denial
- Non-covered events: Conditions or events not specified in your policy
- Unclear diagnosis: Hospital report doesn't clearly match a named covered condition
💡 MoneySmart Tip: Submit complete documentation within 30 days of the event or discharge. Verify your insurer's specific requirements upfront and keep both originals and copies of all documents.
Thinking Beyond Baby Bumps
Maternity insurance covers pregnancy risks, but term life insurance covers what comes after. For a clearer picture of how both can work together, our term life insurance guide can help you make more informed decisions.
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Your Post-Birth Action Plan
What's next after giving birth? What insurance is available for my newborn? Check out MoneySmart's streamlined guide to ease your worries!
