Health Insurance for Assisted Vaginal Delivery
Why an assisted birth can mean higher hospital fees
Vacuum or forceps-assisted delivery is more common than you might think. It typically costs between SGD 4,600 and SGD 6,800 in Singapore’s private system. Here's how to ensure you're covered.
How much does it cost?
According to MOH 2025 benchmarks, assisted vaginal delivery (e.g. with forceps or vacuum) costs between SGD 4,600 and SGD 6,800. This may be necessary when labour does not progress normally. These costs reflect only the professional surgeon's fees and do not include additional expenses like room charges, epidural anesthesia, lab tests, or post-operative recovery. Depending on your hospital and specific case, total bills can easily exceed these benchmarks.
What does insurance cover?
Assisted deliveries may still fall under standard maternity benefits, but some plans differentiate between routine and complex births. It’s crucial to review exclusions carefully. It is important to verify whether the insurance benefit includes both inpatient hospital stays and outpatient consultations related to the procedure. Some insurers distinguish between 'maternity care' and 'surgical intervention', which could affect your reimbursement.
What to watch out for?
Plans with comprehensive maternity coverage should also cover emergency procedures. Make sure your limit allows for complications without exceeding your coverage cap. In addition, watch for any co-insurance clauses, annual benefit caps, or restrictions on where the procedure must be done (e.g., specific hospitals or networks). These can all reduce the actual payout from your insurance.
Tips from Sébastien
Even a 'normal' delivery plan should account for the possibility of medical intervention. It’s safer to overestimate your needs than to be underinsured. This advice is especially relevant for expats who may be between jobs, have private plans not offered by an employer, or are self-employed. Being proactive with insurance gives you access to better benefits and more predictable financial planning.
Need help?
We help expats understand and compare maternity benefits across international plans. Ask us for advice. Our advisory team can help you compare plans, explain fine print, and find options that meet your family’s unique healthcare needs. Don’t wait until you’re already expecting to review your options.
