Health Insurance for Removal of Retained Placenta
A common but costly complication of childbirth
If a placenta doesn’t deliver naturally, surgical removal may cost SGD 2,100 to SGD 3,500. Is it covered by your policy?
How much does it cost?
Surgical removal of a retained placenta costs SGD 2,100 to SGD 3,500. It may follow a vaginal delivery or C-section. 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?
This procedure is often excluded unless clearly listed under 'complications of childbirth'. Some plans cover it only if the delivery itself was covered. 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?
Your plan might reject claims if childbirth wasn’t already covered. Clarify with your advisor or insurer. 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
If your insurer covers maternity, ask about surgical add-ons like this — it’s often a grey area. 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?
Ask Interexpat about which maternity plans include follow-up procedures like this one. 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.
