Health Insurance for Normal Vaginal Delivery
What expats should know before giving birth in Singapore
Expecting a baby in Singapore? A normal delivery can cost between SGD 3,600 and SGD 5,400 in private hospitals. Here's what to check in your insurance plan before your due date.
How much does it cost?
According to MOH 2025 benchmarks, a normal vaginal delivery costs between SGD 3,600 and SGD 5,400 for the surgeon fee alone. This does not include room charges, pre-natal consultations, epidural, or follow-ups. 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?
Maternity coverage is not included by default in most international plans. You’ll need to check if your policy covers pre-natal, delivery, and post-natal care. Some plans may cover complications but not routine delivery. 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?
Look for plans with maternity limits of at least SGD 8,000 to 12,000, and check waiting periods which are typically 10–24 months. Expat plans from April Singapore or Cigna usually offer this as an optional benefit. 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 you’re planning a pregnancy in the next 2 years, upgrade your plan now. Once you’re already pregnant, options become limited. 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?
Contact Interexpat for a maternity-inclusive health insurance comparison tailored to your expat status in Singapore. 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.
