Best Maternity Insurance for Expats Living in Singapore: Cost and Plan Details

Expats in Singapore can choose from a range of maternity insurance plans offered by leading international providers such as Cigna, MSIG, AXA, and April International. These plans vary in price and benefits but typically cover pregnancy complications, childbirth, newborn care, and more. 

In this Pacific Prime Singapore guide, we’ll explore the costs and key features of maternity insurance and offer practical tips to help expats who are planning to start a family find the coverage that best suits their needs.

Why Maternity Insurance Matters for Expats in Singapore

While Singapore offers excellent maternity care, medical expenses for childbirth, especially in private hospitals, can be costly without insurance. A normal delivery can range from USD $3,190 to $12,440, with C-sections and unexpected complications driving costs even higher. 

For expats, the financial burden is greater, as they are not eligible for government healthcare subsidies and must pay out-of-pocket.

This is where maternity insurance becomes essential. It provides crucial protection against emergency procedures, extended hospital stays, and specialized newborn care that could otherwise cost tens of thousands. 

However, it is important to note that most maternity insurance comes with a 12- to 18-month waiting period. Expats planning to start a family should secure coverage well in advance to ensure quality care for both mother and baby without the stress of overwhelming medical bills when the time comes.

What Maternity Insurance for Expats in Singapore Typically Covers

Maternity insurance in Singapore varies by plan and provider but typically covers a range of benefits for both the mother and the newborn, with a focus on pregnancy complications, childbirth, and congenital conditions. Key coverage areas include:

• Pregnancy complications: This includes complications such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, premature birth, miscarriage, and more. 
• Newborn care: Expenses like health checkups, vaccinations, and medicines are typically included in the coverage for 90 days from childbirth. 
• Congenital conditions: Most plans include coverage for congenital conditions such as heart defects, cleft palate, clubfoot, down syndrome, and related treatments, medications, and services.
• Hospitalization benefits: This grants a daily hospital cash allowance for both mother and child during hospital stays related to maternity events. 
• Mental health support: Some plans include mental health support, like psychological consultations for mothers postpartum. 

What Maternity Insurance for Expats in Singapore Typically Excludes

All maternity insurance plans have limitations and exclusions related to the following aspects: 

• Waiting period: Most maternity insurance plans have a waiting period before coverage kicks in, commonly ranging from 10 months up to 24 months, depending on the insurer and plan. 
• Pre-existing conditions: Any medical conditions, illnesses, or health issues related to pregnancy or the mother that already exist or were diagnosed before you purchase or start the maternity insurance policy.
• Fertility treatment: Most basic maternity plans don’t cover fertility treatment, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technologies. 
• Multiple births: Some plans exclude coverage or have different terms for pregnancies involving twins, triplets, or more. 
• Elective procedures: Coverage usually applies only if the procedure is medically necessary and certified by a registered medical practitioner due to complications or risks to the mother or baby.

These are just a few common inclusions and exclusions in maternity insurance for expats in Singapore. The specific benefits and level of coverage ultimately depend on the insurer and the chosen plan tier.

Best Maternity Insurance Options for Expats Living in Singapore

The best maternity insurance for expats in Singapore comes from leading international providers like Cigna, AXA, MSIG, and April International. 

The coverage can already be included in your international health insurance plan or be an optional add-on to existing health insurance, and premiums generally increase with the level of coverage and benefits selected.

Cigna’s Gold and Platinum Plans: Cost and Plan Details

Cigna automatically includes maternity coverage in their Gold and Platinum international health plans, offering varying tiers of coverage worldwide, excluding the USA. The table below compares maternity coverage from the two plans, helping expats choose one that best suits their needs.

Maternity coverage has a 12-month waiting period and coverage for newborn care may require medical underwriting. 

The monthly cost for each plan varies based on your age, health conditions, selected coinsurance rate, and out-of-pocket maximum. Below are the estimated premiums for a 30-year-old American female without pre-existing health conditions.

• Cigna Gold: USD $280–$370 per month
• Cigna Platinum: USD $370–$490 per month

AXA’s Prestige and Prestige Plus Plans: Cost and Plan Details

As a reputable insurance company, AXA includes maternity insurance coverage in both its Prestige and Prestige Plus plans, offering high annual limits and comprehensive maternity care. Below is a comparison of each AXA plan. 

The plans include an 18-month waiting period for maternity coverage but also come with other benefits, such as:

• Remote midwife support
• Antenatal and postnatal support
• Baby-inclusive policies
• Newborn checks

While AXA’s Prestige and Prestige Plus plans offer comprehensive coverage at a higher premium, they provide various deductible options to help reduce costs and better match your budget. 

For a 30-year-old female from the U.S. seeking coverage primarily in Singapore, the estimated monthly premiums are as follows:

• AXA Prestige: USD $485–$960
• AXA Prestige Plus: USD $730–$1,260

MSIG’s Prestige Plans: Cost and Plan Details

MSIG offers additional maternity coverage for their Prestige Deluxe and Platinum plans. While the two core plans offer different levels of benefits, their maternity add-on provides the same coverage as follows: 

The benefits also include prenatal, childbirth, and postnatal care for the mother, but policyholders must wait for 12 months after the beginning of coverage before benefits kick in. 

In terms of cost, total monthly premiums for MSIG’s insurance plans with maternity coverage depend on several factors, including your age and your preferred core plan. 

For instance, for a 30-year-old female from the U.S., their maternity add-on will cost an extra USD $1,250 annually (USD $104 per month) from their total premium. However, this will be higher for women between 40 and 45 years old, with an extra USD $1,900 annually (USD $158 per month). 

April International’s MyHealth Plans: Cost and Plan Details

April International offers three options of maternity coverage—essential, extensive, and elite—as an optional addition to their MyHealth Extensive and Elite plans, each providing a tiered benefit coverage. This plan is open to women aged 19 to 45 years and includes a 12-month waiting period. 

The following table compares the amount of coverage for pre- and post-natal care, delivery, and newborn care in each plan. 

Depending on your core plan and optional plan, monthly premium estimates for a 30-year-old U.S. citizen residing in Singapore are outlined below:

• MyHealth Extensive with maternity coverage: USD $750–$1,250
• MyHealth Elite with maternity coverage: USD $850–$1,300

Premiums may vary, as April International’s plans are fully customizable with deductibles and coinsurance options to help reduce your insurance costs.

How to Choose Maternity Insurance as an Expat

When choosing maternity insurance, expats who are planning to start a family should firstly consider their desired level of coverage, their budget, their preferred length of waiting period, and network hospitals. The following factors will help determine the right plan for you.

Level of Coverage

Your desired level of maternity coverage depends on factors such as your health condition and personal preferences. For instance, if you have specific medical concerns or anticipate needing extra care during pregnancy, it may be wise to choose a plan with more comprehensive benefits.

You should also consider whether you want supplementary services like postpartum counseling or fertility treatment, which can offer added peace of mind and ensure both you and your newborn receive the best possible care.

Budget

Financial considerations play a key role in choosing the right plan. Generally, higher coverage comes with higher premiums. However, the ideal maternity insurance should strike a balance between your budget and the level of care you need.

Waiting Period

Each maternity insurance plan comes with a waiting period, typically ranging from 12 to 18 months. This is a standard requirement across all international health insurance providers, making it essential to plan ahead and consider how long you’re willing to wait before starting your family journey.

Network Hospitals

Ensure the plan’s network covers your preferred hospitals and obstetricians. Singapore’s top maternity hospitals, such as Mount Elizabeth, Gleneagles, and Thomson Medical Center, should be included for optimal choice and convenience.

Secure Your Maternity Insurance with Pacific Prime

Planning for a baby while living abroad comes with unique challenges, but the right maternity insurance can offer peace of mind and financial protection during this important stage of life.

With over 25 years of experience, Pacific Prime is a trusted insurance broker dedicated to helping international clients find the right coverage. Whether you need maternity insurance or comprehensive international health insurance, we’re here to help you secure a plan that fits your needs and budget.

The right maternity insurance plan ensures you and your child can access Singapore’s world-class medical facilities without the burden of high out-of-pocket costs.

Contact us today for a free plan comparison and expert, unbiased advice.

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