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Know how much it costs to give birth in Singapore with this exhaustive guide
- Is it free to give birth in Singapore?
- How much does it cost to give birth in Singapore?
- Costs Associated with Hospital Birth in Singapore
- Pre-Pregnancy Genetic Tests and Health Screening
- Visits to Your Gynaecologist
- Prenatal Classes
- Prenatal and Postnatal Massages
- Vitamins and Supplements Intake
- Maternity Insurance
- Recommended Hospitals Where You Can Give Birth
- Gleneagles Hospital
- Mount Elizabeth Hospital
- Raffles Hospital
- KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH)
- National University Hospital (NUH)
Giving birth in Singapore means you’ll be in the hands of some of the best healthcare professionals around. However, having been through this myself, I know that the costs can be quite significant.
Getting a handle on all the costs—from prenatal care and delivery to postnatal support—is important for planning your finances properly. That’s why this guide gives a complete rundown of the costs of giving birth here, so you can be well-prepared for this exciting new chapter!
Is it free to give birth in Singapore?
IMAGE IDEA: A new mom on a hospital hold holding her baby
No, giving birth in Singapore is not free. Both locals and foreigners must pay for maternity services.
However, Singaporean citizens and permanent residents may have access to subsidies and Medisave, which can help offset some costs.
How much does it cost to give birth in Singapore?
The cost of giving birth in Singapore for locals ranges from SGD 1,269 to SGD 10,077 in public hospitals, while private hospitals cost between SGD 4,142 and SGD 13,949, depending on the type of delivery and ward chosen.
Public hospitals in Singapore offer substantial subsidies for locals through schemes like the Medisave Maternity Package. Foreigners, lacking access to these subsidies, face higher out-of-pocket expenses, especially in private hospitals where costs are significantly higher. (SG Expats)
The cost of giving birth in Singapore can vary significantly between locals and foreigners, with several factors influencing these costs. Let’s take a closer look at the figures, as culled from Parentology and Expatica.
For instance, the cost of a natural vaginal birth in a subsidised ward at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital can be as low as SGD 1,558. In contrast, an unsubsidised private room in the same hospital can cost around SGD 5,943.
Because foreigners don’t have access to subsidised wards, costs can add up. For example, the cost of a natural delivery in a private room at Mount Elizabeth Hospital can range from SGD 9,130 to SGD 12,532.
Prenatal care can considerably add to delivery costs. Private clinics, preferred by many foreigners for their convenience and choice of obstetricians, charge between SGD 120 and SGD 300 per visit. These clinics often offer pregnancy packages that include consultations, scans, and hospital care to help manage costs. (Wise)
Costs Associated with Hospital Birth in Singapore
Pre-Pregnancy Genetic Tests and Health Screening
Pre-pregnancy genetic tests and health screenings are essential for identifying any potential health issues that could affect the pregnancy. These tests can help couples understand their genetic risks and make informed decisions about family planning.
In Singapore, the cost of these tests typically ranges from SGD 200 to SGD 1,000, depending on the complexity and the healthcare provider. (Asianparent)
Visits to Your Gynaecologist
Regular visits to a gynaecologist are crucial for monitoring the health of both the mother and the baby during pregnancy. The cost of these consultations in Singapore can vary widely, typically ranging from SGD 100 to SGD 200 per visit, excluding additional tests or procedures. (MoneySmart)
Prenatal Classes
Prenatal classes are highly recommended for first-time parents to prepare for childbirth and parenthood. These classes provide essential knowledge and practical skills, covering topics such as labour and delivery, breastfeeding, newborn care, and postnatal recovery.
The cost of these classes in Singapore can range from SGD 200 to SGD 500 for a series of sessions, depending on the provider and the course length. (Raffles Medical Group)
Prenatal and Postnatal Massages
Prenatal and postnatal massages are highly beneficial for alleviating discomfort during pregnancy and aiding in recovery after childbirth. These massages help reduce back pain, improve blood circulation, decrease swelling, and promote relaxation and better sleep quality.
In Singapore, the cost of these massages typically ranges from SGD 60 to SGD 150 per session, depending on the provider and the type of massage. (Post Natal Massage Singapore)
Vitamins and Supplements Intake
Prenatal vitamins and supplements are essential for a healthy pregnancy, providing necessary nutrients such as folic acid, iron, and calcium. These vitamins help prevent neural tube defects, support the baby’s growth and development, and maintain the mother’s bone density.
In Singapore, the cost of prenatal vitamins can range between SGD 30 and SGD 100 per month, depending on the brand and specific nutritional needs. (Asianparent)
Maternity Insurance
Maternity insurance in Singapore can significantly help cover the costs associated with pregnancy and childbirth, including complications and newborn care. Policies and premiums vary widely based on the coverage and the insurer.
Generally, maternity insurance premiums range from SGD 1,000 to SGD 5,000, depending on the extent of coverage and benefits included in the plan. Some examples:
- Great Eastern’s Flexi Maternity Cover has premiums starting from SGD 869, covering pregnancy complications, newborn illnesses, and more. (SmartWealth Singapore)
- NTUC Income’s Maternity 360, with premiums ranging from approximately SGD 370.95 to SGD 916.10, offers comprehensive coverage for both mother and child, including hospitalisation and congenital illnesses. (SingSaver)
- AIA Mum2Baby Protect starts from around SGD 1,000 to SGD 5,000, depending on the level of coverage and the insured amount. (SmartWealth Singapore)
Recommended Hospitals Where You Can Give Birth
Gleneagles Hospital
Address: 6A Napier Road
Contact: +6565757575
Hours: Open 24 hours
Price: $$$
Gleneagles Hospital provides a range of maternity packages starting from SGD 6,309 for a single room for a vaginal delivery, up to SGD 14,853 for a Dempsey Suite, ensuring comfort and convenience for new mothers.
Amenities include customised postnatal menus, personalised breastfeeding support, and mental wellness resources. While the costs are higher compared to public hospitals, many parents find the comprehensive care and serene environment worth the investment.
Mount Elizabeth Hospital
Address: 3 Mount Elizabeth
Contact: +6567372666
Hours: Open 24 hours
Price: $$$
There’s a range of maternity packages starting from SGD 6,309 for a single room for a vaginal delivery, and up to SGD 13,949 for a junior maternity suite for a C-section at Mount Elizabeth Hospital.
Costs include private rooms, customised postnatal menus, and personalised breastfeeding support. Many consider it a luxurious and supportive environment for new mothers, though the steep prices reflect it.
Raffles Hospital
Address: 585 North Bridge Road
Contact: +6563112222
Hours: Open 24 hours
Price: $$
Raffles Hospital is accredited as a baby-friendly hospital by the Association for Breastfeeding Advocacy, emphasising practices like skin-to-skin contact and rooming-in to promote mother-baby bonding.
The hospital provides various maternity packages, starting at around SGD 4,142 for normal delivery and SGD 6,867 for a Caesarean section. These include two to three nights’ stay, standard medical and surgical consumables, nursing care, and postnatal support such as lactation counselling.
KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH)
Address: 100 Bukit Timah Rd
Contact: +6562255554
Hours: Open 24 hours
Price: $$
The cost of giving birth at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) is significantly lower than those at private hospitals due to the subsidies available for Singaporean citizens and permanent residents.
The hospital provides a range of maternity packages, with costs for a normal delivery starting at around SGD 1,269 for a subsidised Class C ward and going up to SGD 5,110 for a Class A ward.
It also offers services like lactation consultancy and personalised postnatal support.
National University Hospital (NUH)
Address: 5 Lower Kent Ridge Rd
Contact: +6569082222
Hours: Open 24 hours
Price: $$
Giving birth at National University Hospital (NUH) is an excellent option for those seeking high-quality maternity care at a public hospital. It specialises in high-risk obstetrics and is well-equipped to handle complicated pregnancies.
The cost for normal delivery in a Ward A room ranges from SGD 4,258 to SGD 5,714. Private rooms, personalised confinement meals, and even butler services are available for Ward A patients.
There’s a range of delivery options here, including water births and aromatherapy, promoting a natural birthing experience.
