Quick Takeaways

• Apply early or miss out: Most maternity insurance plans require a 10-month waiting period, so you must purchase coverage before conception to enjoy full benefits—don’t wait until you’re pregnant.
• Significant cost protection: With delivery costs ranging from SGD 4,000-12,000+ and potential NICU stays exceeding SGD 60,000, maternity insurance provides crucial financial protection that regular health insurance doesn’t cover.
• Covers what others don’t: Unlike Integrated Shield Plans, maternity insurance specifically covers pregnancy complications, congenital illnesses, and birth defects—filling critical gaps in your healthcare coverage.
• Three top recommendations: Manulife ReadyMummy (premium coverage), Singlife Maternity Care (best value + digital convenience), and NTUC Income Maternity 360 (trusted choice with IVF benefits) offer the strongest options for 2025.
• Investment in peace of mind: Beyond financial protection, maternity insurance provides emotional security during pregnancy and creates future insurance opportunities for your child without medical underwriting.

Why Maternity Insurance Matters More Than Ever in Singapore (2025)

In recent years, the cost of giving birth in Singapore has risen significantly. A private hospital delivery can exceed SGD 12,000, especially if complications arise.

And even public hospitals can range from SGD 4,000 to SGD 7,000. When you factor in prenatal care, scans, and unexpected hospitalisation for either mother and child, the bills can add up quickly.

Quality maternity care encompasses more than just the delivery itself—it includes comprehensive prenatal monitoring, emergency interventions, and postnatal support.

A maternity insurance plan provides peace of mind and financial security when you need it most. More importantly, it gives your baby a head start in life with the option to convert coverage into long-term health or life insurance plans.

What Is Maternity Insurance in Singapore?

Maternity insurance is a specialised insurance plan that covers:

• Pregnancy complications (e.g. gestational diabetes, preeclampsia)
• Congenital illnesses affecting your newborn
• Hospitalisation benefits for both mother and baby
• Daily hospital care benefits for extended stays
• Birth defects and genetic conditions

It’s typically offered as a rider attached to a whole life or investment-linked plan (ILP). Some insurers also allow a portion of the coverage to be transferred to your child after birth, ensuring the insured child has continued protection without medical underwriting.

Maternity Insurance vs Integrated Shield Plans: Many clients confuse the two. While an Integrated Shield Plan covers general hospitalisation, it doesn’t typically cover prenatal complications or congenital illnesses. Maternity insurance fills that gap, providing specific benefits for pregnancy and childbirth scenarios.

Understanding Coverage Benefits and Payouts

When evaluating a maternity insurance plan, it’s crucial to understand how benefits are structured. Most plans offer benefits as a percentage of the sum assured, meaning you can receive anywhere from 1% of sum assured for minor procedures to 100% of the sum assured for major complications requiring intensive care unit admission.

For example, if your baby is diagnosed with a covered congenital condition, you and your family may receive a significant portion of the sum assured to help with treatment costs.

Daily hospital care benefits typically provide a fixed sum assured per day for extended stays, which can be particularly valuable in the event of premature birth requiring up to 30 days or more of specialised care.

Why You Should Get Maternity Insurance Early

Most maternity insurance plans come with a waiting period—often 10 months. That means you’ll need to apply before conception to enjoy full benefits.

This is particularly important if you’re considering assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and intracervical insemination (ICI), as coverage for these procedures varies significantly between insurers.

Over the years, I’ve met couples who delayed their planning and missed the opportunity altogether. Some tried applying during early pregnancy but were declined or offered reduced coverage. In the event that complications arise during pregnancy, having existing coverage becomes invaluable.

Pro tip: Aim to secure maternity coverage at least a year before trying to conceive. It’s a strategic move that pays off, especially when considering the policy owners protection scheme that safeguards your investment.

Key Benefits of Maternity Insurance

• Comprehensive coverage for up to 10–20 pregnancy-related complications
• Protection for baby’s congenital conditions (some plans cover up to 25 illnesses)
• Hospital care benefits for both mother and newborn
• Daily hospitalisation benefits with flexible sum assured options
• Guaranteed insurability forthe baby’s future insurance needs
• Optional conversion to long-term plans without further underwriting
• Coverage for caesarean section and emergency interventions
• Benefits for intensive care unit stays if required

You can typically customise your coverage based on your family’s specific needs and risk factors. In the event of multiple births or unexpected complications, having robust coverage becomes even more critical.

Cost of Maternity Insurance in Singapore (2025)

Premiums range from SGD 300 to SGD 1,500, depending on age, type of plan, and extent of coverage. The cash value component of certain plans also provides additional financial flexibility.

Compared to the potential medical bills and long-term savings on future plans, many of my clients find the premiums worthwhile. You may wish to consider the total cost of ownership when factoring in the conversion benefits for your child’s future insurance needs.

Who Should Consider Getting It?

• Couples planning to have children within the next 1–3 years
• Women over age 30 or with a family history of pregnancy complications
• Parents concerned about congenital conditions
• Anyone seeking peace of mind during the pregnancy journey
• Couples pursuing assisted reproductive technologies
• Families with limited savings for unexpected medical expenses

You can benefit from maternity insurance regardless of whether you plan to deliver in public or private facilities, as complications can arise in any setting.

Best Maternity Insurance Plans in Singapore (2025)

After extensive analysis and client feedback, here are the three standout maternity plans I recommend for 2025:

My Professional Recommendation

For first-time parents seeking premium coverage: Manulife ReadyMummy offers the most comprehensive protection with excellent long-term value.

For tech-savvy couples prioritizing convenience: Singlife Maternity Care provides excellent digital experience with competitive premiums.

For families valuing trust and tradition: NTUC Income Maternity 360 offers reliable coverage with strong local support and IVF benefits.

Please refer to the product summary and terms and conditions of each plan to understand the specific coverage details and exclusions.

What Maternity Insurance Doesn’t Cover

It’s important to manage expectations. Here’s what’s generally not covered:

• IVF or assisted conception complications (unless specifically stated)
• Elective procedures (e.g. cosmetic caesarean sections)
• Pre-existing conditions not declared during application
• Non-pregnancy related hospitalisation
• Routine maternity care costs
• Normal delivery expenses in some basic plans

Always seek advice from a qualified financial advisor to understand any limitations before making your decision to purchase.

Understanding Claims and Benefits

When your child is diagnosed with a covered condition, the claims process typically involves:

1. Immediate notification to your insurer
2. Submission of medical reports and documentation
3. Assessment of the claim against policy terms
4. Payout of the relevant percentage of the sum assured

It is essential to understand that different conditions may trigger different benefit levels. For instance, minor birth defects might result in a smaller payout compared to major congenital conditions requiring surgical intervention.

Is Maternity Insurance Worth It? My Professional Take

Absolutely—if planned wisely. I once worked with a client who gave birth to twins prematurely. The intensive care unit costs were over SGD 60,000, with each child requiring up to 30 days of specialised care. Thankfully, their maternity plan covered a significant portion, providing hospital care benefits that made a substantial difference.

It wasn’t just about the money—it was the emotional relief of not having to make tough choices in a crisis. The comprehensive maternity care they received, combined with the financial protection, allowed them to focus entirely on their babies’ recovery.

The earlier you plan, the more options you’ll have. And with premiums locked in before pregnancy, you enjoy maximum protection without breaking the bank.

Remember that, just as with any insurance product, the value lies not just in the coverage amount but in the peace of mind it provides during one of life’s most important journeys.

Plan for the Joy, Prepare for the Unexpected

As an advisor who’s walked alongside hundreds of families, I always remind clients that insurance is an act of love. It’s not just a financial product—it’s a promise of security during one of life’s most vulnerable transitions.

If you’re planning to start a family soon, consider speaking to a trusted financial advisor who can tailor the right maternity insurance plan to your needs.

They can help you understand the terms and conditions, evaluate different options, and ensure you’re making an informed decision that protects both you and your growing family.

Let’s protect your growing family—one smart step at a time.

FAQs on Maternity Insurance in Singapore