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Maternity insurance generally offers coverage for medically prescribed c-sections. This method involves performing an incision on the mother’s abdomen in hopes of simplifying the delivery of one or more babies.
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Are you expecting a baby in Singapore soon and you’re considering a c-section delivery method? Are you looking to ensure peace of mind during pregnancy with maternity insurance? In this article, we will discuss c-sections in Singapore along with coverage for the operation and the costs involved.
What are C-Sections?
C-section, also known as Cesarean section or Cesarean birth, is a surgical procedure for delivering a baby if vaginal delivery isn’t physically possible. This involves the doctors performing a vertical incision on the mother’s abdomen.
Common reasons for performing a c-section include delivering more than one baby (twins or triplets), the mother’s inability to go through the labor process, vaginal delivery potentially putting the baby at risk of contracting diseases from the mother, or just due to convenience reasons.
Elective C-Sections
An elective c-section is when a c-section operation is planned before childbirth and can be requested by the mother. This could be because of potential pregnancy complications that affect proper vaginal delivery.
Without a doctor’s recommendation, though, an elective C-section operation is not covered by health insurance.
How Much Does a C-Section Delivery Cost in Singapore?
The cost of a c-section delivery in Singapore can vary depending on specific hospitals. However, costs can range between SGD 13,000-20,000 (approx USD $9,670-14,877) for a private room in a private hospital.
Do keep in mind, though, that complications or setbacks during the delivery process can contribute to higher medical bills.
C-Section Coverage in Maternity Insurance in Singapore
For any c-section operation to be deemed medically necessary and eligible for coverage by most insurance providers, prerequisites must include medical complications experienced by either the mother or the baby, as well as any prior c-section performed on the mother.
Whenever you decide on any elective surgical procedure, note that it is very unlikely that your health insurance plan will cover it. This means if your doctor won’t confirm the absolute need for a c-section operation with your insurer, you may need to pay out of pocket for the childbirth.
Recovery from a C-Section Delivery
After a c-section delivery, you will most likely stay in the hospital for around a day or two and it’s for the best that you take it easy in later weeks. Most women can leave the hospital after a day or two.
During your hospital stay, you’ll be given painkillers to ease the discomfort and allowed to have regular close contact with your baby and proceed with breastfeeding. Gently clean your wound every day and wear looser, comfortable clothes to not wrap around your wound.
Overview of Maternity Insurance in Singapore
Maternity insurance, ensuring you peace of mind as you are expecting a child, offers a huge array of coverage areas ranging from hospital fees to a plethora of services. Below are the other notable areas which maternity insurance covers:
- Childbirth: Singapore’s maternity insurance covers childbirth fees such as hospital, delivery, obstetrician, anesthesia, and postnatal care fees.
- Pregnancy and Childbirth Complications: Maternity insurance plans will cover potential complications during pregnancy and childbirth such as stillbirth, amniotic fluid embolism, or pre-eclampsia.
- Birth at the Hospital or at Home: Whether you choose to deliver your baby at the hospital’s birth center or conveniently at home, maternity insurance will cover fees for nurses, midwives, or doctors, and medical supplies.
Additional areas of coverage that could be included in one’s maternity insurance plan include blood and urine examinations, or genetic screenings. Be sure to check with your specific maternity insurance provider for exact details on coverage areas along with exclusions and limits.
For expats in Singapore, maternity insurance coverage is crucial as it ensures access to quality healthcare services without the need for out-of-pocket payment.
However, keep in mind that maternity insurance is usually not included in health insurance in Singapore and there will be a waiting period.
The Waiting Period in Singapore’s Maternity Insurance
In maternity insurance, the waiting period is the amount of time a policyholder has to wait before they can claim benefits and it can vary depending on insurers and providers. By default, the waiting period ranges from 6 months to two years.
What to Consider when Selecting Maternity Insurance Plans in Singapore
An ideal maternity insurance plan from Singapore should offer benefits such as reasonable waiting periods or a big enough network of hospitals and clinics. Below are some key factors to consider when making maternity insurance plan selections.
Reasonable Waiting Period
Try to choose a maternity insurance plan where the waiting period matches your pregnancy plans. Thus, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and discuss both your specific needs and the available insurance plans with your insurance provider.
Network of Hospitals and Doctors
Assuming you have a preference for doctors or hospitals and other healthcare facilities, make sure your selected maternity insurance plan in Singapore offers you the coverage you need.
This is because your selected plan will not only simplify the billing process but also allow access to a wide array of healthcare facilities and doctors.
Try to also look for additional benefits to further your maternity care, such as newborn care and immunization fees to make sure you get the most out of your maternity insurance plan selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What options are available for C-sections in Singapore?
You can plan a c-section in advance (elective) or it can be an emergency in the event that vaginal delivery is not physically possible or safe. If you prefer convenience in delivering a baby, or if you know you will have to deliver more than one baby, a C-section may be a viable option for you.
How long does it take to heal from a C-section delivery?
After two or three days, the pain should decrease but the cut will remain tender for up to three weeks or more. The recovery from the full operation will take at least six weeks, and ample rest at home following hospital discharge is strongly urged for proper healing.
What foods should mothers avoid after a c-section delivery?
Refrain from deep-fried, spicy, cold, and undercooked foods. This is due to weight gain along with bloating and other digestive problems, which can cause discomfort in the incision area. Cold and undercooked foods can make you more prone to common diseases due to lowered immunity during this time.
What foods should mothers eat after a c-section delivery?
Foods rich in protein, calcium, whole grains, vitamins and minerals, and iron are strongly recommended. Protein helps heal the tissues and muscles, calcium reinforces bones, whole grains help with breast milk production, vitamins help repair tissues, and iron helps recover blood after the operation.
Conclusion
Opting for a c-section delivery method can stem from a variety of reasons ranging from the mother’s convenience to delivering more than one baby or concerns if the baby could contract diseases from the mother.
Whichever method you choose for delivering your baby, and whether you’re an expat heading to Singapore or a Singaporean local yourself, maternity insurance will provide you peace of mind and safety in delivering a baby.
Known as a leading international health insurance broker, Pacific Prime has over 20 years of carefully matching both expats and locals to their preferred health insurance plan that aligns with their unique healthcare needs and budget.
Whether you’re a local citizen in Singapore or an expat in need of maternity insurance, we are happy to help you out with service-mindedness and impartiality. And if you have any further questions, please feel free to get in touch with us.
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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