300x85.png)
Hong Kong
Singapore
China
Dubai
Thailand
United Kingdom
Mexico
Prenatal care provides additional support between conception and delivery, it is vital for families welcoming a new member, especially in countries, like Singapore, which has quality healthcare. From prenatal lab tests to health monitoring, prenatal care provides peace of mind for mothers-to-be.
Discover the world’s top
health insurers.
Compare quotes with
a click of the button.
Are you expecting to welcome a new member into your family? This guide is part of a series explaining maternity insurance for expats in Singapore. This guide will cover everything you need to know to access prenatal insurance in the Lion City.
What is Prenatal Care?
Prenatal care is typically an add-on benefit of maternity insurance which covers the cost of healthcare services between child conception and childbirth, this can include blood tests and ultrasounds that track whether or not your pregnancy is progressing fine.
Prenatal care typically includes the following:
- Initial visit
- Prenatal lab tests
- Ultrasound scans
- Maternal health monitoring (Including weight checks and blood pressure monitoring to check for preeclampsia)
- Fetal growth and well-being monitoring
Why is Prenatal Care Important
Prenatal care is vital in detecting potential health issues for both mother and fetus, allowing them to be treated early. It is important to have prenatal care during pregnancy as it helps keep track of your pregnancy and highlights any warning signs for other pregnancy complications.
As parents expecting a child, it is important to have access to prenatal care to optimize the health of both mother and baby.
How to Access Prenatal Care in Singapore
Parents-to-be can access prenatal care in Singapore provided by both public and private healthcare facilities. Singaporeans can benefit from government programs like the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) MediSave maternity packages which are more affordable than private prenatal care services.
For expats in Singapore, whilst you can still access prenatal care services, they will be more expensive as you may not have access to government-subsidized schemes and programs.
Public vs Private Prenatal Care in Singapore
Singaporeans and permanent residents will be able to benefit from government subsidies in public facilities but private facilities offer better services at a higher cost.
There are many arguments that can be made when comparing public vs private healthcare in Singapore. The key difference between public and private prenatal care lies in the cost, the wait times, the choice of doctor, and the quality of the facilities provided.
- Cost: Due to the many government subsidies available in the public sector, public prenatal care is much more economical when compared to private prenatal care. However, these subsidies are only available to Singaporeans and permanent residents.
- Wait Time: As you may already suspect, the wait time for public prenatal care is longer than for private prenatal care.
- Choice of Doctor: At a public facility, you will be assigned an OBGYN by the hospital. At a private facility, you will have the option to choose your preferred OBGYN from the private hospital’s list of doctors and specialists.
- Facilities: Whilst you may be required to share a ward at a public facility, private facilities will offer private wards at a cost.
The cost of healthcare services in Singapore can be quite expensive especially if you do not have access to government subsidy programs and schemes such as MediSave and MediShield. If you are planning to start a family, it is crucial that you secure maternity insurance well before the pregnancy.
What to be Aware of When Securing Maternity Insurance
When securing maternity insurance the most important thing to take note of is the waiting period which is typically 10 to 24 months. During the waiting period, you will not be able to claim your expenses. That is why you need to secure your maternity insurance well before the pregnancy.
It is important that you know what your needs and requirements are before you look for a maternity insurance plan. Whilst many comprehensive maternity plans cover prenatal care, not all plans cover it. Be sure to check that the plan covers everything you want before signing on.
Parents welcoming a new life to their family should also consider the method of childbirth to find an maternity insurance plan that covers their preferred method and has their preferred doctor in the policy provider’s network of doctors.
In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) found that cesarean sections (C Sections) are becoming increasingly popular globally due to the shorter recovery time after childbirth. You can learn more on the subject and how they are covered, check out our guide on Coverage for C-Sections.
Common Maternity Insurance Benefits:
- Doctor consultations
- Post-natal treatments and examinations
- Cesarean section (C Sections)
- Normal delivery
- Complications of maternity and childbirth
- Hospital, birthing center, or home delivery costs
Before securing a maternity insurance plan, it is critical that you consider your budget. The cost of maternity insurance can vary depending on the benefits you want and need. Check out our guide on Evaluating the Cost of Maternity Insurance to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be able to choose my own obstetrician?
If you opt for prenatal care at a public facility, you will be assigned an OBGYN by the hospital. You will be able to choose your OBGYN at a private facility.
When should I book my first prenatal appointment?
You should book your first appointment within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, sometime between 8 to 10 weeks after the first day of your last period.
What tests will I undergo during prenatal care?
Tests included in prenatal care include blood tests, ultrasound tests, and screening tests to detect early signs of risks, complications, and possible health problems in both mother and baby.
Conclusion
Prenatal care is crucial in Singapore, especially for expats who are looking to start a family. Singapore’s quality healthcare services come at a very high price. Without government subsidies, expats can be faced with expensive fees very quickly. That is why maternity insurance is recommended.
Finding the right insurance requires a lot of research and reading which can be a daunting task, especially for those who are already in the midst of planning to expand their family. This is where Pacific Prime CXA can help you.
Pacific Prime is a global insurance broker with over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry. Our insurance experts can help you filter through all the different maternity insurance plans to help you find a plan that suits you.
Whether you are looking for a basic maternity plan to cover the delivery costs or a comprehensive plan that not only covers prenatal and postnatal care or even a plan that has newborn insurance included, Pacific Prime can simplify your insurance process so you can focus on your family.
Contact us today for impartial advice or an obligation-free quote!
Born and raised in the cultural melting pot that is Hong Kong, and having studied at an international school, Vista has developed a multicultural perspective that he uses in his writing and strives to connect to people of different backgrounds.
In his free time, Vista enjoys immersing himself in different worlds, from video games to light novels and movies. His hobbies help him expand his writing style by putting himself in the point-of-view of different people and characters.
- Best International Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Fiji – October 17, 2025
- Best International Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Kosovo – October 17, 2025
- How to Get UAE Citizenship in Dubai – October 17, 2025
