If you’re an expat that’s planning on starting or growing your family soon, read Expat Insurance’s top 5 tips about maternity insurance in Singapore!
Take Advantage of Maternity Benefits
Most importantly, the biggest tip about maternity insurance in Singapore is to actually get it! This is an especially important rule for expat mothers-to-be because labour and delivery costs at a private healthcare facility in Singapore start at about SG$15,000 for a natural delivery without complications. C-section costs average at $23,000 and if complications were to occur for the mother or baby, costs can escalate in excess of $200,000.
Maternity insurance covers all doctor and OB-GYN visits, routine scans, delivery costs, your hospital stay and the necessary treatment required should there be any pregnancy or birth complications for both mum and baby.
Beware the long waiting periods
What some people don’t realise when they get pregnant is that many insurers impose Waiting Periods that can range from 10 months to 24 months. Ultimately, you want to know that you’re getting the best care possible for you and your little one, and it pays to know when you can start officially… trying!
In Singapore, getting caught out without maternity insurance isn’t ideal. Planning ahead will allow you to enjoy a financially stress-free pregnancy. Speak to an insurance advisor for more information.
Understanding your claims process
As an exhausted new mother who has just gone through one of the most physically taxing moments in her life, the last thing you want is to worry about filing insurance claims forms to make sure the costs of the delivery and hospitalisation are covered. For this reason, make sure the medical facility you plan on delivering your baby has direct billing with your insurer, which simply means the hospital bills the insurer directly. If the hospital does not offer direct billing, speak with us to see what can be done to make the claims process quick and seamless.
When and Where?
The way healthcare and insurance works in Singapore is slightly different to other countries so it pays to understand if any of the potential insurance providers you’re considering place restrictions on their maternity plans. Some insurers are affiliated with certain private hospitals in Singapore and require you to book all your delivery and pre/post-natal care at these facilities, while others are happy for you to give birth at any recognised facility in Singapore. Others have their preferred OBGYNs while others offer freedom of choice. Educate yourself and question your insurance advisor on these things before selecting the best plan for you.
When is baby insured?
While many policies restrict coverage for your newborn immediately following birth, especially if the mother has not served a wait period under the policy, other policies are designed to provide coverage for a baby from birth. It’s important to understand what your plan entails so you’re 100% educated upon the arrival of your little one.
To speak with an experienced insurance advisor, click here to submit an enquiry and we will respond within 24 hours.
