How Can I Use Medisave to Pay for My Hospital Delivery in Singapore?
Daily Medisave limits by delivery type, what is and is not covered, and how to maximise your Medisave claim at restructured and private hospitals.
Daily Medisave Limits by Delivery Type
Medisave can be used to pay for delivery-related hospitalisation at any MOH-approved hospital in Singapore. The limits depend on the type of delivery.
| Delivery Type | Daily Claim Limit | Maximum Total Claim |
|---|---|---|
| Normal vaginal delivery | S$450 per day | S$1,800 total |
| Instrumental delivery (forceps or vacuum) | S$900 per day | S$7,550 total |
| Caesarean section | S$900 per day | S$7,550 total |
The total cap applies to the combined withdrawal across the mother's Medisave account and the Medisave accounts of family members (including spouse). Claiming from multiple accounts can help cover larger bills at private hospitals.
Professional fees: Specialist professional fees (obstetrician's delivery fee and anaesthetist's fee for epidural) can also be claimed from Medisave under the Medisave 500 (for outpatient/surgical procedures) or the delivery limit itself. Your hospital finance team will advise on the specific claim breakdown.
What Is and Is Not Covered by Medisave for Delivery
Claimable from Medisave
- Ward fees (daily bed, nursing care, standard meals)
- Delivery suite fees
- Obstetrician professional fees (within claim limits)
- Anaesthetist fee for epidural
- Standard newborn care (routine checks, BCG and Hep B vaccine at birth)
- Operating theatre fees for caesarean
Not Covered by Medisave
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or special care nursery (separate Medisave claim, not the delivery limit)
- Private room amenity upgrades beyond standard ward
- Personal grooming services
- Guest meals
- Laundry and sundry items
NICU and special care nursery charges are covered under a separate Medisave hospitalisation claim, not the delivery limit. If your newborn requires NICU care, this can significantly increase the total Medisave draw. KKH and NUH have specialist NICUs for high-risk newborns.
Private Hospitals vs Restructured Hospitals
The Medisave limits are the same whether you deliver at a private hospital like Gleneagles, Mount Elizabeth, or Raffles, or at a restructured hospital like KKH, NUH, or SGH. However, restructured hospitals have government subsidies that private hospitals do not, meaning your Medisave typically covers a much larger proportion of the total bill at restructured hospitals.
| Factor | Restructured Hospital (KKH, NUH) | Private Hospital |
|---|---|---|
| Government subsidy | Yes (B1, B2, C ward classes) | No |
| Typical normal delivery total bill | S$2,000 to S$6,000 (depending on ward class) | S$6,000 to S$18,000+ |
| Medisave likely covers | A large portion to all (B2/C class) | A portion (gap likely) |
| MediShield Life applicable | Yes | Yes (but private rates may exceed limits) |
Maximising Your Medisave Claim
- You can claim from your own Medisave and your spouse's Medisave simultaneously (combined family Medisave)
- The combined family Medisave limit for delivery is the same cap, spread across accounts
- Integrated Shield Plans (private health insurance) can be used on top of Medisave to cover private hospital bills beyond the Medisave limit
- If you have a MediSave-Approved Integrated Shield Plan, the insurer pays the amount above the Medisave limit directly to the hospital
- Check with your insurer before delivery to confirm maternity coverage details under your specific plan
Medical disclaimer: Medisave claim limits are set by MOH and CPF Board and are subject to periodic revision. Figures here are based on current published limits and may change. Always verify at cpf.gov.sg or with your hospital's finance team before delivery.