How Much Does Giving Birth Cost in Singapore?

Cost by Hospital and Ward Class

The most important factor in your delivery cost is your choice of hospital and ward class. Figures below are for uncomplicated vaginal deliveries and include hospital fees but exclude your gynae's professional fees, which are charged separately.

All figures are estimates based on published fee schedules and patient reports. Request a pre-admission estimate from your chosen hospital. Gynae professional fees (typically S$2,000 to S$6,000 for delivery) are in addition to hospital bills.

MediSave: What You Can Claim

MediSave (your CPF health savings) can be used to offset delivery costs at both restructured and private hospitals. Current MediSave withdrawal limits for delivery (as of 2025):

You may use your own MediSave and your spouse's MediSave. MediSave is claimed through the hospital billing department; you do not need to arrange this separately.

Insurance: What Does It Cover?

Standard MediShield Life covers inpatient hospitalisation but has relatively low claim limits that may leave a significant gap at private hospitals. Most Singaporeans supplement with an Integrated Shield Plan (IP) from private insurers.

• MediShield Life alone: Suitable for B2 ward deliveries at restructured hospitals. The reimbursement for private hospitals leaves a large out-of-pocket gap.
• Integrated Shield Plan (IP): Covers the hospitalisation bill at your chosen ward class, subject to deductibles and co-insurance. Does not automatically cover maternity complications.
• Maternity rider: An add-on to your IP that covers pregnancy complications and, in some plans, normal delivery costs up to a capped amount. Must typically be purchased before pregnancy (check your policy's waiting period, usually 10 to 12 months).
• What riders typically cover: C-section (if medically indicated), pre-term birth complications, gestational diabetes complications, pre-eclampsia hospitalisation. Some include normal delivery lump-sum benefits.
• What riders typically do not cover: Elective C-section on maternal request, antenatal check-ups, epidural on its own (though it may be bundled in the bill).

Hidden Costs Most Parents Forget

The hospital delivery bill is not the only cost. These charges are often separate and can add S$1,500 to S$5,000 to your total.

• Paediatrician's neonatal review: The baby's doctor is not the same as yours. A newborn check by a paediatrician on day 1 and 2 is standard and billed separately. Budget S$200 to S$600.
• Nursery or rooming-in charges: Some hospitals charge separately for nursery use if you do not elect full rooming-in. Ranges from S$100 to S$400.
• Cord blood banking: If you bank cord blood (Cordlife, CordLife, StemCord, etc.), collection kits and storage fees are not included in the delivery bill. First-year cost: S$2,000 to S$4,000 plus annual storage fees.
• Hearing screening and newborn metabolic screening: Usually bundled at restructured hospitals under subsidised care. May be billed separately at private hospitals.
• Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) test: Mandatory in Singapore, usually included but confirm.
• Additional night of stay: If you or baby need an extra day for jaundice monitoring or any other reason, the additional ward night is charged at the daily room rate.
• Antenatal classes: Not part of the delivery bill but an important pre-delivery cost: S$300 to S$800 for a full course.