What You Need To Know About Protecting Your Child With Maternity Insurance in Singapore

Every parent wants to provide the best for their little ones. Especially when it comes to their security and wellness, many will not hesitate to pay more for peace of mind.

As a result, more parents are now going beyond relying on MediShield Life or Integrated Shield Plan to purchase maternity insurance in Singapore. Such policies not only offer more coverage but also offer a variety of options to suit different needs.

Welcoming a new member into your family soon? Read on to find out how mothers and children can benefit from maternity insurance and the types of coverages available in Singapore.

What Maternity Insurance in Singapore Comprises

Maternity insurance is a preferred cover to insure against pregnancy complications and congenital diseases that are fatal for both mother and the unborn child. It insured against more than the 24 common pregnancy complications covered by MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plan.

Unlike most critical illness and personal accident insurance products, most maternity plans come with bundled packages that include a whole life plan/investment-linked policy for either the mother or child. But you can also select from standalone plans offered by some insurers.

Whichever you prefer, a typical maternity insurance policy in Singapore will cover both mother and child from 13 weeks of pregnancy to the third year of the child’s life. Some even cover up to four babies in one pregnancy!

Coverage For Mother

Mothers will be covered for a wide range of possible complications that may occur during pregnancy. They include Abruptio Placentae, Amniotic Fluid Embolism, Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation, Fatty Liver of Pregnancy, HELLP Syndrome, Placenta Increta, Postpartum Hemorrhage requiring Hysterectomy, Pre-Eclampsia or Eclampsia, stillbirth and uterine rupture.

Besides covering these complications, compensation for hospital care, death and total permanent disability will also be included. The exact coverage differs between plans offered by different insurers. Do read the fine print to ensure you’re receiving more coverage than those offered by MediShield Life.

Coverage For Child

Generally speaking, the child will be covered for up to 25 types of congenital illnesses and up to 7 illnesses under the hospital care benefit if the condition requires Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or High Dependency Unit (HDU) admission.

In the event of pregnancy complications or congenital illnesses for the child, a one-time payout will be given when such conditions are detected. Again, the exact coverage depends on what you signed up for.

Clauses and Exclusion

While maternity insurance offers a nice range of benefits, you must take note that it is not meant to cover regular prenatal and postnatal check-ups, delivery or vaccinations. Additionally, pre-existing diseases affecting pregnancy as well as treatment expenses related to infertility are not covered by such a policy.

Mothers-to-be who want to purchase such a plan must also be between the age of 18 to 45 years old. Some policies may not cover pregnancies from In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) or other Assisted Conception Procedures too.

Types of Maternity Insurance in Singapore

A list of maternity insurance in Singapore that cover both the mother and child up to 3 to 4 years old are listed below to help you make informed decisions. The comprehensive coverage usually starts from as early as the 13th week of pregnancy. 

Note that premium varies according to the mother’s age at the point of purchasing the policy.

NTUC Income — Maternity 360 (3-Year Protection)

Prudential — PRUMum (4-Year Protection)

Manulife — ReadyMummy (3-Year Protection)

Summary

Whichever maternity insurance plan you select, it should provide adequate protection for both you and your child. Don’t just opt for the cheapest one. Compare policies from different insurers to determine which offers the best coverage for congenital illnesses for the little one and other benefits like pregnancy complications cover as well as hospitalisation allowance. Ultimately, the insurance plan should let you have peace of mind and enjoy your parenthood with ease.

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