Using CPF MediSave for Maternity & Delivery in Singapore

Understanding MediSave for Maternity

When we were expecting our first, I had this vague idea that MediSave would "help with delivery costs." But I didn't actually understand how much we could claim, what was covered, or that we could use both my account and my wife's. I only figured it all out properly after our second child — by which point we'd probably left some money on the table the first time round.

Having a baby in Singapore isn't cheap. But CPF MediSave takes a significant chunk out of the bill, and the fact that both parents can contribute from their accounts makes it more useful than most people realise.

> TL;DR: You can claim up to $900 from MediSave for pre-delivery expenses and up to $2,600 for a Caesarean delivery (or $750/day for normal delivery). Both parents' MediSave accounts can be used. For a public hospital normal delivery, MediSave can cover up to $2,400 of the total $2,300-$4,500 bill.

What's Covered

MediSave maternity coverage splits into three stages:

Pre-Delivery Expenses

Everything during pregnancy:

• Gynaecologist consultations
• Blood tests (including the glucose tolerance test — not the most pleasant morning)
• Ultrasound scans (dating, anomaly, growth)
• Prescribed prenatal supplements (folic acid, iron, calcium)
• Genetic screening tests (NIPT, first trimester screening)

MediSave limit: up to $900 per pregnancy

This covers all pre-delivery expenses combined. Since typical prenatal care at a public hospital runs $1,000-$2,000 (and $3,000-$6,000 at a private clinic), MediSave handles a good chunk but not everything.

Delivery Expenses

The hospitalisation and procedure itself:

Normal vaginal delivery: Up to $750 per day of hospitalisation. Typical stay: 1-2 days (public), 2-3 days (private).

Caesarean section: Up to $2,600. Typical stay: 2-4 days (public), 3-5 days (private).

Assisted delivery (vacuum/forceps): Between normal delivery and C-section limits.

These cover surgeon fees, anaesthesia, operating theatre, ward charges, and medication.

Post-Delivery Expenses

• Follow-up consultations
• Newborn screening tests
• Jaundice treatment (phototherapy)
• Complications requiring additional care

Post-delivery limits are included within the overall delivery claim limits.

Whose MediSave Can Be Used

This is one of the most useful features — and the part I wish I'd known earlier.

You can use:
• Mother's MediSave
• Father's (spouse's) MediSave
• Both accounts (for different claims or to top up)

How it works in practice: Split claims across accounts — use mum's MediSave for pre-delivery, dad's for the delivery itself. The per-pregnancy limits apply regardless of which account is used. You can't exceed the limit by using multiple accounts, but you can spread the burden so neither account takes the full hit.

Real Cost Scenarios

Public Hospital, Normal Delivery

• Pre-delivery care (subsidised): $800-$1,500
• Delivery and hospitalisation (2 days): $1,500-$3,000
• Total: $2,300-$4,500
• MediSave coverage: up to $2,400
• Out-of-pocket: ~$0-$2,100 (MediShield Life covers additional amounts)

This is the sweet spot. For our first at KKH in a subsidised ward, MediSave plus MediShield covered almost everything. We paid about $300 out of pocket.

Private Hospital, Normal Delivery

• Pre-delivery: $3,000-$6,000
• Delivery (single room, 3 days): $6,000-$12,000
• Total: $9,000-$18,000
• MediSave coverage: up to $3,150
• Out-of-pocket: ~$5,850-$14,850 (private insurance may cover more)

Private Hospital, Caesarean Section

• Pre-delivery: $3,000-$6,000
• C-section (single room, 4 days): $10,000-$20,000
• Total: $13,000-$26,000
• MediSave coverage: up to $3,500
• Out-of-pocket: ~$9,500-$22,500 (before private insurance)

How to Claim

Step 1: Check Your MediSave Balance

Log into CPF website or app. Make sure you have enough funds. If your balance is low, consider a voluntary top-up before delivery — this also gives you tax relief.

Step 2: Inform the Hospital

When registering for prenatal care or delivery admission, tell the hospital you want to use MediSave. Provide your NRIC (and spouse's if using their account too).

Step 3: Sign the Authorisation Form

The hospital provides a claim form. You (and spouse if applicable) sign to authorise direct deduction from MediSave.

Step 4: Direct Billing

For most hospitals, it's seamless — they file the claim directly with CPF, MediSave is deducted automatically, you pay the remaining balance.

Step 5: Keep All Receipts

Especially for pre-delivery expenses at different clinics. The total across all providers can't exceed $900.

Maximising Your MediSave

Use both accounts strategically. If one parent has a larger balance, use that for the bigger delivery claims. Use the other for pre-delivery.

Voluntary top-ups. If your balance is low, top up before delivery. Contributions up to the CPF Annual Limit qualify for tax deduction — so you save on taxes AND cover delivery costs.

Combine with MediShield Life. For public hospital deliveries, MediSave + MediShield Life can cover most or all of the bill.

Coordinate with private insurance. Typically: MediSave first, then private insurer covers the remainder up to policy limits, you pay excess.

Plan your pre-delivery claims. The $900 limit runs out fast with a private gynaecologist. Prioritise MediSave for expensive tests (NIPT costs $400-$800) and pay for routine consultations in cash.

MediSave for the Baby

After birth, your baby benefits too:

MediSave Grant for Newborns: Every Singapore Citizen newborn gets $4,000 deposited automatically into their CPF MediSave account. No application needed.

Using your MediSave for baby's expenses: Parents can use their own MediSave for the child's hospitalisation and approved outpatient expenses (like polyclinic vaccinations).

Common Questions

Can I use MediSave for fertility treatments?

Yes — up to $6,000 per fresh ART cycle and $2,000 for frozen cycles, for up to 10 cycles.

Does MediSave cover confinement?

No. Confinement nannies, food, and traditional postnatal care aren't medical expenses and can't be claimed.

Can I use MediSave for a home birth?

MediSave claims are processed through hospitals and approved clinics. Home births with registered midwives may be eligible — check with CPF directly.

What about overseas delivery?

MediSave can only be used at approved Singapore medical institutions. No overseas claims.

The Bigger Financial Picture

MediSave is one piece of the puzzle for new parents. For the full picture of financial support, read our government grants guide. To understand how delivery costs fit into the total, check our cost of raising a child guide.

Sources

1. CPF Board — Using MediSave for Maternity Expenses 2. Ministry of Health — MediShield Life 3. KK Women's and Children's Hospital — Maternity Services 4. SingHealth — Pregnancy and Delivery

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