Feasibility of Extending MediShield Life Coverage to Include Maternity Charges

Mr Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Health whether Medishield Life coverage can be extended to include maternity charges so as to reduce a financial burden on expecting parents.

As MediShield Life is a basic health insurance scheme which protects Singaporeans against large subsidised medical bills arising from accidents or illnesses, general maternity expenses are not covered by MediShield Life. Instead, the Government provides subsidies of up to 80% for maternity expenses, and MediSave use through the MediSave Maternity Package. MediShield Life coverage does kick in for the treatment of serious pregnancy and delivery-related complications.

Beyond subsidies for maternity expenses, the Government also provides significant additional support for parents, such as the Baby Bonus Cash Gift, and the MediSave Grant for Newborns, which will be increased from $4,000 to $5,000 from 1 April 2025.