Using CPF MediSave for Maternity & Delivery in Singapore

Understanding MediSave for Maternity

Having a baby in Singapore is not cheap — but CPF MediSave takes a significant bite out of the cost. Many first-time parents do not realise how much of their pregnancy and delivery expenses can be covered by MediSave, or that both parents' MediSave accounts can be tapped.

This guide explains exactly what is covered, how much you can withdraw, and how to make the claims process smooth.

What Expenses Are Covered

MediSave maternity coverage is divided into three stages: pre-delivery, delivery, and post-delivery.

Pre-Delivery Expenses

These cover the medical costs throughout your pregnancy:

• Gynaecologist consultations
• Blood tests (including the glucose tolerance test)
• Ultrasound scans (dating scans, detailed anomaly scans, growth scans)
• Prescribed prenatal supplements (folic acid, iron, calcium)
• Genetic screening tests (NIPT, first trimester screening)

MediSave withdrawal limit for pre-delivery: up to $900 per pregnancy

This $900 limit covers all pre-delivery expenses combined. Since the typical cost of prenatal care at a public hospital is $1,000-$2,000 (and $3,000-$6,000 at a private clinic), MediSave covers a significant portion but not everything.

Delivery Expenses

This covers the hospitalisation and procedure costs for the actual delivery:

Normal vaginal delivery:
• MediSave claim limit: up to $750 per day of hospitalisation
• Typical hospital stay: 1-2 days (public), 2-3 days (private)

Caesarean section:
• MediSave claim limit: up to $2,600
• Typical hospital stay: 2-4 days (public), 3-5 days (private)

Assisted delivery (vacuum or forceps):
• MediSave claim limits fall between normal delivery and C-section

These limits cover surgeon fees, anaesthesia, operating theatre charges, ward charges, and medication during the hospital stay.

Post-Delivery Expenses

After delivery, MediSave can cover:

• Post-delivery follow-up consultations
• Newborn screening tests
• Jaundice treatment (phototherapy)
• Any complications requiring additional medical attention

MediSave withdrawal limit for post-delivery: included within the overall delivery claim limits

Whose MediSave Can Be Used

This is one of the most useful features of the scheme. You are not limited to the mother's MediSave alone.

Accounts that can be used:
• Mother's own MediSave
• Father's (spouse's) MediSave
• Both parents' MediSave accounts (for different claims or to top up)

How it works in practice:
• You can split claims across both accounts — for example, use the mother's MediSave for pre-delivery expenses and the father's MediSave for delivery
• The withdrawal limits apply per pregnancy, regardless of which MediSave account is used
• You cannot exceed the per-pregnancy limit by using multiple accounts

Real Cost Scenarios

Scenario 1: Public Hospital, Normal Delivery

Typical costs:
• Pre-delivery care (subsidised ward): $800-$1,500
• Delivery and hospitalisation (subsidised ward, 2 days): $1,500-$3,000
• Total: $2,300-$4,500

MediSave coverage:
• Pre-delivery claims: up to $900
• Delivery claims: up to $1,500 (2 days at $750/day)
• Total MediSave: up to $2,400

Out-of-pocket: approximately $0-$2,100 (MediShield Life covers additional amounts)

Scenario 2: Private Hospital, Normal Delivery

Typical costs:
• Pre-delivery care: $3,000-$6,000
• Delivery and hospitalisation (single room, 3 days): $6,000-$12,000
• Total: $9,000-$18,000

MediSave coverage:
• Pre-delivery claims: up to $900
• Delivery claims: up to $2,250 (3 days at $750/day)
• Total MediSave: up to $3,150

Out-of-pocket: approximately $5,850-$14,850 (private insurance may cover more)

Scenario 3: Private Hospital, Caesarean Section

Typical costs:
• Pre-delivery care: $3,000-$6,000
• C-section delivery and hospitalisation (single room, 4 days): $10,000-$20,000
• Total: $13,000-$26,000

MediSave coverage:
• Pre-delivery claims: up to $900
• Delivery claims: up to $2,600
• Total MediSave: up to $3,500

Out-of-pocket: approximately $9,500-$22,500 (before private insurance)

How to Make a MediSave Claim

Step 1: Check Your MediSave Balance

Log in to the CPF website or app to check your MediSave balance. Ensure you have sufficient funds to cover the expected claims. If your balance is low, you may want to do a voluntary top-up before delivery.

Step 2: Inform the Hospital

When you register for prenatal care or admission for delivery, inform the hospital that you wish to use MediSave. Provide your NRIC (and your spouse's if using their MediSave too).

Step 3: Sign the MediSave Authorisation Form

The hospital will provide a MediSave claim form. You (and your spouse, if applicable) will need to sign the authorisation. This allows the hospital to deduct directly from the specified MediSave account.

Step 4: Hospital Bills the MediSave Directly

For most hospitals, the process is seamless — the hospital files the claim directly with CPF, and the MediSave amount is deducted automatically. You only pay the balance in cash or via other insurance.

Step 5: Keep All Receipts

Retain all receipts for pre-delivery expenses, especially if you are claiming at different clinics. If you see a private GP for some prenatal checks and a hospital for others, the total pre-delivery claims still cannot exceed $900.

Maximising Your MediSave Usage

Tip 1: Use Both Parents' Accounts Strategically

If one parent has a larger MediSave balance, use that account for the bigger delivery claims. Use the other account for pre-delivery expenses.

Tip 2: Voluntary MediSave Top-Ups

If your MediSave balance is low, you can do a voluntary top-up before the delivery. This also gives you tax relief — contributions up to the CPF Annual Limit qualify for tax deduction.

Tip 3: Combine with MediShield Life

MediShield Life covers hospitalisation expenses above MediSave limits. For public hospital deliveries, the combination of MediSave and MediShield Life can cover most or all of the bill.

Tip 4: Coordinate with Private Insurance

If you have a private integrated shield plan, coordinate claims with MediSave. Typically, MediSave is used first, then the private insurer covers the remainder up to your policy limits, and you pay any excess.

Tip 5: Plan Your Pre-Delivery Claims

The $900 pre-delivery limit runs out fast if you are seeing a private gynaecologist. Prioritise using MediSave for the most expensive prenatal tests (like NIPT, which costs $400-$800) and pay for routine consultations in cash.

MediSave for the Baby

After birth, your baby also benefits from MediSave:

MediSave Grant for Newborns

Every Singapore Citizen newborn receives a $4,000 MediSave grant automatically deposited into the child's CPF MediSave account. No application needed.

Using Your MediSave for Baby's Medical Expenses

Parents can use their own MediSave for the child's hospitalisation and approved outpatient expenses (like vaccinations at polyclinics).

Common Questions About MediSave Maternity Claims

Can I use MediSave for fertility treatments?

Yes, MediSave can be used for Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART) treatments such as IVF and IUI, subject to separate withdrawal limits. The limits are up to $6,000 per ART cycle for fresh cycles and $2,000 for frozen cycles, for up to 10 cycles.

Does MediSave cover confinement expenses?

No. Confinement nannies, confinement food, and traditional postnatal care are not medical expenses and cannot be claimed from MediSave.

Can I use MediSave for a home birth?

MediSave claims are typically processed through hospitals and approved clinics. Home births attended by registered midwives may be eligible, but check with CPF directly for the latest policy.

What if I deliver overseas?

MediSave can only be used for expenses incurred at approved medical institutions in Singapore. Overseas delivery costs cannot be claimed from MediSave.

The Bigger Financial Picture

MediSave is just one piece of the financial puzzle for new parents. For a comprehensive view of all government financial support available, read our complete guide to government grants for new parents.

To understand how delivery costs fit into the total cost of raising a child, check our cost of raising a child in Singapore guide.

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