FEASIBILITY OF EXTENSION OF MEDISHIELD LIFE COVERAGE TO INCLUDE MATERNITY CHARGES

NOTICE PAPER NO. 3230

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 11 NOVEMBER 2024

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Leong Mun Wai

Non-Constituency MP

Question No. 6892

To ask 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.

Answer

1 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.

2 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.