The legal framework
Citizens are entitled to sixteen weeks of paid maternity leave, with the government funding part or all depending on the child's order of birth. Delivery costs in subsidised public wards are largely met through the national medical savings scheme, which can be drawn on for both antenatal care and delivery. Paternity leave and shared parental leave are also provided.
Singapore gives sixteen weeks of maternity leave — the employer pays part and the government reimburses the rest, with the whole amount government-paid for later children — plus shared parental leave and a lengthening paternity entitlement. Delivery costs in public hospitals are largely met from MediSave, the compulsory medical savings account, which means most citizens pay little in cash.
Key points
| Maternity leave | Sixteen weeks for eligible citizens, partly government-funded |
|---|---|
| Paternity leave | Government-paid, with shared parental leave available |
| MediSave | Can be used for antenatal care and delivery, within withdrawal limits |
| Subsidised wards | Public hospital classes with substantial subsidy for citizens |
| Baby Bonus | Cash gift and matched savings account for eligible children |
| Eligibility | Entitlements depend on the child's citizenship and the parents' marital status |
| Private care | Widely used, with significantly higher costs |
In practice
- Check the MediSave withdrawal limits before choosing a hospital class: the gap can be substantial.
- Entitlements depend on the child's citizenship — confirm your position early if either parent is a foreigner.
- Apply for the Baby Bonus before the birth where possible.
- Polyclinics provide subsidised antenatal care at much lower cost than hospital clinics.
Cost and coverage
Subsidised public care plus MediSave covers most of the cost for citizens; private care is considerably more expensive.
Recent changes
Shared parental leave has been introduced and paternity leave doubled, with the government funding the additional weeks, as part of a package aimed at encouraging fathers to take time off.
Where to go
- Polyclinics for subsidised antenatal care.
- Public hospital maternity departments.
- Baby Bonus and government-paid leave schemes.
Worth knowing
Several entitlements depend on the child's citizenship rather than the mother's residence. In mixed-nationality families that distinction can change the amounts substantially.
Frequently asked questions
How is maternity leave funded in Singapore?
For the first two children the employer pays the first eight weeks and the government reimburses the last eight; for the third and subsequent children the government funds all sixteen. Eligibility depends on the child being a citizen and on a service period with the employer.
What does a delivery cost?
In a public hospital, most of it can be paid from MediSave up to set withdrawal limits, leaving a modest cash balance. Private hospitals cost considerably more. Foreigners without subsidy pay unsubsidised rates, which are several times the citizen figure.
Official sources and links
- gov.sg — official government portal
- Singapore Statutes Online — legislation in force