Financial Assistance Programs for Fertility Treatments in Singapore

Fertility treatments provide a path for couples and individuals hoping to grow their families, but the financial burden can be significant. In Singapore, treatments like in vitro fertilisation (IVF), fertility medications, and other related procedures can quickly add up. However, there are several financial assistance programs and options available to help manage these expenses, making fertility care more accessible. 

What are the costs of fertility treatments in Singapore?

Fertility treatment costs in Singapore depend on the type of procedure and whether you choose a public or private clinic. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:

1. In vitro fertilisation (IVF)

   • Public hospitals: $10,000 to $17,000 per cycle.

   • Private clinics: $10,000 to $20,000 per cycle. 

2. Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

   • Ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 per cycle.

3. Egg freezing

   • Estimated at $10,000 to $15,000 for the procedure, excluding storage fees. Find out more about fertility preservation options at Thomson Medical. 

4. Fertility screening

   • Typically costs between $300 to $500 for comprehensive tests, including hormone profiling and ultrasounds.

For more details on the various types of fertility treatments, please refer to here. While public hospitals may be less expensive, private clinics offer more flexibility in scheduling and personalised care.  Want to learn more about which option is suitable for you? Click here.

Financial assistance options for fertility treatments

Singapore offers various financial assistance programs to help alleviate the costs of fertility treatments. These include government subsidies, insurance coverage, and loans. 

1. Government subsidies and MediSave for fertility treatments

   • The Singapore Ministry of Health has introduced a new co-funding scheme and extended MediSave coverage to support eligible couples in their fertility journey. Currently, the Singapore government provides co-funding for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedures like IVF at public hospitals. Couples can receive up to 75% co-funding, allowing them to claim up to $7,700 for fresh cycles and $2,200 for frozen cycles. The co-funding is available for a maximum of 3 fresh and 3 frozen cycles.

   • In addition to government subsidies, couples can tap into their MediSave accounts to pay for fertility treatments. MediSave is a national medical savings scheme in Singapore that allows individuals to save a portion of their income into personal accounts to pay for various healthcare expenses. Couples can withdraw up to $6,000 for the first cycle, $5,000 for the second, and $4,000 for subsequent cycles, with a lifetime withdrawal limit of $15,000 per couple.

2. Private insurance and fertility loans for fertility treatments

   • While most private insurance plans in Singapore do not cover fertility treatments directly, some plans offer partial coverage for IVF or IUI through supplementary maternity riders. It’s essential to consult with your insurer to determine whether your policy provides any fertility benefits.

   • Fertility-specific loans are available from financial institutions for those who need additional support. Many clinics also offer flexible payment plans to help spread out the cost of treatments.

3. Employer benefits

   • Some companies in Singapore are starting to include fertility benefits as part of their employee wellness programs. These benefits may include partial reimbursements for fertility treatments such as IVF or fertility preservation options like egg freezing. If you are employed, check with your HR department to see if these benefits are available, as they can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

Learn more about financing your fertility treatments using subsidies and insurance here.

How to apply for financial assistance programs for fertility treatments

Navigating the financial landscape of fertility treatments in Singapore can be made easier with the following steps:

1. Research available options

   • Look into government subsidies like the Government Co-Funding for ART Treatments, MediSave withdrawals, insurance coverage, and payment plans at your chosen clinic. This research will give you a clear picture of the resources you can access to reduce costs.

2. Gather the necessary documentation

   • Fertility clinics will require you to submit various documents, such as medical records, financial statements, and identification, to process subsidies and MediSave withdrawals.

3. Work with your clinic

   • Most fertility clinics in Singapore are experienced in assisting patients with the financial aspects of treatment. Clinics will often help guide you through the process of applying for subsidies, using MediSave, or arranging loans.

4. Follow-up

• Ensure you can remember all the deadlines for financial applications and regularly check on the status of your paperwork.

Whether you are seeking government subsidies, tapping into MediSave, exploring private insurance, or taking advantage of fertility loans, there are several options to help ease the financial burden. By leveraging these resources and working with your fertility clinic, you can focus more on your journey towards parenthood and less on the financial stress.

FAQ

Does the government co-funding cover private clinics? 

No, the government co-funding is available only for treatment at Singapore public hospitals, namely, NUH, SGH and KKH. 

Does my fertility clinic need to be accredited to receive MediSave or co-funding?

Yes, only approved fertility clinics can offer co-funding and MediSave support.The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered financial advice. For more information, enquire here.