It can be daunting when you are considering undertaking fertility treatments but are unsure as to what types of insurance are available for you. It is vital for couples who are planning to conceive by way of fertility treatments to understand what types of fertility financial coverages are available to make informed decisions.

There are many options for fertility financial support available in Singapore. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to explain the different coverages for fertility treatments available in Singapore. 

Understanding fertility insurance coverage

• Fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technologies (ART) can be quite expensive. Hence, managing the full costs of IVF and other fertility treatments may be difficult for some couples.

• In Singapore, different health insurance policies allow coverage for fertility treatments. However, different policies can vary across insurance providers. As such, couples need to explore all their options thoroughly. 

• Many standard health insurance policies do not automatically include coverage for fertility treatments. Couples will need to research on what are the necessary additional policies or riders that they will need to top up to ensure adequate protection against the costs associated with fertility treatments.

Government support and MediShield Life

The Singapore government has implemented measures to assist couples utilising ART as fertility treatments to conceive. 

Medishield Life

• The introduction of MediShield Life included an expansion of up to $700 per day of normal ward hospitalisation and $1,200 per day of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) hospitalisation coverage for serious pregnancy complications which effectively provided financial aid for all Singapore Citizens (SC).

MediSave Grant 

• The MediSave Grant for Newborns (MGN), introduced in 2012, can also be used to offset hospitalisation costs, up to the MediSave withdrawal limits of $450 per day.

However, while MediShield Life provides essential support, it does not cover all aspects of fertility treatments. Couples are also encouraged to consider supplementary maternity insurance plans that specifically include fertility test insurance coverage and other related procedures.

Co-funding for IVF treatments

• Co-funding is available for couples seeking IVF treatments in local public hospitals. The co-funding initiative was initiated by the government under the government’s marriage and parenthood schemes, providing $1,000 of coverage, with up to $7,700 for different financing schemes to help Singaporeans cover the costs of conception support. 

• The government co-funding scheme for assisted conception at public hospitals covers up to three fresh cycles and three frozen cycles which significantly alleviate costs for eligible couples. 

• To qualify for co-funding, couples must meet specific criteria, including Singaporean citizenship, age limits, no previous history of co-funding for IVF treatments and prior assessments done by a medical professional.

To learn more about marriage and parenthood schemes, please refer to Singapore’s MOH website. 

Other types of insurance plans available

On top of government schemes to aid the citizens with the cost of fertility treatments, other insurance providers also have several plans available within the market.

1. Manulife ReadyMummy: 

   • This plan explicitly covers pregnancies that result from procedures such as IVF and intrauterine insemination (IUI). It is designed for those who are seeking basic yet sufficient coverage while accommodating additional premiums for ART-related pregnancies.

2. PRUFirst Promise: 

   • This maternity insurance plan covers assisted pregnancies and includes benefits tailored for both mother and child. It also addresses potential complications that arise from fertility treatments. 

   • Learn more about Thomson Medical’s Prudential panel doctors here.

3. Singlife MyMaternityPlan: 

   • This plan allows coverage for multiple births in a single pregnancy, including babies conceived via IVF, and different types of pregnancy complications.

   • Learn more about Thomson Medical’s Singlife panel doctors here.

What should you consider when choosing which insurance policy to buy?

When selecting an insurance policy that includes coverage for fertility treatments, prospective parents should consider the following:

1. Waiting periods: 

   • Many maternity insurance plans impose a waiting period of a minimum of 12 months before claims for fertility-related treatments can be made. Thus, couples should remember to apply for coverage in advance.

2. Coverage limits: 

   • Each policy may have a specific cap on claims related to fertility treatments. Hence, couples should be aware of what are the specific caps to these claims to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses during treatment.

3. Exclusions: 

   • Not all maternity insurance plans will cover pregnancies conceived through ART. Thus, couples should remember to carefully read the fine print to ensure that their chosen plan meets their needs.

Choosing fertility insurance

After exploring all the different fertility insurance coverage options available for couples to consider in Singapore, couples must know the various options available. Understanding what insurance will have the best fertility treatment coverage to benefit you will need careful considerations to make informed decisions that align with your goals.

Thus, it is highly recommended that individuals consult with financial advisors who specialise in maternity insurance to tailor a plan that adequately covers their unique circumstances and specific needs.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, please book a consultation with Thomson Medical. 

FAQ

Is IVF covered by insurance in Singapore?

Usually, coverage for IVF/IUI treatments is a supplementary benefit added to a hospitalisation plan. However, it is best to consult with your insurance provider or financial advisors on what are the necessary supplementary benefits that can cover IVF/IUI treatments.

However, IVF is covered by government initiatives, MediShield Life and the marriage and parenthood schemes which allow co-funding should you receive fertility treatments from a public hospital.

Is IVF covered by MediSave?

IVF is covered under MediSave for assisted conception procedures and PGT-M/PGT-SR. Couples can withdraw up to $6000 for the first cycle of IVF and IUI from either prospective parent’s MediSave. However, a lifetime withdrawal limit of $15000 per patient applies.