MOH Singapore tackles Parliamentary queries on maternity subsidies and financial support for foreign spouses

"Ultimately, as healthcare subsidies are borne by all Singaporeans, any extension of these benefits to foreigners must be assessed carefully," the ministry said.

In a recent Parliamentary response on 8 April 2025 (Tuesday), the Ministry of Health (MOH) clarified the subsidy support available to foreign mothers giving birth to Singapore Citizens, and addressed ongoing concerns around financial aid and healthcare insurance for non-citizen relatives of Singaporeans.

Responding to questions filed by Members of Parliament (MP) Sylvia Lim and Gan Thiam Poh, the ministry said that foreign mothers who are either Permanent Residents (PRs) or Long-Term Visit Pass-Plus (LTVP+) holders, and are married to Singapore Citizens, receive the same level of subsidies as Singapore Citizens during maternity hospitalisation.

This includes "all items and treatments incurred for the entire delivery episode, from admission for childbirth to discharge after delivery," the ministry confirmed. The clarification comes amid questions on whether such subsidies apply across the board, or only to specified items.

MP Lim also raised whether the government would consider reviewing disparities in hospital bills for all foreign mothers of Singaporean children. While no specific review was mentioned, MOH highlighted that the majority of such mothers already qualify for subsidies by virtue of their residency or pass status.

Separately, MP Gan asked if MOH had received appeals from Singaporeans seeking help with medical fees for their foreign spouses or relatives. In response, the Ministry shared that it does receive such appeals and handles them on a case-by-case basis, although it does not track the total number.

Importantly, the ministry reiterated a guiding principle: "Ultimately, as healthcare subsidies are borne by all Singaporeans, any extension of these benefits to foreigners must be assessed carefully."

To that end, foreign individuals in financial difficulty are encouraged to approach medical social workers for assistance.

On the topic of insurance coverage, MOH acknowledged that foreigners on LTVPs or Dependant’s Passes may purchase Integrated Shield Plans, and use their Singaporean or PR family members’ MediSave for premiums. Employer medical benefits may also apply.

"However," the ministry added, "Making healthcare insurance mandatory for all long staying foreigners will have to be carefully considered, as this may in turn pose a financial burden on their Singapore Citizen family members."

The ministry will continue reviewing the feasibility of such a policy.

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