Public vs Private Hospitals - Navigating Your Birth Options in Singapore

Deciding between a public or private hospital for childbirth is a common dilemma faced by expectant parents in Singapore. For some, comfort and convenience take priority. For others, cost and medical complexity are the deciding factors. As shared in a forum discussion on Reddit’s /r/askSingapore, experiences vary widely—often depending on budget, health needs, and personal expectations.

One user who delivered at both NUH and Gleneagles reflected, “Having a single room where your partner can stay overnight really helps, especially for first-time parents.” Proponents of private hospitals second this: “lobster thermidor, gentle lactation consultants, and unstressed nurses made a huge difference” in the private setting. 

Another user with a prenatal condition praised NUH’s public care: “I have a condition that had to be managed alongside pregnancy. NUH gave me subsidized rates with experienced doctors managing both conditions.” Another user mentioned that “my gynae recommends public hospitals for multiples. Twins often need ICU time, and you’ll want to keep it affordable.”

These stories highlight a simple truth: the “best” place to give birth in Singapore depends on your budget, medical needs, and expectations. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between public and private hospitals, as well as what to look out for, so you can make your most informed when it comes to childbirth in Singapore.

Cost and Affordability 

In both public and private hospitals, the typical bill ranges significantly depending on ward class. 

• Class A wards are single rooms with air-conditioning, attached bathrooms, and other premium amenities; they come with no government subsidy and are fully paid out-of-pocket. 

• Class B1 wards typically house 4 patients per room and are also air-conditioned, offering a more private setting than subsidized wards but still without any government subsidy. 

• Class B2 wards accommodate 5–6 patients per room, usually without air-conditioning, and are partially subsidized—patients can receive up to 50% off their hospital bill. 

• Class C wards are the most basic and affordable, with up to 9 beds in a shared space, and offer the highest subsidy of up to 80%, depending on means testing. 

The level of subsidy is determined based on the patient’s income and household size, and those in subsidized wards (B2 and C) are typically attended to by a team of doctors, rather than an assigned doctor. 

Table: Summary of Ward Classes for Delivery in Hospitals - CradleNest

The overall costs are summarised below: 

Image: Inpatient Overall Hospital Bill - MOH Singapore

For Singaporeans, MediSave can be used to help offset hospital expenses related to childbirth. While the MediSave limit for the delivery procedure alone is capped, the MediSave Maternity Package offers a higher combined withdrawal limit that also includes coverage for pre-delivery expenses and hospital stay charges.

Under the MediSave Maternity Package, you can tap into your MediSave savings to pay for:

• Pre-delivery medical expenses (e.g. consultations, scans, tests)

• Delivery procedure fees

• Daily hospital stay charges
  
  

The total amount you can withdraw depends on the type of delivery—whether it’s a normal vaginal birth, an assisted delivery, or a cesarean section. Even if you choose not to claim for pre-delivery costs, you may still use MediSave for the delivery and hospitalisation portions.

Image: 3 Ways you can use Medisave when you are with child - CPF

To be eligible,

• Applicants must have a MediSave account

• Services must be provided by public or private healthcare institutions in Singapore

To apply, 

• Submit pre-delivery medical bills to the hospital where the baby was delivered and inform the hospital that you would like to use your MediSave to pay for your expenses

• The hospital will submit the MediSave claims to CPF Board on your behalf for both pre-delivery and delivery expenses

• The claimable Medisave amount is capped by the total bill or withdrawal limit, whichever is lower

Quality of Care and Medical Expertise

Public hospitals are well-equipped for complex pregnancies, offering access to multidisciplinary teams and neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). This makes them a strong choice for mothers with medical conditions, high-risk pregnancies, or expecting multiples. However, public hospital care—especially in subsidised wards—is typically team-based, meaning you may not see the same doctor throughout your pregnancy and delivery. 

In contrast, private hospitals allow you to choose and stick with one OB-GYN for a more personalised and continuous experience, which many parents find reassuring. That said, private hospitals may not always have immediate NICU access or the same level of emergency care infrastructure; in critical cases, newborns may be transferred to public institutions. 

Ultimately, your decision should reflect your medical needs, risk profile, and whether continuity with a single provider is a priority.

Facilities: What to Consider

Private hospitals in Singapore typically offer amenities such as private suites, attached bathrooms, partner stay-in options, and curated meals, creating a calm, controlled setting for recovery and bonding. While the experience is comparatively less luxurious at public hospitals, they are still equipped with modern labour facilities with essential equipment and the option to upgrade to single rooms (depending on their availability and your budget). 

Consider whether the hospital offers birthing aids you might prefer (e.g. birthing balls, water immersion) and if your partner can be present throughout labour and overnight post-delivery. A hospital tour — virtual or in-person — can give you a realistic sense of the space and help you visualise your birthing experience more clearly.

Services and Support: What Care Will You Receive Before and After Birth?

Many hospitals offer antenatal classes, lactation consultations, and postnatal physiotherapy. Private hospitals often offer on-demand, one-on-one support services that are included in maternity packages. Public hospitals may provide similar services, but they are usually scheduled in groups or need to be requested in advance. 

Depending on your needs and preferences, here are some key services to look out for and check if your hospital provides them:

• continuous access to lactation consultants

• prenatal education or parenting classes

• hassle-free scheduling of postnatal home visits

• emotional wellness support

• physiotherapy for recovery

• newborn care consultations.

Access and Waiting Times

In public hospitals, particularly for subsidised patients, appointment slots often fill up quickly, leading to longer waiting times for consultations, scans, and test results. This is largely due to the higher patient load. 

In contrast, private hospitals generally offer shorter wait times, greater flexibility in scheduling, and quicker access to tests and results. (Disclaimer: This may not always be the case, especially if your chosen OB-GYN is highly sought-after or has a busy practice.)

If responsiveness and fast turnaround are important to you, it's worth factoring access and wait time into your hospital decision.

Making your Final Choice

Choosing where to give birth depends on your values, medical needs, and financial situation. If affordability and access to complex medical care are your top priorities, a subsidised public hospital ward may be the most practical option. If you prefer continuity with your doctor and personalised care in a more private setting, a private hospital may better suit your needs. Key questions to ask yourself include: 

• How important is privacy during recovery? 

• Do I want my partner to stay with me overnight? 

• Will I need specific services (e.g.: regular lactation support, postnatal services, etc.)?

Regardless of your choice, CradleNest is here to support you. Whether you’re seeking advice, support from other mums and families, or tools to track your baby’s growth, CradleNest is here to help you feel informed, confident, and connected. Download the CradleNest app to discover more parenting resources, and follow us on Instagram @cradlenestsg for tips, updates, and real stories from our growing community.

This article was informed by resources from the following:

• Singapore General Hospital (SGH) — Types of Wards

• Woodlands Health — Ward Types & Charges

• Ministry of Health Singapore — Subsidies for Acute Inpatient Care

• Sengkang General Hospital — Ward Facilities and Charges

• Central Provident Fund Board (CPF) — Choose the Ward Type That Best Meets Your Budget (PDF)

• Support Go Where — MediSave Maternity Package