Choosing Between Public and Private Hospitals for Delivery in Singapore

Introduction

One of the biggest decisions expecting parents in Singapore face is where to deliver their baby: public or private hospital? This choice impacts your birth experience, costs, doctor availability, and more. Here’s a detailed guide to help you compare both options and choose what works best for your family.

Public vs Private: What’s the Difference?

Factor	Public Hospital (e.g. KKH, NUH)	Private Hospital (e.g. Mount Alvernia, Thomson)
Cost	Lower (subsidised for Singaporeans); Ward A is non-subsidised	Higher; no government subsidy
Choice of Doctor	Limited unless on private patient scheme (Ward A)	Freedom to choose and stick with same OB-GYN
Facilities	Functional, may be older	Modern, hotel-like amenities
Waiting Time	Can be long in clinics and wards	Shorter, more personalised attention
Emergency & NICU Support	Strong; KKH and NUH are top-tier	Good, but some refer complex cases to public hospitals

Public Hospitals: KKH, NUH

KKH (Kandang Kerbau Hospital) – Singapore’s largest maternity hospital with strong NICU and 24/7 O&G emergency services
NUH (National University Hospital) – Known for evidence-based, gentle birth practices and skin-to-skin support
Cost Range: $1,000 – $6,000 depending on ward class (B2, B1, A)
Good For: High-risk pregnancies, government subsidy, comprehensive support

Private Hospitals: Mount Alvernia, Thomson Medical, Parkway East

Mount Alvernia Hospital – Catholic-based, popular for its warm staff and pro-breastfeeding policies
Thomson Medical Centre (TMC) – Boutique feel, known for comfort and VIP packages
Cost Range: $8,000 – $15,000 or more (normal delivery); $10,000+ for C-sections
Good For: Continuity of care, privacy, luxury experience

Key Considerations for Choosing

Budget: Consider your financial comfort and Medisave limits
Preferred OB-GYN: Do you want to choose and follow one doctor throughout?
Risk Level: High-risk cases may benefit from public hospitals with better NICU support
Birth Plan: Are you aiming for water birth, skin-to-skin, etc.? Some private hospitals cater more to these preferences

Can I Use Medisave?

Yes. Medisave can be used in both public and private hospitals to offset:

Delivery charges (up to $750 for vaginal, $2,150 for C-section)
Hospital stay (up to $450/day)
Pre-delivery medical expenses (up to $900 total)

Real Parent Experiences

Some parents prefer KKH for its strong emergency capabilities and affordability, especially for first-time or high-risk pregnancies. Others opt for Mount Alvernia or Thomson for the continuity of care and premium experience.

“I chose NUH for its natural birth support and skin-to-skin policy. Very professional team.” – Clara, first-time mum

“Mount A was expensive, but having my chosen gynae and hotel-like room made it worth it.” – Rachel, mum of two

FAQ

Q: Can I switch from public to private mid-pregnancy?

A: Yes, but you may lose some continuity of records and subsidy benefits. It’s best to decide early if you want the same OB-GYN throughout.

Q: Are epidurals available in both settings?

A: Yes, both public and private hospitals offer pain relief options including epidurals.

Q: Do all hospitals allow rooming-in with baby?

A: Most do, especially for single rooms. Always check the hospital’s policy.

Conclusion

Both public and private hospitals in Singapore provide high-quality maternity care. Your choice depends on your budget, preferences, medical needs, and expectations. Whichever you choose, planning early and discussing with your OB-GYN will ensure a smoother birth experience.

Sources

MOH Singapore – moh.gov.sg
KKH & NUH official websites
Mount Alvernia Hospital Delivery Package 2025
Thomson Medical Centre Maternity Services