If you’re living abroad, building your career, and planning to start or grow your family — one of the most critical (and often overlooked) decisions is: Should I get maternity insurance as an expat?
The short answer? Yes — absolutely.
But let’s break down the why, when, and what to consider — especially if you value access, flexibility, and peace of mind.
Why Maternity Insurance Is Essential for Executive Expats
Giving birth abroad isn’t just a medical experience — it’s a logistical, financial, and emotional one. In many countries, private maternity care isn’t covered by public healthcare, and expats are typically excluded from national health systems.
For executives and professionals who expect the best care, here’s why maternity insurance is non-negotiable:
- Private hospital births can exceed US$10,000 — much more in places like Singapore, Hong Kong, or the U.S.
- Without insurance, you’ll pay out-of-pocket for scans, prenatal care, delivery, postnatal support
- Complications or C-sections can double those costs
- Most international insurers require coverage to be in place before conception — no retroactive enrollment
- If you expect modern maternity facilities and English-speaking staff, private care is the standard — and insurance is the key
If you want access to high-quality, English-speaking medical staff and modern maternity facilities abroad, international maternity insurance is a must.
When Should You Buy Maternity Insurance?
Before you get pregnant.
Nearly all international maternity plans have a waiting period of 10–12 months before benefits kick in. That means planning ahead is essential — even if you’re just “thinking about it.”
So if you’re already pregnant, it’s likely too late for coverage on that pregnancy.
Pro Tip:
Plan at least 12 months ahead if you’re considering having a child abroad. The sooner you enroll, the better protected you’ll be when the time comes.
What Does Maternity Insurance Cover?
A high-quality international plan will typically include:
- Prenatal checkups & screenings
- Delivery (vaginal & C-section) in private hospitals
- Postnatal care
- Midwife or obstetric nurse services
- Complications of pregnancy
- Newborn care and congenital conditions
- Optional infertility or IVF benefits
Top-tier plans also offer direct billing, so you won’t need to handle claims or pre-pay large sums — the insurer handles it behind the scenes.
What Does Maternity Insurance Cost?
Pricing depends on your age, location, and the insurer you choose.
Here are real examples for a female applicant, aged 26–30:
| Location | Monthly Premium (USD) |
|---|---|
| Singapore | $540 |
| Dubai | $390 |
| London | $481 |
| United States | $854 |
These prices include maternity benefits with a $25,000 limit per birth and full inpatient + outpatient coverage.
📅 Accurate as of March 2025
What Happens Without Maternity Insurance?
If you’re uninsured when you get pregnant abroad:
- You’ll pay everything out of pocket — from ultrasounds to delivery
- You may face limited access to quality care or be forced into public systems
- Complications, NICU stays, or emergency procedures can cost tens of thousands of dollars
- Most insurers will not let you enroll mid-pregnancy
The last thing you want to be doing during a medical emergency is arguing at reception. With the right expat health insurance, you walk in — and they take care of the rest.
Is It Worth It?
For executives building a life abroad, the answer is clear: yes.
You’re not just protecting against routine childbirth — you’re protecting against risk, uncertainty, and the stress of managing healthcare in an unfamiliar system.
Maternity coverage is an investment in access, safety, and peace of mind.
Get Guidance That Matches Your Standards
We help globally mobile professionals secure the right maternity cover — efficiently, transparently, and without the usual noise.
With our help, you’ll:
- Compare plans from top global insurers
- Understand waiting periods and what’s actually covered
- Secure tailored protection before pregnancy — not after