The following is a comparison between Singapore private hospitals and high-end private hospitals in China (as a medical tourism destination) in the field of obstetrics and gynecology from the two core dimensions of price and service, and combines actual cases and data to provide reference:
I、Price Comparison: Singapore's overall higher, but significant program differences
Obstetrics and gynecology medical costs are affected by the mode of delivery (normal delivery/Cesarean section), whether or not maternity checkups are included, postnatal care (e.g., menstrual centers), and the treatment of complications, among other factors. Below are the reference prices for typical items (in RMB, Singapore fees are inclusive of GST GST, China fees are publicly quoted by private hospitals):
Routine Maternity Examination (single visit):
Singapore private hospitals (e.g. Kang Sheng, Gleneagles) around RMB 800-1500 (including doctor's consultation + basic checkup).
High-end private hospitals in China (e.g., United Family Hospitals (UFH), Meizhong Yiho): about $500-1200 (pricing for private hospitals varies slightly depending on the city).
Natural birth (no complications):
Singapore private hospitals (e.g. Kang Sheng, Gleneagles) around $80,000 - $150,000 (including 3-5 days hospitalization, midwife services)
High-end private hospitals in China (e.g., United Family Hospitals (UFH), Meizhong Yiho) ~40,000-80,000 RMB (head institutions in first-tier cities, includes 4-6 days of hospitalization)
C-section (without complications):
Singapore private hospitals (e.g. Kang Sheng, Gleneagles) Approx. 120,000-200,000 RMB (including surgery, post-operative monitoring)
High-end private hospitals in China (e.g., UFH, MCCC) ~60,000-120,000 RMB (1st tier cities, includes surgery + hospitalization for 5-7 days)
High-risk pregnancy management (e.g. gestational diabetes):
Singapore private hospitals (e.g. Kang Sheng, Gleneagles) ~30,000-60,000 RMB (full follow-up + multidisciplinary consultation)
High-end private hospitals in China (e.g., United Family Hospitals (UFH), Meizhong Yiho): approximately $15,000 - $30,000 (Tertiary hospitals for special needs or private hospitals)
Postpartum monthly care (28 days):
Singapore private hospitals (e.g. Kang Sheng, Gleneagles) around 30,000-60,000 RMB (specialized nursing care + nutritious meals + baby care)
High-end private hospitals in China (e.g., United Family Hospitals (UFH), Meizhong Yiho): $15,000 - $40,000 (including postpartum rehabilitation, lactation, and mother and baby care)
Key Point of Difference:
- Costs in Singapore are generally 30%-100% higher than in China, mainly due to labor costs (high salaries for doctors and nurses), medical technology premiums (e.g., over 90% prevalence of painless delivery), and internationalization of service add-ons.
- Chinese private hospitals are more cost-effective in basic delivery services, but the cost of technology for high-risk pregnancies or complex cases (e.g. IVF assisted reproduction) may be close to that of Singapore (depending on the hospital's qualifications).
II、Comparison of services: Singapore focuses on internationalization and technology, China focuses on localization and details
1. Medical team and technology
- Singapore: Most obstetricians and gynecologists in private hospitals are certified by the Royal Australian and British Colleges of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RANZCOG) and specialize in high-risk pregnancies (e.g., multiple births, placenta praevia), assisted reproduction (e.g., IVF) and neonatal intensive care (NICU). For example, Kornhill Hospital is the largest private hospital in Singapore in terms of deliveries, with more than 8,000 deliveries annually and a NICU equipped with advanced warming boxes and remote monitoring systems.
- China: Doctors at the top private hospitals (e.g., UFH and MCCH) are mostly from tertiary hospitals (e.g., Xiehe and Peking Union Medical College), and have a high degree of technological maturity, especially in the areas of painless management of normal labor and post-partum rehabilitation, which are more relevant to the needs of Chinese mothers; however, their experience in dealing with complex cases (e.g., very preterm births) is slightly less than that of Singapore's top private hospitals.
2. Language and Service Experience
- Singapore: English is the main medical language, but most private hospitals provide Mandarin services (especially for Chinese patients), and nurses have received basic Chinese language training; the consultation process is standardized, with a strict booking system (maternity checkups and delivery times can be accurate to the hour), and strict privacy protection (separate consulting rooms, encrypted electronic medical records).
- China: the whole Chinese communication barrier-free, more “humanized” services (such as family members can accompany the delivery, monthly meal customized according to taste); some hospitals provide “one-stop” service (maternity examination - delivery - monthly convergence), but Some hospitals provide “one-stop” services (maternity checkups, delivery and monthly delivery), but queuing may occur during peak hours (e.g. holidays).
3. Postnatal care and extended services
- Singapore: public hospitals do not provide menstrual services; private hospitals usually cooperate with third-party menstrual centers (at extra cost), focusing on scientific childcare (e.g., early intellectual development) and postnatal restoration (e.g., pelvic floor electromyographic stimulation); some hospitals provide “mother and child health kits” (including vaccine books and discharge guidance). Some hospitals offer “mother and baby health kits” (including vaccine books and discharge instructions).
- China: private hospitals generally support their own or cooperative monthly child care centers, with more localized services (e.g., Chinese medicine, lactation therapist at home), and some institutions also provide “monthly child care + tourism” packages (e.g., combining with surrounding attractions); however, the standard of care varies, so it is necessary to choose a fully qualified institution.
4. Policies and convenience
- Singapore: foreign patients need to apply for a tourist visa (can apply for a medical visa extended to 6 months), after the birth of a newborn can apply for long-term residence in Singapore (one of the parents needs to be a PR or a citizen), but the cost is higher (about SGD 300,000/family); medical bills can be directly swiped with an international credit card, and some hospitals support installment payments.
- China: foreign patients need to apply for a visa (choose L or M visa according to the length of stay), newborns can settle down with their mothers after birth (birth certificates are required), health insurance coverage is limited (commercial insurance for expatriates only); payment methods are flexible (cash, credit card, mobile payment).
III、summarize: how to choose?
- Choose Singapore: Suitable for families with sufficient budget, who value internationalized medical technology (e.g. complex pregnancy management, IVF), who want their newborns to obtain overseas status (need to meet immigration requirements), or who have a high level of acceptance of English-language services.
- Choose Chinese private hospitals: For Chinese families who focus on value for money, prefer Chinese language services, need localized postnatal care (e.g. traditional menstrual practices), or are unable to travel abroad due to visa/distance restrictions.
Suggestions: If choosing Singapore, book 3-6 months in advance (especially for popular hospitals) and buy international medical insurance that covers delivery complications; if choosing Chinese private hospitals, prioritize hospital qualifications (e.g., JCI accreditation), doctor's clinical experience, and real maternity reviews.