FIRST-TIME mother, Mrs Amanda Tham, 26, is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her son, Elliot.
Like many new mummies, the five-months pregnant public relations practitioner is insured but does not have any coverage for baby Elliot simply because "it didn't cross my mind". However, she is receptive to purchasing safeguards just in case - touch wood - anything goes wrong, she said.
She said: "If I have a clearer picture of the benefits and conditions involved, I will definitely consider taking up such (maternity and congenital abnormalities) insurance."
According to KK Women's and Children's Hospital, congential defects such as hole in the heart and Down's Syndrome affect 1 to 2 per cent of pregnancies. Almost 200 babies are diagnosed with birth defects in the hospital annually.
Local women are now asking how they can better provide for their unborn child.
A check with several local insurance companies revealed that such coverage are usually supplementary. Typically, these "riders" are tagged onto a main, or standalone, plan.
Prudential's Pru-Shield is a prime example.
Available if you are a PruSmart Lady policy holder, its pregnancy complications and congenital defects benefits - introduced last year - are in addition to the usual hospitalisation benefits. Annual premiums are deducted from MediSave accounts and rates range from $91 to over $350, depending on age.
NTUC Income's Lady Plus Rider is open to women between 16 and 60 years old who purchase a basic or major diseases policy. Coverage is up to $30,000 and 100 per cent of the sum assured will be paid out in the event of confirmed diagnosis.
Manulife is relaunching the Premier Lady plan as a "rider". Previously, 25 per cent of the sum assured was paid if a baby was born with congenital defects. However, not everyone believes that such insurance is necessary.
Cafe co-owner Mrs Adeline Wittchen, 34, feels that coverage for congenital abnormalities is "more appropriate for high-risk pregnancies involving first-time mothers over 35 years old or those whose basic coverage is not good enough".
