8world - Giving birth in JB with MediSave: why some go, others don't

Published in Chinese as 《跨境生产不只看费用 为何有人选择新山 有人最终不去？》

8world interviews five mothers who considered giving birth at Regency Specialist Hospital in Johor Bahru. Three chose to deliver there; all three had family in Johor Bahru and said support and care from relatives during and after the birth mattered as much as cost. One mother without family in JB stayed at a hotel the week before delivery. Another compared both options and chose to give birth in Singapore.

Regency CEO Serena Yong told 8world that patients using MediSave at the hospital doubled between 2023 and 2025, with over 90 per cent seeking obstetrics and gynaecology services, and that the hospital expects 15 to 20 per cent growth this year. She noted that patients weigh the specialist they need, how quickly they can be treated and ease of travel, not just fees. MOH data cited in the piece shows about 300 overseas MediSave claims a year, mostly for obstetrics.

The article also walks through the process: patients first consult a specialist at the overseas hospital; if an eligible inpatient treatment or day surgery is recommended, HMI Medical Centre in Singapore assists with the pre-admission assessment, financial counselling and MediSave arrangements before the patient travels for treatment.

→ Read the full article on 8world (in Chinese)

Considering treatment in Malaysia? Learn how to use MediSave in Malaysia, or speak to our Singapore-based HMI Patient Service Centre.