Cost of Maternity and Newborn Care for Expats in China

Prenatal care in China costs between RMB 8,000 and RMB 28,000 (USD $1,170 and USD $4,100), while the costs of child delivery, often offered as a package, range between RMB 10,000 and RMB 150,000 (USD $1,464 and USD $22,022). 

The costs vary widely by facility type, location, and delivery method, with public options being much cheaper than the private and international hospitals. Most expats opt for services in private and international hospitals for more comfortable care and English-language support. 

In this Pacific Prime article, we have gathered what expats need to know when planning to start a family in China, including estimated costs of prenatal care, child delivery, and newborn care. We’ll also explain how having private maternity health insurance can help cover the piling expenses.  

Overview of Maternity and Newborn Care in China 

Maternity and newborn care in China is delivered through a mix of public hospitals and private or international medical facilities, with differences in cost, comfort, and level of service. 

Overall, the quality of maternity care, from prenatal check-ups to delivery, is high, with experienced obstetricians, modern medical equipment, and established clinical protocols.

Newborn care in China begins right after delivery and typically includes initial health assessments, routine screenings, and early vaccinations. In private hospitals, newborn services are often bundled into maternity packages, while in public hospitals they are charged separately at a lower cost.

The table below compares different aspects expats should consider when choosing between public and private hospitals in China. 

Costs of Prenatal Care and Child Delivery in China 

Prenatal care and childbirth costs in China vary significantly by hospital type and insurance status, with public options far cheaper but less comfortable for expats. 

In public hospitals, basic prenatal services are subsidized and typically amount to an average of RMB 9,648 (USD $1,413), while vaginal delivery is RMB 5,000–20,000 (USD $730–$2,920) and RMB 10,000–30,000 (USD $1,464–$4,393) for a C-section. 

For private and international hospitals, the costs of prenatal care and child delivery are higher, often package-based, ranging from RMB 5,000 to RMB 28,000 (USD $730–$4,110). 

For delivery, a standard birth costs between RMB 45,000 and RMB 100,000 (USD $6,600–$14,680), while a C-section can range from RMB 70,000 to RMB 150,000 (USD $10,277–$22,020). If neonatal intensive care (NICU) is required, the total costs can exceed RMB 500,000 (USD $73,400) for extended stays. 

Hospitals like Shanghai United Family, American Sino Hospital, and New Century Healthcare fall within these cost bands: 

• Shanghai United Family Hospital: RMB 79,000 (USD $11,560) for a natural birth package (including prenatal care and epidural) and RMB 119,000 (USD $17,420) for a C-section package (including prenatal care)

• American Sino Hospital (Shanghai): Between RMB 45,000 and RMB 90,000 (USD $6,580 and USD $13,170) for delivery packages and between RMB 5,000 and RMB 20,000 (USD $730 and USD $2,920) for pre- and postnatal-only package 

• New Century Healthcare (Beijing): RMB 41,610 (USD $6,090) for a natural birth package and RMB 52,410 (USD $7,670) for a C-section package

The table below summarizes the estimated costs of prenatal care and child delivery in China.

Postnatal and Newborn Care Costs for Expats in China

Postnatal and newborn care in China centers on routine check-ups and vaccinations, with costs varying by provider.

• Public facilities: Routine check-ups and vaccinations are low-cost or free under the National Immunization Program (NIP), including BCG and Hepatitis B at birth, plus scheduled visits in the first year.

• Private hospitals: Services are bundled into pediatric packages covering check-ups, vaccines, and administration fees with typical prices in Shanghai as follows: 

• 1–6 months: RMB 9,800 (~USD $1,400)

• 1–12 months: RMB 13,800 (~USD $2,000)

• 1–24 months: RMB 18,600 (~USD $2,700)

Why Maternity Insurance Matters for Expats in China 

For expats in China, maternity insurance helps manage both high private hospital costs and the unpredictable nature of pregnancy.Complications, emergency C-sections, or NICU care can increase expenses, and insurance reduces the risk of large out-of-pocket bills.

Maternity insurance also differs from hospital birth packages in a few key ways:

Overall, maternity insurance provides broader, end-to-end cover from prenatal care through delivery and newborn care, often including complications. It also offers flexibility to choose between hospitals and access private or international providers.

Hospital birth packages are simpler and more predictable, with a fixed upfront cost. However, they are limited to one hospital and typically exclude complications, meaning additional costs may arise if care needs change.

Plan Your Pregnancy Journey in China with Pacific Prime 

Maternity costs in China can add up quickly, especially in private hospitals where delivery and newborn care can exceed RMB 100,000 (USD $14,640). Choosing the right insurance early helps reduce the risk of large out-of-pocket expenses and provides access to the hospitals and care you prefer.

Pacific Prime helps you compare maternity and health insurance plans side by side, including coverage limits, waiting periods, newborn benefits, and hospital networks. Whether you’re planning ahead or exploring options, our advisors can help you find a plan that fits your needs and budget.

Contact us today for impartial advice and a free plan comparison. 

Disclaimer: Pacific Prime solely represents, operates and manages locally regulated insurance products and services in the territory of PR China. Any references to Pacific Prime Global Company or Group, the international services, insurance products or otherwise stated written or verbally, is for introduction purposes about our overseas network only as each entity is fully independent.