Specialized insurance for women in Singapore

[SINGAPORE] In Singapore, insurance providers are increasingly offering specialized plans tailored to the unique health and financial needs of women. These policies address concerns ranging from critical illnesses and maternity-related complications to preventive care, reflecting a growing recognition of the distinct challenges women face.

Understanding Women's Health Insurance in Singapore

As women in Singapore continue to make strides in financial independence, the demand for insurance products that cater specifically to their needs has risen. Traditional health insurance plans often overlook conditions that predominantly affect women, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and complications related to pregnancy. In response, insurers have developed specialized policies to bridge this gap.

Recent policy discussions have also emphasized the importance of gender-responsive financial planning tools. In 2024, Singapore’s Ministry of Social and Family Development highlighted the need for increased access to tailored financial products for women during a national forum on women’s health and economic inclusion. As part of this initiative, regulators have begun working with insurers to ensure greater transparency and flexibility in product offerings that cater to women at different stages of life.

Key Features of Women's Health Insurance Plans

Several insurers in Singapore offer plans designed with women's health in mind:

PRULady by Prudential: This plan provides comprehensive coverage for female-related illnesses, including reconstructive surgery and post-diagnosis support. It also offers preventive health screenings every two years and the option to add maternity coverage.

CritiCare for Her by HSBC Life: Tailored for women, this policy covers a range of critical illnesses and offers benefits such as premium waivers upon diagnosis, free health check-ups, and coverage for children diagnosed with critical illnesses.

Lady 360 by Income Insurance: A non-participating term plan that covers death, specific female illnesses, surgeries, and provides support benefits. It includes complimentary health screenings every two years.

AIA Glow of Life: This plan offers coverage for critical illnesses specific to women, including breast cancer and osteoporosis, along with reconstructive surgery reimbursement and free health check-ups.

Venus Care by AIG: Designed for women, this plan covers female cancer diagnoses, carcinoma-in-situ, in-hospital medical expenses, and offers wellness benefits such as annual physical examinations and traditional Chinese medicine coverage.

In addition to conventional plans, digital-first insurance startups are also entering the women's health space. Companies like Singlife and PolicyPal have begun offering modular insurance plans that allow women to customize coverage according to specific life stages—such as marriage, pregnancy, or menopause. These platforms often integrate wellness tools and telemedicine services, enhancing accessibility and user engagement among younger, tech-savvy consumers.

The Importance of Tailored Insurance for Women

Women often face unique health challenges and life stages that require specific financial planning. According to a survey by Sun Life, two-thirds of Singaporean women feel their financial security has improved compared to their mothers' generation. However, over half cite health issues as the biggest life event prompting important financial decisions. Additionally, 57% have foregone their own medical treatment to contribute to the costs of care for their children or elderly relatives. These statistics underscore the need for insurance products that address women's specific health and financial concerns.

Experts also note that gender disparities in medical research and diagnostics have historically contributed to the underrepresentation of women in standard insurance products. For example, conditions like autoimmune diseases—which disproportionately affect women—are often excluded or minimally covered under general health plans. By offering female-focused coverage, insurers are helping to close this gap and ensure better health outcomes through earlier detection and targeted support.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the availability of specialized insurance plans, many women still encounter challenges in accessing suitable financial products. A significant number report difficulties in finding insurance options tailored to their unique needs. This highlights the importance of financial literacy and the need for insurance providers to offer products that are both accessible and relevant to women at different life stages.

A study conducted by the Singapore FinTech Association in early 2025 found that only 38% of women aged 25 to 45 were confident in selecting an insurance plan independently. Many cited complex terms and lack of transparent comparisons as key deterrents. To address this, some insurers are partnering with women's advocacy groups and financial educators to host workshops and webinars aimed at improving financial literacy among women.

Specialized insurance plans for women in Singapore are becoming increasingly prevalent, offering coverage that addresses the distinct health and financial needs of women. As women continue to navigate various life stages, having access to tailored insurance products can provide essential financial security and peace of mind. It's crucial for women to explore these options and consult with financial advisors to ensure they select the most appropriate coverage for their individual circumstances.