Shanghai to Fully Cover Prenatal Care and Childbirth Costs from October
Shanghai will fully cover prenatal check-ups and childbirth via medical insurance from October 1, easing financial burden for families.
Starting October 1, pregnant women in Shanghai who meet eligibility criteria will no longer have to pay out of pocket for prenatal check-ups and childbirth. The new policy, announced by local authorities, replaces the previous system that capped reimbursements and required upfront payments.
Under the old rules, women received a flat maternity subsidy of 4,500 yuan (about $670) after giving birth, but full basic prenatal care often cost far more—around 8,000 yuan (about $1,192) for a standard pregnancy without complications. Women had to pay these expenses upfront and then apply online for the subsidy.
The new policy ensures that medical insurance covers the entire cost of compliant basic prenatal check-ups, with no ceiling. Women can simply use their medical insurance cards at the point of care, eliminating the need for upfront payments or post-birth claims. The benefit applies equally to first, second, and third pregnancies.
In addition, if a woman chooses to receive all her prenatal care at a private hospital and does not use the maternity medical subsidy, she can still claim the full 4,500 yuan subsidy directly after childbirth.
Hospitalization for delivery is also fully covered, including epidural anesthesia, labor care, vaginal delivery, and cesarean sections. According to Ying Hao, party secretary of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, epidural anesthesia rates at the hospital exceed 95%, with the service costing just under 10,000 yuan (about $1,490). Cesarean sections are slightly more expensive, around 12,000 yuan (about $1,789).
One expectant mother, Ms. Gong, who is 19 weeks pregnant and receiving care at the same hospital, expressed relief at the news. Her due date falls in late October or early November, meaning she will benefit directly from the policy. “I feel very lucky because it will help relieve some of our financial burden,” she said.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to support families and reduce the cost of childbirth in Shanghai.