Pregnant Abroad in Asia: Maternity Leave, Care & Insurance

Starting a family is one of life’s most exciting milestones. For expats relocating to Asia, the journey comes with unique challenges, especially if you are pregnant or planning to have children soon after moving abroad. The lack of familiar family support, differences in maternity policies, and navigating local healthcare systems can add stress to an already life-changing event. This article provides practical insights for expat families to understand healthcare, maternity benefits, and family support services in Asia.

Understanding Maternity Leave Abroad for Expats

One of the first questions new expat parents ask is: “Which maternity system applies to me? My home country’s or my host country’s?”

  • Thailand: Maternity leave is 98 days (with 45 paid by the employer and 45 by social security, if you qualify). However, expats may only access these benefits if they are formally employed and contribute to Thai Social Security.
  • Vietnam: Female employees can receive up to 6 months of maternity leave, paid at 100% of their salary if enrolled in the social insurance scheme. Foreign nationals usually qualify if their company pays into the system.
  • China: Maternity leave varies by region (typically 98–158 days). Expats with work contracts and social insurance contributions may be eligible, but those on private contracts might not. Always confirm with your employer whether you will fall under the host country’s maternity system or need to rely on private insurance.

Accessing Maternity Services Abroad

Even if maternity leave is offered, eligibility often depends on the length of time you’ve worked in the country. In some cases, you may not qualify at all as a foreign national.

  • Public vs Private Hospitals: Public hospitals are more affordable but may lack English-speaking staff. Private or international hospitals offer excellent care but at higher costs.

  • Prenatal Care: Routine scans and check-ups may not be automatically included in basic health plans. Confirm coverage before you arrive.

  • Waiting Periods: Many international health insurance plans require a 10–12 month waiting period for maternity coverage, so planning early is essential.

International Health Insurance for Expat Families

When local maternity services do not meet your needs, international health insurance is often the safest choice. A comprehensive plan can include:

  • Pre- and postnatal care

  • Routine and complicated deliveries

  • Fertility or infertility treatments

  • Access to international hospitals with English-speaking doctors

  • Support services like prenatal yoga, lactation consultants, and counselling

Choosing an insurance plan with evacuation cover is crucial in case advanced care is needed outside your current location.

pregnancy group activity

Finding Family Support Services as an Expat Parent

One of the hardest aspects of raising a family abroad is doing so without the close support of parents, relatives, and lifelong friends. Fortunately, expat hubs in Asia offer a variety of community-based solutions:

  • Join expat parent groups: Popular destinations like Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Shanghai have active parent networks that share advice and resources.

  • Attend postnatal classes: Many international hospitals and private clinics offer courses in English.

  • Explore baby activities: Swimming lessons, playgroups, or baby massage classes can help you meet other parents while also supporting your child’s development.

  • Social media and Meet-Up groups: Search Facebook or expat forums for local parent communities.

  • Plan family visits: Invite parents or siblings to visit after the baby arrives, focusing on bonding time rather than sightseeing.

  • Expat Assistance Programmes: If offered by your insurance, these services can provide quick access to professional counselling and parenting support.

Practical Tips for Expats Starting a Family in Asia

  • Start maternity insurance early. Waiting periods mean you should purchase cover at least a year before planning a pregnancy.

  • Confirm eligibility. Check with your HR department if you qualify for host-country maternity leave.

  • Budget for private hospitals. Many expats prefer them for the quality and English-speaking staff.

  • Build a support network. Proactively connect with expat groups before the baby arrives.

  • Plan ahead for childcare. Options may differ greatly from Europe, so research nurseries, nannies, and costs early.

Winson Health: Supporting Expat Families Abroad

At Winson Health, we specialise in helping expats in Asia secure the right international health insurance. Our plans offer maternity and family-focused benefits, including:

  • Pre- and postnatal coverage

  • Direct billing with private hospitals

  • Multilingual support and counselling services

  • Family-wide protection with flexible add-ons

Get a Quote Today and make sure your family has the protection and peace of mind you deserve while living abroad.