Shanghai will eliminate out-of-pocket costs for a range of covered maternity medical services from Oct 1, as the city seeks to reduce the financial burden of pregnancy and childbirth and provide greater support for families.

Under a new policy issued by the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Healthcare Security and other municipal authorities, women covered by Shanghai's basic medical insurance for employees and eligible for benefits will have eligible expenses under the city's basic maternity healthcare package paid by maternity insurance at designated medical institutions in Shanghai.

The costs will first be covered by a maternity medical subsidy of 4,500 yuan ($671) per person. Once the subsidy is exhausted, any remaining eligible expenses within the package will be fully covered. The package covers specified maternity healthcare services from the establishment of a prenatal medical record through the postpartum check-up 42 days after delivery.

Eligible medical expenses incurred during hospitalization for childbirth at designated medical institutions in Shanghai will likewise be fully covered by maternity insurance, meaning patients will have no out-of-pocket costs for these expenses.

The policy extends the same maternity medical benefits to women covered by Shanghai's basic medical insurance for urban and rural residents who are eligible for benefits, including in cases of childbirth or miscarriage.

Unemployed spouses of male employees participating in the city's maternity insurance program are also covered if they participate in Shanghai's basic medical insurance for urban and rural residents and are eligible for benefits.

The zero-out-of-pocket arrangement, however, does not apply to every pregnancy-related expense. Medical expenses outside the package and other hospitalization expenses will continue to be covered under the applicable basic medical insurance rules.

Eligible women covered by Shanghai's basic medical insurance for employees can settle expenses for obstetric outpatient and emergency visits at designated medical institutions in Shanghai using a social security card, medical insurance electronic voucher, or other healthcare security credential.

The policy takes effect on Oct 1, 2026, and remains valid through Sept 30, 2031.

Shanghai authorities said the measures are intended to strengthen maternity insurance coverage and reduce medical expenses associated with pregnancy and childbirth.

Source: Shanghai Municipal Administration of Healthcare Security