Raising a child in Singapore isn’t cheap. We all know that. From the first ultrasound scan to the endless preschool options, the bills pile up before you even have time to catch your breath. And when it comes to giving birth? That’s often the single biggest expense.
But what if you could swap those sky-high costs for affordable healthcare?
But what if there’s another way?
That’s exactly the journey Shao Chun, a 39-year-old Singaporean dad, decided to share in his vlog. His story isn’t just about a stunning rooftop sky lounge at Bangkok’s MedPark Hospital. It’s about discovering affordable healthcare that doesn’t skimp on quality or comfort. And yes—his wife gave birth in what looks like a five-star hotel suite, complete with a king-sized bed, skyline views, and even luxury toiletries.
Source: MedPark Hospital
“I was already saving more than 50% of my baby’s medical bills here,” Shao explained in his vlog.
So, why did a Singaporean couple pack their bags and head north for the most personal, intimate journey of their lives?
The Search for Affordable Healthcare Beyond Singapore
For Shao, it all started with a frustrating reality check.
“In Singapore, for example, if we set an appointment at 2 p.m., we often only see the doctor at 3 or even 3.30. And this is even if you’re going to a private hospital. Because the gynaecologist that we went to was really popular and very overworked, sometimes we felt that the appointment was really rushed. It lasts between five to ten minutes, and sometimes we just feel like we are just another case number to him.”
That disconnect pushed him to explore beyond Singapore’s borders. He stumbled across stories of medical tourism—and thought: if Indonesians fly into Singapore for doctors, why can’t Singaporeans do the same elsewhere?
Thailand was the natural choice. It wasn’t just the reputation for affordable healthcare. It was also about the Thai sabai sabai culture: relaxed, attentive, and patient-first.
“But in Thailand, because there are so many more hospitals, you have so many choices,” Shao remembered. “When we walked in, the doctor was like, ‘Yeah, sure, I’ll see you straight away.’ And then the experience there was—you know—we sat down, they gave us water, they served us, and the whole experience was very, very different.”
A Five-Star Birth Experience (for Half the Price)
MedPark Hospital, where Shao’s wife delivered, is brand new, sleek, and undeniably luxe. Picture this: a sprawling suite with a private living room, spa-like bathrooms, Thai-branded toiletries, and even room service with Pad Thai for just SGD 6.
But here’s the kicker: their three-night birth package cost just SGD 5,000. The same setup in Singapore? Anywhere between SGD 10,000 and SGD 20,000.
“Right away, you can see that there’s an amazing view here,” Shao said in his vlog, pointing to the lake view from their executive suite. “It’s not a criteria for any hospital, but it doesn’t hurt to wake up and recover to a view like this.”
Even the VIP suites came with perks that rival luxury hotels—private lounges, guest rooms, and entire dining areas. It’s hard not to do a double-take when you realise you’re still in a hospital.
Source: MedPark Hospital
What Thai Culture Brings to the Bedside
Beyond the shiny rooms, what struck Shao most was the personal touch.
“So here I am, trying to ask the doctor questions in Singapore and not really getting answers. And then the moment I come out, another salesperson tries to sell me something. Whereas in Thailand, the waiting room is private—you just sit, they give you water, and nobody’s rushing you. The space is bigger, they hire more staff, so you get more nurses and support. And the Thai doctors are so relaxed they even gave me their WhatsApp number. They said, ‘If you have any questions tonight, just ask me directly.’ For me, it’s completely night and day.”
Thai sabai sabai culture meant less rushing, more space, and more staff available to support. For a first-time dad navigating fatherhood, that extra breathing room was priceless.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Becoming a Dad Abroad
Source: CNBC
Of course, luxury surroundings don’t erase the nerves of fatherhood. Shao admitted, “On the day of delivery, I was panicking, I was so nervous. But my wife, on the other hand, was so calm. I could tell she was so ready for this, and not only was she being a mother, but she was also at that moment still being my wife. The fact that she could comfort me and walk me along this journey—I saw it as not just me becoming a new father, but also me being a husband to her.”
The birth stirred memories of his late mother. “When I saw my baby come out, I could visualize how my mother gave birth to me. It was surreal. I would do anything for my wife and my child.”
That vulnerability—rarely voiced by fathers—reminds us that parenting isn’t just about who changes the diapers first. It’s about the courage to feel deeply and share openly.
Hidden Costs of Parenting Overseas
Affordable healthcare isn’t the whole story. Giving birth abroad came with hidden challenges.
“Just to get the citizenship for my baby, I had to translate the Thai birth certificate into English, get it certified by the Foreign Ministry, then bring it to the Singapore embassy. I underestimated the time needed,” Shao said.
And unlike locals, expats can’t rely on public hospitals if complications arise. “If something goes wrong, the bills skyrocket. That’s a trade-off you have to be mindful of,” he added.
Boundaries, Burnout, and Being Present
Looking back, Shao credits online communities like theAsianparent for helping him prepare.
“One thing I did well was setting boundaries. Everyone wants to visit a newborn, but my wife needed time to recover. Being in Thailand helped because relatives were far away.”
But he admits he stumbled too. “For the first few weeks, I didn’t even want to sleep. I just wanted to spend all my time with my baby. But then I became grumpy and argued more. I wish I managed my energy better.”
His advice for fellow dads? Talk to your wife. “As Asian men, we tend to bottle emotions. But childbirth is so personal—you can’t keep it in. Express yourself. And find your support community, whether online or offline.”
Why Affordable Healthcare Abroad Might Be Worth Considering
For Shao and his wife, giving birth in Thailand was more than a financial decision. It was about reclaiming control, finding peace in the process, and being fully present for the arrival of their baby.
“I found that the standard of care here is just as good as in my home country,” Shao concluded. “The price point can be more affordable as well. Sometimes it’s a good idea to just get out of our comfort zone and explore options outside our own country.”
A Journey of Heart, Not Just Healthcare
In the end, Shao’s story isn’t just about finding affordable healthcare. It’s about a father who admitted his fears, a mother who carried calm into the storm, and a baby who arrived in a space filled with love and awe.
“I was shaking the moment I saw my baby,” he confessed. “But then I looked at my wife, and I realized—she’s not just my wife anymore. She’s the mother of my child. And I would do anything for her.”
For parents, whether in Singapore or abroad, that moment of transformation—the instant you see your child for the first time—outshines any hospital room, any bill, any savings. Yet knowing that you don’t have to break under financial strain to experience it? That is a gift worth talking about.
So maybe the real lesson here isn’t about luxury hospitals or even the dollars saved. It’s about remembering that in the whirlwind of costs, plans, and pressures, the heart of parenting is presence, gratitude, and love.
And when you find a path that lets you hold onto all three—whether in Singapore, Thailand, or anywhere else—that’s when you know you’ve chosen well.
Shao Chun runs his own YouTube channel talking about career, personal finance and living intentionally: https://youtube.com/@9to5millionairemindset
