Advantages of Being Preg in Japan

Since I written earlier on Rants of Being Pregnant in Japan, it is only fair to post on the advantages. My friends back home were beyond envy when I told them my reasons of staying put in Japan. All of us knew how expensive having kids is especially all the maternity checkups, hospitalisation fee and medical expenses. Having insurance helps especially for children medical expenses but the rest are not covered by insurance unless one has complications during childbirth. Thus, the checkup and hospitalisation fee would range from few thousands and beyond (we could use our medisave to claim and top up the rest by cash but its ultimately on our expenses isn't it....).  

• Free checkup including dental checkup (spouse and me) given by local district government. I received a booklet once we went to local city hall office to register that I was pregnant. Inside contained vouchers to visit gyane for free and one time dental care for the couple (seemed like its common to have dental issues during pregnancy). Apart from needing to pay extra for medication or special scan/examination (will be pre-informed), we did not have to pay for monthly/weekly follow up).
  
• Japan government allow all Japanese citizen to claim up to 42 万-50万 (5k - 6k) for normal or c-section delivery and hospitalisation. Of course that will be for standard services, if you wish to enjoy private room and premium services that will be on your own expenses. In the past it used to be reimbursement method but recently we were told that we only need to top up if the amount exceed. Even better!!
  
• My local district provides free medical for children up to 18 years old regardless where they are in Japan! I think this is the best part of all. This benefit differs from each area (especially not in the cities), usually offered by the towns that has no competitive edge against the big towns/cities and wish to attract young families to reside in their district otherwise the town will die out eventually.     

Many of my friends questioned if I would go back to Singapore for delivery and confinement (Japan has no confinement concept or culture). Of course if I choose to go back to Singapore, it be easier and better but the cost wise is too high (especially I am not working) and we would lose out all the benefits mentioned above. Totally not worthwhile right?!