If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you might wonder how much a private hospital birth costs compared to a public hospital birth and what your maternity care costs are going to be. Maternity care out-of-pocket costs severely impact where Australians decide to go for their pregnancy, natural delivery, assisted delivery, or caesarean section (otherwise knowns as a c-section). Private vs public pregnancy costs in Australia can vary greatly, and obstetrician fees can range anywhere from $3,000 to more than $8,500. With us, the maximum out-of-pocket cost is now just $990*. Our maternity care model assists expectant parents who have private health insurance but want to reduce their out-of-pocket maternity and birth costs, while still receiving dedicated obstetric and midwifery care.
Pregnancy out-of-pocket costs with Hatch
Fortunately, Hatch Private Maternity is Brisbane’s most affordable private obstetrians and maternity care option, with a maximum out-of-pocket cost of now just $990* to have your baby at the Mater Mothers’ Private Brisbane.
You don’t have to worry about how much it costs to have a caesarean section in Australia or the cost of giving birth in a private hospital in Australia, as our fee covers both options. Our $990* out-of-pocket cost includes your antenatal and postnatal visits, your pregnancy management fee (PMF) and your free no-obligation initial consultation, where you can get to know us and decide if our model of care is right for you! It also includes the cost of a c-section at the Mater Mothers’ Private Brisbane if required too.
Other private hospital birth costs
We will also provide an overview of other common out-of-pocket costs associated with pregnancy – these include:
- private anaesthetist,
- private paediatrician,
- pregnancy-related scans, and
- pathology, as well as
- your hospital excess.
Hatch is unable to control these out-of-pocket medical fees, but we can certainly help you to understand them.
Public vs private pregnancy care options and cost comparison
The alternatives to our care model are to either go the traditional private route or through the public system for your pregnancy care. To have your maternity care as a private patient in a public hospital you are looking at being up to $3,000 out of pocket and for traditional private pregnancy care with an obstetrician with private health insurance, you are looking at about $3,000-$8,500 or more for out-of-pocket expenses. With our affordable private pregnancy care model, there is a maximum out-of-pocket cost of $990*.
What is the cost of giving birth in Australia for non-residents?
Any pregnant woman can access care for herself and her baby while in Australia during pregnancy, birth and afterwards. However, if you are a visitor, student or newly arrived in Australia, the cost of your care will depend on the status of your visa or residency. In Australia, pregnancy care is provided by midwives, doctors and obstetricians and you may choose to use publicly funded or privately funded care.
Medicare provides access to medical and hospital services for all Australian residents and certain categories of visitors to Australia. Waiting periods and other conditions for Medicare benefits may apply.
The Australian Government has reciprocal healthcare agreements with some countries. These agreements are for essential medical treatment that requires care before you can return home and are not designed to replace travel insurance for health-related expenses.
During your pregnancy, the question of whether you would rather be cared for in a private or public hospital is often a question of cost. Without Medicare, giving birth in a public hospital without any complications costs upwards of $5,000. The price of giving birth in a private hospital is upwards of $8,000. Keep in mind that most backpacker insurances don’t cover pregnancies.
At Hatch Private Maternity, we are proud to partner with Allianz Care Australia to give their Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) members access to Hatch Private Maternity care with no out-of-pocket costs*, up to members’ annual limits.
Which pregnancy scans are covered by Medicare?
While you are pregnant, Medicare may help subsidise the cost of:
• Routine ultrasounds
• Blood tests
• Some immunisations
It is best to check with your health care team beforehand to understand your out-of-pocket costs for these services. A helpful resource for what Medicare covers during pregnancy can be found here, and through Services Australia here.
*Our $990 private maternity care cost includes all your postnatal visits, pregnancy management fee, delivery fee (including caesarean birth). Other out-of-pocket costs outside of Hatch, may include your health insurance excess for a private hospital stay; private anaesthetist for your birth, if required; private paediatrician; ultrasound scans and pathology; visits to a private hospital maternity assessment unit (if applicable). For more information about costs please visit: https://hatchmaternity.com.au/our-costs/