Going private for childbirth costing new mums up to $10,000

This article is more than 8 years old. Some information may no longer be current.
Richard Laycock headshot
Richard Laycock
Posted:
News
Add to Preferred Sources
Couple sitting on a bed

Bupa to launch pilot program to remove midwifery and obstetrician out-of-pocket costs.

While 48% of expectant couples have pregnancy cover, only 29% delivered their child in a private hospital, according to recent research conducted by finder.com.au.

The high costs may be forcing those with health insurance to avoid the private system and go public. The research, which surveyed 2,000 parents with kids under 12, found that almost half (48%) of expectant parents had private health insurance that covered pregnancy. However, the data showed that roughly half of those with cover (29%) had their first child delivered in a private hospital.

Roughly one in five (19%) parents with private health insurance choose to have their child in the public system. This is likely due to the exorbitant costs facing expectant parents, who face costs of up to $10,000 for each private birth.

As part of a growing plan to address affordability and value for money, Bupa is trying to reduce out-of-pocket costs faced by expectant parents. The two-year pilot, which launches in South Brisbane in December 2017, will see Bupa partner with Hatch Private Maternity.

“This pilot program has seen us negotiate an agreed rate with a group of private obstetricians that means customers face no out-of-pocket costs for their antenatal, pregnancy management fee, delivery and postnatal care,” Bupa managing director Dr Dwayne Crombie said in a statement.

While the aim of the program is to provide members with a no-gap experience, there will still be some out-of-pocket costs for services such as the anaesthetist or intensivist (if required). You will need to contact Hatch about any costs associated with paediatricians or sonographers, and Bupa for hospital co-pays, excess and facility fees.

Latest health headlines

Picture: Shutterstock

Get rewarded $$ for switching with Finder Rewards

Find a better deal, save on your bills and get a free gift card. Sign up to be the first to hear about new Finder Rewards.

Ask a question

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms Of Service and Finder Group Privacy & Cookies Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Latest headlines

Go to site
Get the right health cover and find a better deal