

If you’re not covered by private health insurance and you want to go to a private hospital, you will have high out-of-pocket costs. You can receive very good care in a public hospital or birthing centre, fully covered by Medicare. What happens if I’m pregnant but I’m not covered by my health insurance policy? You can also visit the website of the Commonwealth Ombudsman. For more information about out-of-pocket costs, check with your health provider, your insurer and hospital staff.

Some of these costs can be claimed on Medicare. specialist consultations and check-ups with your obstetrician.Some costs are not covered by private health insurance. Some multiple births involve care in the NICU for days or weeks. If you’re expecting twins or more, there’s a higher chance they could be born prematurely. Check with your hospital about the costs to expect with multiple births and with your private health fund to see what costs are covered. If you are expecting a multiple pregnancy, you will be charged for the care of your babies in hospital. What if I am having twins or triplets or more? This is another reason to consider your level of private health cover ahead of time if you can. If you’re a private patient and have a preterm baby within your health insurer’s waiting period, your baby may not be covered for costs. If you’re a public patient in a public hospital, most costs would be covered by Medicare. Check with your health fund to see if your baby is covered.īabies who are born premature, and those who are very unwell, may need care in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in a large public hospital. Your baby will be charged separately for their nursery care, as well as the charges for your hospital stay.
#Cost of pregnancy doctor visits no insurance upgrade
Some funds ask you to upgrade your policy to a family policy 3 to 12 months before your baby is born. It’s important your baby is covered from birth in case they need immediate hospital or other medical care.Ĭheck with your fund about their rules for covering newborn babies, and ask if your baby will automatically be covered after the birth or if you will need to change to a family policy. It's a good idea to check with the hospital, your doctor and/or midwife before taking out private health insurance, to ensure you have the cover you need, and so you understand any costs you may need to pay.Ĭheck the health insurance policy carefully, as some don’t cover obstetrics, midwifery, or may only pay restricted benefits that will only cover you as a private patient in a public hospital. What should I look for in a health insurance policy for pregnancy and birth? upgrade your existing policy 12 months before you are pregnant.take out private health insurance with relevant cover, 12 months before you are pregnant.If you want private obstetric care during your pregnancy and birth, you will need to do one of the following: During this time, you can’t claim any pregnancy-related health expenses. Most private health insurance policies have a 12-month waiting period. When should I take out a health insurance policy? Related information on Australian websites.What happens if I’m pregnant but I’m not covered by my health insurance policy?.What if I am having twins or triplets or more?.What if my baby is unwell or premature?.What should I look for in a health insurance policy for pregnancy and birth?.When should I take out a health insurance policy?.This will help you plan your care during pregnancy and may be a factor in deciding where you go to give birth. If you have private health insurance, check your level of cover before you become pregnant.If you’re not covered by private health insurance and want to have your baby in a private hospital, you will have high out of pocket costs.Private health insurance may help you pay for private obstetric care in a private or public hospital.

