Public or private birth in Australia: costs and choices
How public, private and midwife-led care differ, and what each usually costs.
Public care
In a public hospital, Medicare covers your pregnancy care and birth. You are cared for by hospital midwives and doctors, and you may be offered a midwifery group practice, where a small team of midwives follows you through.
Private care
With private care you choose an obstetrician who sees you through pregnancy and usually attends the birth, in a private hospital or as a private patient in a public one. Private health cover needs to include pregnancy and birth, and most policies have a 12-month waiting period.
Shared care and GP care
Many people see their GP for some visits and the hospital for others. This can mean fewer trips to the hospital and continuity with a doctor you know.
Questions to ask
Ask what is included, what out-of-pocket costs to expect, who will be at the birth, and what happens if you need care outside hours. Book early, as some services fill quickly.