Understanding Pregnancy Medical Costs – A Helpful Comparison
Compare public vs private maternity care costs to make an informed choice.
Pregnancy medical costs in Australia are steadily on the rise and a lack of transparency around maternity care fees can put significant financial pressure on expectant parents both during pregnancy and after the birth of their child.
Below is a simple comparison of costs, pros and cons of public vs private maternity care options to help you evaluate which is the most suitable for your family’s needs and budget.
Public vs Private Pregnancy Care Options Comparison
| OPTION | COST | HOSPITAL |
| Public Hospital (No Private Health Insurance) See Pros & Cons | $0 - $2,000 Out of pocket | PUBLIC |
| Affordable Private Pregnancy Care (With Private Health Insurance) See Pros & Cons | $2,000^ Out of pocket | PRIVATE |
| Private Patient in Public Hospital (With Private Health Insurance) See Pros & Cons | Up to $3,000 Out of pocket | PUBLIC |
| Standard Private Pregnancy Care (With Private Health Insurance) See Pros & Cons | $3,000 - $5,000+ Out of pocket | PRIVATE |
How to reduce out-of-pocket expenses
Some of Brisbane’s leading independent obstetricians recognised that the high pregnancy medical costs associated with private obstetrics put it out of reach for some families, so they introduced a more affordable option, Jelly Bean Maternity.
Designed for expectant parents with private health insurance who want to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses whilst still receiving dedicated care from a specialist obstetrician, Jelly Bean Maternity offers private pregnancy care and delivery at Greenslopes Private Hospital for just $2,000^ (out-of-pocket savings of 75%+).
^ Check with your private health fund to confirm your level of maternity cover and inclusions.
What are my birthing options and what are the pregnancy medical costs?
Public Hospital (No Private Health Insurance)
Out-of-Pocket Costs: $0 – $2,000
More than 74% of all mothers choose to give birth in public hospitals around Australia each year. Having your baby through the public system significantly reduces your out-of-pocket expenses, as much of your pregnancy medical costs (such as regular checkups with midwives and the actual delivery) are subsidised by Medicare. Costs you may incur include some specialist scans or pathology testing, though rebates are generally available to help offset a portion of these.
Pros
- Low to no out-of-pocket pregnancy medical costs (depending on your circumstances)
- No pregnancy management fee
- Supported by your local public hospital or birthing centre close to home
- Medicare rebates help cover additional scans/tests
Cons
- No dedicated obstetrician – you may see a different midwife or obstetrician at each pregnancy checkup and during delivery
- Shared room in hospital
- Limited postnatal support
Affordable Private Pregnancy Care (With Private Health Insurance)
Out-of-Pocket Costs with Jelly Bean Maternity: $2,000^
Jelly Bean Maternity is an affordable private pregnancy care option if you have private health insurance (and maternity cover). It offers a comparative service to standard private pregnancy care but with a significantly reduced out-of-pocket pregnancy management fee to improve affordability. As places are limited, you are paired with an obstetrician at your first appointment. You’ll then enjoy continuity of care throughout pregnancy and give birth at one of Brisbane’s premier private maternity hospitals.
Pros
- Lower out-of-pocket pregnancy medical costs than standard private obstetrics^
- Reduced pregnancy management fee (save 75%+)
- Regular checkups and delivery with a private obstetrician
- Exceptional standard of care at Greenslopes Private Hospital
Cons
- Paired with an obstetrician
- Some scans and specialist tests not included (Medicare rebates may be available)
- Limited places available
Private Patient in Public Hospital (With Private Health Insurance)
Out-of-Pocket Costs: Up to $3,000 depending on your circumstances
If you have private health insurance with maternity cover (such as Medibank, HCF, Bupa) you can reduce your out-of-pocket pregnancy medical costs by opting to have your baby in a public hospital. As not all obstetricians are accredited to admit patients at all hospitals, it may be helpful to ask your local hospital for a list of accredited obstetricians to choose from. As a private patient, this option provides you continuity of care throughout your pregnancy with your chosen obstetrician, but will mean you will have to cover the cost of any hospital excess along with any specialist or medical services that are above 100% of the Medicare Benefit Schedule (MBC) fee.
Pros
- Lower out-of-pocket pregnancy medical costs than delivering in a private hospital
- Choice of accredited obstetrician
Cons
- May not get a private room in the hospital or may need to pay for it as an out-of-pocket cost
- Shorter hospital stay (on average, public hospitals generally discharge 1 day earlier)
Standard Private Pregnancy Care (With Private Health Insurance)
Out-of-Pocket Costs: $3,000 – $5,000+
If you have private health insurance (and maternity cover) you can take advantage of private obstetrics services and have your own room in a private hospital. Private obstetricians will generally charge an out-of-pocket pregnancy management fee of between $3,000 – $5,000+ including selected scans, tests and medical services. Medicare rebates are available to subsidise some of these costs, however this is comparatively the most expensive pregnancy care option.
Pros
- Choice of obstetrician
- Regular checkups and delivery with a private obstetrician
- Exceptional standard of care during delivery at a private hospital
Cons
- High out-of-pocket pregnancy care costs
- High pregnancy management fee
- Some scans and testing not included
What Is A Pregnancy Management Fee?
A pregnancy management fee is charged by private obstetricians to cover:
- Standard checkups
- Antenatal and postnatal support
- Delivery
This fee is usually the largest out-of-pocket pregnancy medical cost that private patients face when they have a baby and the current Medicare rebate does little to offset its cost.
Affordable private obstetrics practices such as Jelly Bean Maternity are now emerging, offering a significantly reduced pregnancy management fee to help improve the accessibility of private maternity care and reduce the increasing burden on public hospitals.
For more information about affordable private pregnancy care and to check if you’re eligible, send an enquiry.
How To Choose The Best Maternity Care Option
Your first consultation with Jelly Bean Maternity is completely cost and obligation free.
You need to feel confident that this style of private obstetrics is for you. At your first appointment, you can provide a full medical history so that you can be matched with the best possible independent obstetrician for your needs. It’s up to you if you wish to proceed, or find a different option that you’re more comfortable with.
Enquire today about reducing your pregnancy medical costs with affordable maternity care.
Enquiry Form
The Jelly Bean Maternity friendly reception team is here for you and ready to answer all of your questions about affordable pregnancy care.
Simply fill out this form to request more information and someone will be in touch shortly.
With Jelly Bean Maternity
You can still enjoy private pregnancy care while being mindful of your budget.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information only. Please speak to Jelly Bean Maternity to obtain specific professional advice relevant to your personal circumstances.