Barb, you would have to check the possible excess amounts with your private health fund. You may find that a normal birth (with no intervention) costs $200 but they may slog you with additonal costs for 'extras' such as pain relief, c-sections etc.
Regarding public hospitals - there are no waiting lists as every citizen is entitled to free public obstetric health. (Some hospitals have additional 'birth centres' as well as normal delivery suites - sometimes the birth suites have waiting lists.)
Appointment waiting time at the hospital is often very LONG! However Public hospitals generally offer 'shared care' which allows you to have your monthly check ups shared between your GP and the hospital antinatal clinic. Therefore, shared care would allow you to see your doctor for the majority of the check ups (and you would only have to see the hospital for several appointments).
To find out more about 'shared care' in the public system - simply call/visit your local GP.
Good luck. Let us know what you find out about those potential '$5000 out of pocket expenses'.
__________________
[SIZE="1"]Me - 29 -- Husband - 30 -- Married in 1997
Boy 9, Girl 7, Girl 5, Girl 3 -- Baby Jnr born 2nd August 07
|