i've just spoken to PHI - and they don't cover much in terms of Ob fees - if they sock you more than medicare scheduled fees, you wear the costs.

we thought about travelling further, but prefer to be semi-local as DH will come home daily and care for the menagerie - so even though t'gon is "newer" and has the birthing suites, we've opted (at this point) for w'gul. it's about 65k's from here, and scares me if we have a quick labour - which is why i don't think i'd be brave enough to choose any of the more "metro" hospitals.

i understand about the shared room thing - but i don't think i could travel twice as far for a single room

have you thought about scoping out Sale? not sure if they have private birthing suites up there...