Hi all and thanks for the replies!

I should have made it clearer that we are not in Melbourne yet - should be by April. The baby is due 2nd June and I'm currently 18 weeks (though most annoyingly not looking it!!).

We're likely to live out Geelong way as it's easy access for my hubby to get to work and we reckon rental and house prices are a little less. I know that there is a public hospital in Geelong and I think our best bet is to give them a call and ask.

Have tried the Medicare website and also the Department of Immigration and Citizenship site, but other than the reciprocal agreement for illness and injury, I can't see anything else helpful.

I figured a public hospital would accept us but we'd have to pay (I'm assuming that they won't turn a woman in labour away!!) and wonder if the reciprocal agreement would cover any issues such as c-sections? Sooo many questions!!

Will give Geelong hospital a call later this evening, when it's early morning Melbourne time, and let you all know