Yes income protection is a necessity as you just never know what is around the corner.

BUT as we've been discussing if you don't have PHI you have to pay extra tax so it makes sense to me to just pay the PHI and get the benefits that come with it. I also have reached the safety net threshold so my last bill from my OB was $1032 and we recieved $885 back. That's nothing really and she is so lovely and I don't have to wait to see her and as my own personal needs are met by the private system I'm happy.

Everyone has different needs for their individual birth experience, be it at home in a private hospital or public hospital. I believe in Australia we are very lucky indeed that we can make that choice, many women the world over are not so lucky...