Is private hospital worth the money? Anyone with Latrobe or Medibank?

[Jellyfish]

You'll definitely need to investigate specific hospitals, Obs and policies as it can vary a lot.

Our excess is $250 for the hospital stay, guarenteed private room. Partners can stay with or without meals, these are ~$10 per meal and you can also decide meal to meal (last pregnancy my partner had 5 meals over the course of my stay so ~$50). For a non-complicated delivery it is 4 day stay, 6 day otherwise. With my first pregnancy I left after 2 nights though and had home visits from midwifes for the remainder of the week (no additional costs). I wouldn't have had any out of pocket costs for anaethetists either as that is covered by my insurance. My Ob fees for pregnancy are $2750 (were $1900 in 2009) with $500 back from Medicare. Blood tests have been bulk billed and ultrasounds you can choose where to go varying between $70-300 out of pocket, you claim back with Medicare and could probably even find places that bulk bill. Pediatrician visits during our hospital stay did not incur any costs to us as she was added to my policy when born.

My last pregnancy we were out of pocket around $2000 and it will be slightly more this time.

The main reason I have decided Private both times is you are able to choose your Ob and see the same person throughout your entire pregnancy. Also being guarenteed (most hospitals) your own private room and bathroom with facilities for your partner to stay. I couldn't imagine staying alone in hospital (possibly in a room with strangers) and my DP missing out on the first few nights with our baby. Reducing my anxiety and making sure I felt secure and comfortable was worth the expense to us.

[Bengal]

Queen : it seems there are various charges for OB's, mine was $4500 then all visits where bulk billed, so already varied compared to the other gals. And I must admit
once I was told we have twins onboard that upped the anty for my chances of a C/S, and that in turn would incur extra charges

I'm in Melbourne, and am following the advice of a friend who had an unplanned cs on a Sunday ! She paid $6000 for her OB and would you believe he wasn't there to deliver that day, she had his collegue ! so there is no guarantee



Perhaps call your fund and see exactly what your covered for, especially with regard to an anesthesia (hopefully not needed) and check the fine print in the hospital fees