Hi - A friend of mine recently had her second child by elective CS at a public hospital and had her own doctor. She had to pay the gap (between what the doctor charges and what the government will pay) for each monthly/fortnightly/weekly visit.

Also, the gap on three ultrasounds - which is about $80 a time. Like they charge around $130 at the time, but you can claim about $50 back thru medicare.

ALso, her doctor charged a one off fee and there was some sort of fee for the epidural at the time of the birth.

BUT then, once you get to $500 out of pocket expenses, isnt that when that safety net thing kicks in and you can start getting some money back ?

Good luck - I've been a patient in both public and private hospitals and apart from food being delivered hotter and the icecream not melted at private, didn't find much different.

Barb.