Pregnancy Care Cost in Australia
Understanding Pregnancy Care Costs in Australia: Your Options and What You Need to Know
When you're expecting, navigating the different options for pregnancy care can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to costs. In Australia, you have four primary routes to choose from, each with its own level of care and expense. Let’s break down the pregnancy care costs and what you can expect from each path—so you can make an informed decision.
Upfront costs in early pregnancy before you’re going into Midwifery care:
There are various tests and scans during your pregnancy that are not fully covered. Here’s a quick rundown of some common out-of-pocket costs for standard pregnancy care:
Appointments with your GP, if the praxis does bulk billing it’s free - if not expect a cost of around $80, with a $40 rebate for a short 15 min appointment. They charge more for longer appointments.
Dating Scan (early in pregnancy): Usually bulk-billed.
Nuchal Translucency Scan (around 11-12 weeks): Costs $261.75 with a $66 rebate, leaving an out-of-pocket expense of around $195.
NIPT Test (genetic screening for trisomies and abnormalities): Typically costs $500, with no rebates available. It's your choice rather or not you want to do the genetic testing. If you do, it can be used to determine the baby's gender more accurately than an ultrasound.
Morphology Scan (around 20 weeks): Costs $290.75 with a $95.35 rebate, meaning an out-of-pocket cost of around $195.
Third Scan (if medically necessary): Costs $255.35 with a $95.35 rebate, leading to an out-of-pocket expense of $160.
1. The Public System: Free and Straightforward
The public system is the most affordable option and comes at no cost. You’ll give birth in a public hospital and be looked after by different midwives depending on who’s on shift. This option does come with higher intervention rate and a more medical approach to your birth. If that doesn’t bother you and you’re not too fussed about meeting different caregivers, the public system offers solid care without the hefty price tag.
2. Midwifery Group Practice (MGP): Free, but Limited Availability
If you get accepted into a Midwifery Group Practice, you’ll receive continuity of care throughout your pregnancy, with a midwife supporting you every step of the way. You’ll likely also have a chance to have a more personalised birth experience in a birthing center, which is often located within a public hospital. As well as a more natural approach to birth with lower intervention rate compared to the first option.
Though the care is still public-funded and free, the main challenge here is getting accepted into an MGP, as spots are often limited and competitive.
3. Private Hospital Care with an Obstetrician
If you want more control, the private route lets you choose your own obstetrician and have your baby in a private hospital. This is usually Obstetrician/ midwifery shared care. If you have private health insurance, you’ll still face out-of-pocket fees, which can range from $350 to $2,500 depending on your insurance plan. Intervention rate is similar to the public system.
4. Private Midwifery Care: The Most Expensive Option
For the most personalized care, you can opt for a private midwife who will provide continuous care throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postnatal care. This route is the most expensive—expect costs ranging from $5,000 to $6,000 AUD.
Private midwives usually offer care for both hospital births and home births, and they’ll take over all your care, including prenatal, birth, and postpartum visits. In most cases, you won’t need to see your GP anymore. While this option is costly, it provides a highly personalized and supportive experience. Most Midwife’s will do home visits and offer 24 hour on call support if needed.
Some private midwives do offer Medicare rebates for prenatal and postnatal appointments, but be aware that the majority of the costs will still be out-of-pocket.
Final Thoughts
When choosing your care, think about both the cost and the birth you want. The public system is free but comes with more variability in caregivers and intervention. If you want a natural birth with less intervention, a Midwifery Group Practice is a good option—if you can get in.
Private care offers more control but at a higher cost. If you’re looking for a more personalized experience with fewer interventions, private midwifery care is your best bet, though it’s the most expensive.
I hope this helps guide you toward the best choice for your pregnancy care, balancing both your birth vision and your budget!
