Whether this is your first child or you’re a birthing pro, now may be the time to explore the private health insurance marketplace. These insurance companies offer different benefits from traditional Australian Medicare. In addition to preventive services, essential health benefits, and medical care on the day of the birth, a private health care program can provide all the comfort your family needs for the special day.
Should you get pregnancy insurance?
Pregnancy insurance is a part of private health insurance, the benefits of which you can purchase in addition to your Medicare plan. Medicare covers most of the costs associated with childbirth at a public hospital or birthing center. The main difference in going private is that you’ll receive more personalized maternity care in more comfortable facilities. Private insurance also gives pregnant women more options so you’re able to choose what’s best for you and your family every step of the way.
With any luck, you aren’t reading this article during your first trimester. If you are, then you’ll have to wait for the next baby to qualify for private health care coverage. If you want your health plan to cover some of your private maternity care costs, get your coverage started at least 12 months before the birth of your baby. Since you’re not a manatee with a 12-month gestation period, that means you need to sort out your insurance months before you conceive. Experts recommend you apply for private health insurance plans six months before you even start trying.
Can you afford private insurance?
If your insurance is all set, the out-of-pocket costs for birthing in a private hospital still range around $3,000, compared to $500 for a public hospital. Private health insurance doesn’t cover any out-of-hospital visits, which may include prenatal care such as screenings and ultrasounds or postpartum coverage for lactation consultation. These copays and deductibles are in addition to the monthly premium you’ll pay for private health coverage. Even if you come from a low-income household, getting a qualified health plan may be better for the birth of your healthy baby and provide you with financial help in the future.
Do you want to know your doctor?
If you have a pre-existing condition or health problem, going private may seem like a better option because you get to choose your doctor. Only with private insurance do you have this choice. Your chosen doctor can be your prenatal care provider all the way through the postpartum period, and you will probably have more flexibility with appointment scheduling as well. Public health care coverage means that you’ll likely see a different midwife for each visit, and you won’t get to choose who’s in the room on your big day.
Keep in mind that there’s no guarantee your chosen obstetrician will help birth your child. If your pregnancy is low-risk relative to that of another patient, your doctor may have to prioritize them and leave you to a midwife. Alternatively, the doctor could have a life event that takes them out of work on the day that your baby decides to join our world. While it isn’t a perfect system, private insurance gives you more choice and more control than public Medicare.
Should you insure your newborn?
Your newborn is not covered under your health plan unless you sign them up. Consider opting for family cover or a children’s health insurance program to ensure that any unexpected costs will be covered. When it comes to giving birth, consider multiple coverage options so that you can be as calm as possible on the magical, painful, special due date of your baby’s birth.
It takes time to sort through all of your options when it comes to maternity care and insurance plans. The best way to get the best maternity coverage for you is to consult a professional who will be able to recommend the right plan for your needs. Determine your eligibility to start getting your family members insured today.
