Should I Choose Private or Public Pregnancy Care?

Back to top

What’s pregnancy care at a private hospital like?

What’s pregnancy care at a public hospital like?

What are the key differences between private vs public care for pregnancy?

What should I consider when deciding between private vs public care for pregnancy?

Which health insurance policies cover pregnancy?

Where can I find and compare health insurance?

Long story short

Private care can make a big dent on your wallet, but you get to choose your doctor

You’ll get continuity of care with your chosen obstetrician, but you can also expect significant out-of-pocket costs.

Public care is mostly covered by Medicare

It’s the budget-friendly choice, but you’ll typically be cared for by different doctors and midwives, not to mention likely share a room with another mum.

If you want private care, you need to sign up at least 12 months before giving birth

Health funds have a 12-month waiting period, so you’ll need to get cover well before you’re pregnant.

What’s pregnancy care at a private hospital like?

Pretty nice! In a private hospital, you can generally expect nicer facilities and perks than in a public system. It depends on the hospital, but you could potentially be in for a private room with an ensuite, plus a room service menu and more fun stuff that could help you feel like you’re in a hotel staycation. Your partner may also be able to stay with you overnight. 

If you have private health insurance that includes pregnancy and birth, you’ll also get more choice around which hospital, obstetrician, and midwife you go with.  

However, you can expect to pay more out of pocket at a private hospital than a public one. Yes, even with private health insurance that covers pregnancy and birth. While Medicare covers some of the costs, and your insurance covers some more, there might be additional costs that you’re expected to cover yourself. 

There’s usually a 12-month wait to claim for pregnancy on private health insurance, so if you wait until you’ve got a bun in the oven, sorry, but it’s too late! 

What’s pregnancy care at a public hospital like?

It’s cheaper!  

In the public system, most of your costs are covered by Medicare.  

Public hospitals are also sometimes better equipped to handle complex health issues, so if your pregnancy has particular risks, you might find that a public hospital has better facilities to handle them. Sometimes, even if you have private hospital cover, you might still be sent to a public hospital if there are complications or higher risks involved with your pregnancy or delivery. 

You’ll likely have less choice in your doctor and midwife than in a private hospital. You might also see a different doctor or midwife for each appointment, who will only know your history by reading the notes the last doctor left. That said, most public hospitals offer different ways of caring for you and bub, which include: 

• birthing in the hospital or a public birth centre
• shared care with your GP
• team midwifery care
• midwifery group practice or case load (which allows you to have a team of midwives overseeing your entire pregnancy, birth, and postnatal care)
• homebirth. 

Also, if you’re dreaming of some peace and quiet once bub arrives, going public might not fulfill this dream for you, as you’re also less likely to have your own room. That means hearing another mum and bub at the other end of the room. 

‘Although I had a great experience having my first son in 2018 through the public system (with shared care via my GP), we chose to go private for our second child in 2021. Having a baby is stressful at the best of times, let alone during a pandemic lockdown, and I really wanted the extra stability and continuity of care you get with a private obstetrician. Sure, it cost us a lot more (around $8,000–$10,000 out of pocket) but it meant that I stayed in hospital for four nights post birth (the first time, I went home the day after giving birth) and my husband was able to stay with me in my own private room (he certainly got his money’s worth from the delicious room service menu). Plus, when you have a toddler waiting for you, you aren’t in quite the same hurry to rush home! There are definitely pros and cons either way, but for me, the extra peace of mind of going private was invaluable.’

Laura Crowden
Head of Editorial, iSelect and mum of two

What are the key differences between private vs public care for pregnancy?

If you’re standing at the crossroads of birth decisions, it might be helpful to know that, of the 97% of Aussies who welcomed their little bundles in hospitals, three quarters go public.¹AIHW – Australia’s mothers and babies

So, which is right for you? It’s never a bad idea to draw up a pros and cons list! Yours might look something like this, depending on what your priorities are. 

Pros

Public hospital

• You can access medical intervention if you need it.
• Most costs are covered by Medicare.
• If there are complications, most major hospitals can care for you and your baby. 

Private hospital

• You can choose a doctor who’ll care for you from pregnancy until after the baby is born. 
• You’ll have the option to stay in hospital for a few days after giving birth. 
• You can choose the hospital you give birth in, and you might stay in a nicer and/or private room. 

Cons

Public hospital

• You can’t choose the doctor or midwife you see. 
• You might not be able to stay with the same midwife or doctor throughout your pregnancy and birth. 
• You’re more likely to be in a shared hospital room. 

Private hospital

• The hospital might not have the facilities to tend to complex care needs. 
• There could be significant costs that aren’t covered by your insurance. 
• Private hospitals have historically had a higher rate of caesarean sections and birth interventions than public hospitals. 

What should I consider when deciding between private vs public care for pregnancy?

This is where the rubber hits the road – which one feels right? While only you can answer this question, there are some factors to consider when weighing your options. It’s a good idea to think about cost, choice of doctor and hospital, and the overall experience you’re hoping for. 

Which health insurance policies cover pregnancy?

When it comes to hospital cover (health insurance that covers in-hospital treatments) for pregnancy, you’re generally looking at gold policies. All hospital cover policies are broken up into the same tiers, and any gold policy legally has to cover pregnancy and birth, as well as assisted reproductive services. Other than that, you might find pregnancy included in the rare silver plus policy, but this is the exception rather than the rule. 

When it comes to extras, there’s no specific pregnancy category to look out for – it’s more about figuring out which treatments you’d like to access and which plan includes them. There’s a whole range of extras treatments that might help you through your pregnancy, from acupuncture to mental health and from myotherapy to breastfeeding support.

Where can I find and compare health insurance?

Understanding health insurance can be a bit of a puzzle, but here at iSelect, we’re all about simplifying things. Say goodbye to the confusion – you can explore policies easily online. 

If you prefer a phone chat, give us a ring on 1800 784 772. Our friendly team is standing by, ready to steer you in the right direction and help you snag a suitable health insurance policy for your needs.