Bupa to launch pilot program to remove midwifery and obstetrician out-of-pocket costs.
While 48% of expectant couples have pregnancy cover, only 29% delivered their child in a private hospital, according to recent research conducted by finder.com.au.
The high costs may be forcing those with health insurance to avoid the private system and go public. The research, which surveyed 2,000 parents with kids under 12, found that almost half (48%) of expectant parents had private health insurance that covered pregnancy. However, the data showed that roughly half of those with cover (29%) had their first child delivered in a private hospital.
Roughly one in five (19%) parents with private health insurance choose to have their child in the public system. This is likely due to the exorbitant costs facing expectant parents, who face costs of up to $10,000 for each private birth.
As part of a growing plan to address affordability and value for money, Bupa is trying to reduce out-of-pocket costs faced by expectant parents. The two-year pilot, which launches in South Brisbane in December 2017, will see Bupa partner with Hatch Private Maternity.
“This pilot program has seen us negotiate an agreed rate with a group of private obstetricians that means customers face no out-of-pocket costs for their antenatal, pregnancy management fee, delivery and postnatal care,” Bupa managing director Dr Dwayne Crombie said in a statement.
While the aim of the program is to provide members with a no-gap experience, there will still be some out-of-pocket costs for services such as the anaesthetist or intensivist (if required). You will need to contact Hatch about any costs associated with paediatricians or sonographers, and Bupa for hospital co-pays, excess and facility fees.
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