The cost of giving birth in a private medical setting

The cost of giving birth in a private medical setting depends on various factors; not least the type of delivery you opt for.

Dr Noluthando Nematswerani, chief clinical officer at Discovery Health, offers advice for making safe and well-informed choices.

Tip: A personal loan can help cover medical costs if you’re uninsured or have an insurance shortfall.

Focus on the baby’s health first

Consider whether you wish to use a midwife or a doctor to assist at the birth, whether you’d rather be in a hospital or at home, and if you’d prefer a natural birth or a Caesarean section (C-section), Nematswerani advises.

However, be aware that, whatever your preferences, the baby’s health is paramount and must override all other considerations.

“Whatever their wish, expectant mothers should seek guidance from their obstetrician on the safest and most appropriate birth option,” she cautions. “This will be based on their medical history and pregnancy journey.” 

Ensure you’re adequately covered

It’s essential to ensure you have medical cover before you become pregnant, Nematswerani says.

She warns that “open” medical schemes, meaning those that are not restricted to workers in specific sectors, may apply condition-specific waiting periods of up to a year when a member joins for the first time, or has had a break in membership.

Rules may vary, so consult the medical scheme you wish to join or rejoin, to ensure you understand the conditions.

Also, be aware that medical schemes may not automatically cover all costs, Nematswerani cautions.

Costs that are generally not included are mother-and-baby packs provided at hospitals, the bed-booking fee, and lodging fees if the baby needs to stay in the hospital for longer than is covered, and the mother chooses to stay on, she says.

“Should you choose to give birth in a hospital that is not part of the medical scheme network, a co-payment is also usually levied,” Nematswerani adds.

Be informed regarding the costs involved

Discovery Health provides the following average costs for private birthing.

Source: Discovery Health Medical Scheme data

Nematswerani notes that the cost of a natural birth includes:        

• Obstetric procedure
• Consultations with doctors, nurses, and other health professionals
• Ward fees
• Blood tests
• Medication
• Epidural (if applicable)
• Birthing pool (if applicable) 

The cost of a C-section includes:

• Obstetric procedure
• Consultations
• Anaesthetist
• Ward fees
• Blood tests
• Medication

It’s essential to check with your medical scheme which costs are covered, and whether there are co-payments, and to plan accordingly.

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