Having a Baby in Oz

[Carkyde]

Hi just wondered what are the differences in the maternity services, has anyone gone to Oz expecting a baby. OH and me are trying, I just wondered what the quality of care is like there compared to the good ole NHS.

Do u have to have separate health insurance to cover hospital care? What are the after care services like?

Any info appreciated.Ta

[Roo1]

You may like to PM Rachel on here as she is expecting (me too but its early yet) and if you go on adbrits there's a whole section devoted to this in the reading room, written by FoxyChick.

You can go private. I have private health insurance with Medibank but found I still have to pay up to $2000 for my Obstetrician. I'm now going to use the shared care option where my GP looks after me for most of my check ups, with appointments at Flinders Hospital for Ultra sounds etc.

I been told there's nothing wrong with the maternity units here and people's experiences have been positive, infact better than with the U.K NHS.

The best of luck with your plans

Judi x

[foxychick]

I just wondered what the quality of care is like there compared to the good ole NHS.

Depends what your local NHS is like I suppose, but I found it pretty similar to our local NHS (which was good). Seems to be a lot less midwife driven, but only in my experience.

Do u have to have separate health insurance to cover hospital care?

No- you will be covered on medicare, apart from initial doctor visit and some scans

What are the after care services like?

Not like the UK, you may get 1 or 2 midwife visits, then you access help via CAYHS

Any info appreciated.Ta


hope that helps

[Carkyde]

Hi Roo

Can I ask another question, sorry if this is dumb ..... with the shared care option you mentioned does this come out of Medicare or your private insurance?
What are the antenatal services like? Is it GP who arranges scans, or do you do it yourself?

Also how far into your pregnancy are you .... congrats!!

Thanks C