Understanding your healthcare expenses as a private patient

We know that having a baby is a special time for you and your family. By choosing to have your baby privately at one of Mater Mothers’ Hospitals, you will receive continuity of care from your chosen obstetrician and/or midwife who will work closely with our team of experienced health professionals.

Private health insurance

Prior to booking into your nearest Mater Mothers’ private hospital, we recommend that you speak to your private health insurance provider, so that you are fully aware of your entitlements. Please ensure you contact your private health insurance to confirm you have appropriate cover for your baby. You may need to upgrade to family cover before your baby is due. Also check the waiting period for this upgrade with your health fund provider.

Other costs

Your chosen obstetrician will discuss their costs with you. Please note that your obstetrician’s costs do not include some aspects of the care provided to you and your newborn baby. Some of these costs may be covered by your private health fund. It is important that you contact your health fund to determine which benefits you are entitled to and which expenses you will need to cover out of pocket.

These extra costs might include some of the following:

Your baby’s paediatrician—Your obstetrician will refer you to their chosen paediatrician. You can ask for the paediatrician’s details before your hospital admission and then make contact in advance for an estimate of their fees. Paediatric fees cannot be charged to your health fund unless your baby is admitted to the Neonatal Critical Care Unit. The rebate for newborn services comes from Medicare. We recommend that you register your baby with Medicare as soon as possible after birth so you can claim back the rebate.
You may require an anaesthetist for some procedures, such as insertion of an epidural or care during a caesarean section. Your obstetrician will recommend an anaesthetist if you need one. You can ask for the anaesthetist’s details before your hospital admission and then make contact in advance for an estimate of their fees.
Antenatal procedures, such as ultrasounds
Pathology, such as blood or urine tests
Pharmacy items
Antenatal education classes
Partner meals

Information for self-insured patients

If you are a self-insured patient (i.e. paying for your hospitalisation yourself) you will need to contact your nearest Mater Mothers’ private hospital to discuss costs and obtain a quote. Our team is available to discuss costs with you between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm weekdays (excluding public holidays). Cost estimates are based on the information available at the time and are subject to change if any aspect of your stay changes due to medical necessity (e.g. if complications arise).

Mater Mothers' Private Brisbane: 07 3163 8847
Mater Mothers' Private Redland: 07 3163 7444
Mater Mothers' Private Mackay: 07 4965 5266
Mater Mothers' Private Rockhampton: 07 4931 3380
Mater Mothers' Private Townsville: 07 4722 8866.

Bundle of Joy at Mater Mothers' Private Brisbane

When you choose to have your baby at Mater Mothers’ Private Brisbane, you can enjoy access to a range of Mater services at a discounted rate by purchasing the Bundle of Joy card.

The Bundle of Joy provides price certainty and value for money by bundling together Mater services and additional costs associated with giving birth. This helps to alleviate some out-of-pocket costs associated with giving birth that are not necessarily covered by private health insurance or Medicare.

Click here to find out more about Bundle of Joy.