How much does it cost to have a baby?

Estimated reading time
6 min

The different factors that affect the cost of having a baby
How Medicare might subsidise the costs of IVF and some available medical tests
Different options for where you might give birth and the costs involved
The cost and requirements of adoption and how it differs from state to state

With so many possible stops along the way, the road to parenthood looks different for everyone.

Wherever you are on your journey, getting your head around the costs of having a baby ahead of time will help you budget smarter when the little one finally arrives. So, pull up a rocking chair and take a break from the baby books while we guide you through what to expect.

Trying to fall pregnant? The ‘how’ impacts the cost

For some, falling pregnant can come with some turns in the road. It may take longer than expected, or there might be some challenges that need to be addressed with the help of a specialist. Here are some of the routes people take:

In-vitro fertilisation (IVF)

In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments can help same-sex couples as well as those who are experiencing fertility issues fall pregnant. It can become costly, but there are some options for financial assistance available.

The cost of IVF will depend on the clinic you go to and how many rounds you end up having. Medicare might subsidise some IVF costs, but it can still be a costly process, so it’s best to chat with your doctor first so you (and your finances) aren’t caught off-guard.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. IVF can be a deeply emotional journey for everyone involved. Start by taking a look at the Your IVF Success website to help you get a better understanding of what may lie ahead.

Intra-uterine insemination (IUI)

Intra-uterine insemination (IUI) is another option for those who need support to fall pregnant – often with lower costs compared to IVF. Like with IVF, the cost of IUI depends on where you go to have the treatment. You might be able to get a rebate from Medicare for some costs.

The IVF Australia website has helpful information about the IUI process and what’s involved, so you can understand what choices you have for falling pregnant.

Surrogacy

Surrogacy is a pregnancy option for people who can’t fall pregnant, or same-sex couples. The treatment cost of surrogacy depends on the person carrying the baby. If they require more medical appointments, then you, as the intended parent, will have to cover the medical costs or reimburse the surrogate for their expenses.

A note on health insurance

Taking out a health insurance policy for your pregnancy journey can help reduce some out-of-pocket costs. Talk to your insurance provider to make sure you’re getting the right cover for your needs, and read up on our tips for saving on your health insurance.

Already pregnant? Here are some costs to consider

If you’ve fallen pregnant, well, congratulations! After you’ve finished celebrating the good news, you might be getting ready to mark up your diary (and budget) with a few important check-ups to make sure both you and bub are in tip-top shape. They might include:

Ultrasounds and blood tests– Initial blood tests checking hormone levels will generally be bulk billed. However, if you choose to do genetic (chromosomal) testing, where you also discover the baby’s biological sex, the tests can cost up to $500. Ultrasounds also vary depending on the provider, but you can expect to pay between $180–$350 with Medicare rebates providing some cash back.
Vaccinations – Generally, influenza and whooping cough jabs are recommended during pregnancy. You can find out more here.
Ongoing midwife and/or obstetric appointments – Telehealth or in-person appointments for ongoing care from midwives and obstetricians can range from fully subsidised in the public system, to up to $8,000 in the private system depending on your private health insurance.

You might also want to attend birthing classes before your due date. The cost of these classes can vary depending on where you go – some hospitals run these classes for free, while private classes can cost a pretty penny.

Should you give birth in a public hospital, private hospital or at home?

Where you decide to give birth influences the cost of having a baby in Australia. Our country has one of the world’s strongest healthcare systems, so regardless of which choice feels right for you, you should find yourself in very capable hands.

Public hospital

Medicare will subsidise most of the cost of giving birth at a public hospital. This means that you won’t pay as much out-of-pocket, which you can put that extra cash towards other baby-related expenses. Services Australia explains what Medicare covers on their website.

If you decide to go public, remember that you don’t get to choose which medical staff will support you during birth and you might be in a shared room post-birth.

Private hospital

Going to a private hospital will be more expensive than public, as Medicare will only subsidise some of the costs. Private health insurance can cover some of the costs at a private hospital, but it depends on your policy.

One of the benefits of going through the private system, is that you get to choose your own team of medical professionals for the birth, and generally, you will get a private room to yourself along with several nights of accommodation with your baby post-birth.

Home birth

Some people might want to give birth in the comfort of their own homes. This involves paying for a private midwife or going through a hospital homebirth program (which can be covered by Medicare). It’s important that you know how much a private midwife will cost, what those fees cover, and if you can get a rebate with your private health insurance policy.

If adoption is your option

Adopting a child can be a beautiful journey that involves quite a different set of costs, such as legal fees, and travel costs. Each state and territory have different cost estimates, timings and other requirements that you’ll need to consider when going down this path. You can find more information on intercountry adoption here, and specific details about adoption in each state and territory below:

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