Maternity Medicare Ineligible

 

​Who is a Medicare Ineligible Patient?

A Medicare Ineligible Patient is someone who does not hold a valid Medicare card, is not an Asylum Seeker or is not a visitor from a country who has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia.

If you do not have a Medicare Card you will be required to pay for all hospital services. Patients who do not have a Medicare card will need to organise payment with Western Health Patient Liaison Officer when receiving care and services. Charges may vary depending on the treatment provided and whether you are covered by an Australian Health Insurance Policy.

Will I have to pay for my Maternity care at Western Health?

Yes. You will need to pay for all cost associated with your care and your baby’s care.

I do not have insurance for pregnancy care and birth

If you are uninsured for pregnancy care, the fee for maternity care is $16,500.

This fee includes all maternity-related medical, emergency, outpatient, inpatient, theatre and post-natal care services (up to six weeks where hospital care is required).

This fee does not include:

• The costs of your baby’s care (if your baby requires treatment or admission)

• Medical Imaging, Pathology, Pharmacy or Anaesthetic services.

I have insurance for pregnancy care and birth

Most health insurers cover the full cost of your maternity care and birthing however you may be required to pay an upfront deposit of $6,000 for pregnancy care and birth, this will depend on your level of private health insurance.

All insured maternity patients will need to pay for Outpatient Services upfront, you may then claim this cost from your health insurance if you are eligible under your policy. Specialist outpatient services are $425 and midwife outpatient services are $100. Interpreter fees are $152.

Any deposits paid to Western Health for the cost of your maternity care & birthing contributes to the costs related to your inpatient care that may not be covered by an Australian Health Insurance Policy. You must pay for any shortfall between the amount charged and the amount paid by your health fund. Any remaining balance will be refunded to you once payment has been received from your health fund.

For more information please speak with our Maternity Patient Liaison Officer who can inform you of any costs and help check with your insurance if you are covered for pregnancy care and the birth of your baby.

What information will I be asked for?

You will be asked to provide the following information:

• Your passport & Visa Status

• Up-front payment for services

• Relevant health insurance policy details

• Overseas residential address and phone numbers

• Residential details and sponsor details including contact information during your stay in Australia

How do I pay for my account?

Pay by Phone
Contact the Maternity Patient Liaison Officer to pay for your maternity services on 8345 1083.

Pay in Person
Payments can be accepted in cash, credit card or EFTPOS. Please talk with your Maternity Patient Liaison Officer.

A General Guide to Costs

If you do not have a Medicare Card or you are not covered by an Australian Health Insurance Policy you will be required to pay for all hospital services.

If you have an Australian Health Insurance policy you will be required to make an upfront payment. Charges may vary depending on the treatment provided and your Health Fund policy. For a guide to the cost of treatment please see ‘Guide to Costs’ below, additionally please see our Overseas Maternity Brochure.

Guide to Costs

Medicare Ineligible Patients - Maternity Services 

 Medicare Ineligible Neonate Care—Insured & Uninsured Patients

*Upfront payment may be required depending on you Health Fund/Policy

Speak with our Maternity Patient Liaison Officer who can inform you of any costs and help you check with your health fund if you are covered for pregnancy care and the birth of your baby​.

Fees effective from September 2020.

If you are unsure about your level of cover please contact our Maternity Patient Liaison Officers who can assist and discuss your maternity costs with you.

Telephone: 03 8345 1083
Email: [email protected]