What you need to know before you start planning a family

Your guide to pregnancy cover

02 | Your guide to pregnancy cover

Before you embark on this exhilarating journey of pregnancy and parenthood, there are a few important things to consider first.

Your pre-pregnancy journey

Step 1

CHECK OR UPGRADE YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE COVER

If you’re planning to have a baby in a private hospital, the most important first step is to make sure you have the right level of health cover.

CHECK ON THE WAITING PERIODS FOR YOUR POLICY

Find out the length of the waiting period to access pregnancy and birth-related (obstetrics) services and confirm when you will have served the required waiting period.

FIND OUT WHAT YOU’LL HAVE TO PAY WHEN YOU GO TO HOSPITAL

Talk to us about what’s included when you go into hospital, what’s covered by Medicare and what out-of-pocket costs you might have to pay.

VISIT YOUR GP AND CHECK ON YOUR HEALTH

Visit your GP and get all the relevant health checks to make sure you’re as healthy as possible before you conceive.

YOU’RE PREGNANT! PLAN YOUR CARE ARRANGEMENTS

Congratulations, you’re pregnant! Now it’s time to do your research and decide on an obstetrician and hospital. You’ll need a referral from your GP.

02 | Your guide to pregnancy cover

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Sorting out your health insurance can be a daunting task, so we’ve put together a few of the most common questions we hear from soon-to-be parents.

Questions about CUA Health pregnancy cover

03 | Your guide to pregnancy cover

Q How do you choose a hospital?

A Some obstetricians will only deliver at certain hospitals. They will usually work with you to book your hospital stay for you or recommend a hospital.

It’s best to book early to have a better chance of getting into the hospital you and your obstetrician choose.

Q How much does a stay in hospital cost?

A A stay in a private hospital to have a baby (without health insurance cover) generally costs between $6,000 and $8,000, and that doesn’t include the doctors’ fees.

Health insurance that includes cover for pregnancy and birth-related services will contribute benefits towards your hospital stay and your medical fees (up to the Medicare schedule).

You will need to pay the excess or co-payment amount detailed in your policy.

Q What if I choose to be a private patient in a public hospital?

A If you don’t have a private hospital close to your home or if you would prefer to have your baby in a public hospital as a private patient, this is an option available when you have obstetrics cover.

In this case, you can still choose your obstetrician (provided they can service the public hospital you’ve chosen) but you will likely be in a share room and the length of your stay may be shorter than if you were in a private hospital.

Q Is my partner covered if they stay overnight?

A CUA Health doesn’t cover this, however your hospital will let you know how to arrange this and if there will be an additional charge.

Q Are scans covered?

A Scans to check on your baby’s development are not covered unless you have been admitted to hospital and they are performed while you are an in-patient.

Q Is the baby covered under my policy?

A It’s important to check on your level of cover before you have your baby (or babies, if it’s a multiple birth) to know what you are and aren’t covered for.

If you are on a family or single parent policy, once the baby is added to your policy they are covered for any hospital admissions and there is no excess to pay should they require an admission to hospital.

Ultimately, there’s no need to add your baby to the policy until he or she is born. If your baby does need medical care, please get in touch with us and we will help you through the process of adding your baby to your policy.

Q Is my obstetrician’s pregnancy management fee covered?

A Your health insurance policy covers your time as an in-patient in hospital. This includes your care and accommodation while you are in hospital.

However, your specialist fees before you’re admitted to hospital, including regular consultations with your obstetrician and/or midwife and the pregnancy management fee, are not covered by health insurance.

It’s best to speak to your obstetrician directly about how these fees can be paid and how much you will be able to claim back through Medicare.

Q Is the paediatrician consultation for my baby covered?

A The paediatrician consultation for your baby is not covered by health insurance. This is because unless your baby is unwell and has to be admitted to hospital, they are considered to be a visitor with you.

However, you will be able to claim a portion of the paediatrician consultation through Medicare.

Q What if I need a caesarean?

A Having pregnancy and birth-related services insurance means you are covered for whatever way your baby comes into the world.

However, there are some services that can have an out-of-pocket expense. For example, your anaesthetist may charge an out of pocket fee if they are called in out-of-hours or if yours is a particularly complex case.

We recommend that you check with your hospital before admission to check what out-of-pocket expenses you may need to pay.

Questions about CUA Health pregnancy cover

04 | Your guide to pregnancy cover

Questions about CUA Health pregnancy cover

05 | Your guide to pregnancy cover

More questions?We’re happy to help. Speak to one of our friendly customer service team at CUA Health on 1300 499 260.

Q Are antenatal courses covered?

A Speak to your hospital about what antenatal services they provide before you have your baby. These are not covered by CUA Health.

Q What about complications during pregnancy?

A If you’re admitted to hospital because of something related to your pregnancy you’ll be covered by your policy; however, you may need to pay an excess depending on your policy.

If you need to be admitted to hospital during your pregnancy, please give us a call and we’ll check your policy and explain what you may need to pay.

Q What about postnatal care once I’ve taken the baby home?

A It’s important to speak to your obstetrician about what they can offer you once you leave hospital. Some will offer midwife support at home for the first six weeks or they may recommend physiotherapy and/or other assistance. Please bear in mind this is not included under your hospital cover.

Q Is IVF treatment covered?

A CUA Health can only pay benefits towards in-patient IVF and assisted reproductive services. This means you have to be admitted to a hospital to be able to claim from your hospital cover.

Consultations and other treatments or services that are provided as an out-patient can only be claimed from Medicare, and you may still have an out-of pocket or ‘gap’ payment.

Talk to us before you start treatment to better understand what you’ll be covered for.

When you’re planning to get pregnant:

Check your level of health cover and any applicable waiting periods for your policy

Find out what you’ll have to pay so that you can be financially prepared

Check on your health before you conceive

When you’re pregnant:

Make an appointment with your GP to confirm your pregnancy

Choose your obstetrician and get a referral from your GP

If you haven’t already, start putting some money aside for baby costs

Book your hospital stay

Start recording pregnancy appointments, symptoms, and questions for your obstetrician and/or midwife

Organise antenatal classes with your hospital

Talk to your obstetrician about a birth plan

Pack your hospital bag (we’ve suggested a few essentials to get you started)

Research paediatricians (please note you may have already been allocated a paediatrician through your obstetrician’s clinic or the hospital)

Organise the nursery and check you have everything you need for your baby’s arrival

Have a baby capsule or car seat installed in your car

Try to get some time for rest and relaxation, so you’re feeling great when your baby arrives

There’s a lot to remember when preparing for a baby! Here’s a quick reference checklist so you know you have the basics covered.

Your pregnancy checklist

06 | Your guide to pregnancy cover

Key things to pack in your hospital bag:• Your birth plan and hospital

documents

• Toiletries including maternity (sanitary) pads and nursing pads

• Baby clothes and swaddles

• Nappies and wipes

• A camera to capture your beautiful memories