I'm in the US, and in total I'll pay around $60. Our insurance coverage (through DH's employer) does have a deductible, but it is paid by DH's employer. Basically, it's cheaper for them to pay the premiums and deductible for a high deductible plan that it is to pay for a plan with no deductible at all. So, I'll pay copays for my ultrasounds out of pocket and that's all. We're very fortunate.
tesskerr That sucks you have to pay for your scans! Boo! I haven't had to up here in Blenheim for either of my pregnancies, maybe its a shitty Chch thing? At the end of the day $100 for an entire pregnancy isn't really that much though...we are so lucky after reading a lot of the comments!
For those of us in the US, you have to remember there are positives to our system as well. Choice of doctors, choice of testing, extra ultrasounds, etc., choice of hospitals, choice to see specialists (assuming you have a PPO). Not saying that one is better than the other necessarily, but there are definitely positives and negatives of all systems.
In Canada we can choose our doctors and what hospital we give birth in. It is a universal health care system, so the choice is ours, no restrictions on that. That also doesn't mean we don't pay anything for our health care, each province has a health care system that you pay into (in BC it is around $55 a month) and then we have the option for extended medical which covers prescriptions, eye care, dental etc. Some employers (like mine) pay your provincial health care costs (taxable benefit) and then they may offer you extended medical which they either pay for out right or that you share the cost with. I pay $60 a month to cover me and my husband for our extended medical.
For those of us in the US, you have to remember there are positives to our system as well. Choice of doctors, choice of testing, extra ultrasounds, etc., choice of hospitals, choice to see specialists (assuming you have a PPO). Not saying that one is better than the other necessarily, but there are definitely positives and negatives of all systems.
In Canada we can choose our doctors and what hospital we give birth in. It is a universal health care system, so the choice is ours, no restrictions on that. That also doesn't mean we don't pay anything for our health care, each province has a health care system that you pay into (in BC it is around $55 a month) and then we have the option for extended medical which covers prescriptions, eye care, dental etc. Some employers (like mine) pay your provincial health care costs (taxable benefit) and then they may offer you extended medical which they either pay for out right or that you share the cost with. I pay $60 a month to cover me and my husband for our extended medical.
@eclarke - you're in BC? Me too! Nice to meet another fellow Canadian
For those of us in the US, you have to remember there are positives to our system as well. Choice of doctors, choice of testing, extra ultrasounds, etc., choice of hospitals, choice to see specialists (assuming you have a PPO). Not saying that one is better than the other necessarily, but there are definitely positives and negatives of all systems.
In Canada we can choose our doctors and what hospital we give birth in. It is a universal health care system, so the choice is ours, no restrictions on that. That also doesn't mean we don't pay anything for our health care, each province has a health care system that you pay into (in BC it is around $55 a month) and then we have the option for extended medical which covers prescriptions, eye care, dental etc. Some employers (like mine) pay your provincial health care costs (taxable benefit) and then they may offer you extended medical which they either pay for out right or that you share the cost with. I pay $60 a month to cover me and my husband for our extended medical.
@eclarke - you're in BC? Me too! Nice to meet another fellow Canadian
Dishylo - I am, I'm in Kamloops, where abouts are you. Yes it is nice to meet a follow Canadian.
We only had to pay $60 for prenatal care for DS. My hospital bill was $0, huge perk of delivering at the hospital I work for. However, it's not really "free" because I pay weekly health insurance premiums.
Well, so much of it depends on your insurance in America.
I believe I will pay about $240 out of pocket to have this baby. $40 co-pay total for all of my OB appointments, and then $200 to the hospital when I have the baby.
I am exceptionally grateful that we have good insurance. I saw the bill for my last two babies and total was well over $20K including both OB and hospital fees.
I had a c-section with my ds which meant a 4 day hospital stay. I had to pay a $5 copay at my first ob visit and the insurance paid the rest. The delivery cost a little under $9000 for me and $6000 for my son. The insurance paid for everything.
I am in US and Mm out of pocket max is 2500. I have a couple of friends in Russia; they can have their kids for free, but if they want to be comfortable, it will cost upwards 10K for nicer accommodations.
Re: Mamas from different countries and the cost of having babies
Emma Kate - born 10.16.03 @ 29 weeks, weighed 1lb 13oz and 13.5" long.
TTC #3
Edit - that smiley is supposed to be a high five but on 2nd glance it looks like it's a "talk to the hand". D'oh!
A