Understanding Models of Pregnancy Care in Australia: What Are Your Options?

Pregnancy is a special time filled with decisions, including how and where to receive maternity care. In Australia, there are several models of care designed to support women and their families during pregnancy, birth, and postnatal care. Understanding these options can help you make informed choices that best suit your preferences, health needs, and financial situation.

Full Public Model: Accessible and Cost-Free, but with Varied Continuity

In the full public model, pregnancy care is provided through public hospitals and community health centers, fully covered by Medicare. This means there are no out-of-pocket costs for antenatal visits, hospital birth, or postnatal care. Women receive care mainly from hospital midwives and rotating medical staff, including junior medical officers. Labour and birth are typically led by hospital midwives with doctors involved as needed. Some public hospitals are introducing high-risk antenatal clinics for women with specific risk factors and midwife-led continuity models, with monthly quotas.

This model provides comprehensive and safe care at no direct cost, making it a valuable option especially for those prioritizing affordability. However, it may offer less personalized continuity compared to private care.

Full Private Model with Lead Obstetrician: Personalized Care with Higher Costs

The full private model allows women with private health insurance that includes obstetric cover to select a lead obstetrician who manages all stages of pregnancy, birth, and postnatal care. This model offers high continuity, with one main healthcare provider tailoring the care to the individual’s needs.

However, private care involves additional costs beyond insurance premiums. These include hospital fees and significant out-of-pocket expenses related to obstetricians’ professional indemnity insurance, which is considerably high. Combined with other living costs, this means private care is a substantial financial commitment which may not suit everyone.

The private model is often preferred by those who value consistent personalized care and have the financial means or insurance coverage to support it.

Shared Care Model: A Balanced Approach Between Public and Private

Shared care is a popular option blending elements of both public and private systems. Women in this model receive most antenatal care from a specialist obstetrician or a GP trained in obstetrics outside the hospital setting, with delivery and hospital care provided through the public system.

Medicare generally covers hospital services, while the private provider’s visits may incur modest fees. This arrangement offers more continuity and personalized attention than the full public model without the full cost of private hospital care.

Shared care is well-suited to women who want specialist input during pregnancy but are conscious of costs or do not have private obstetric cover.

Making the Choice: Factors to Consider

Choosing a pregnancy care model depends on many factors including your budget, desire for continuity, and insurance status. The full public model guarantees safe, no-cost care but may involve seeing different caregivers periodically. The full private model offers personalized, consistent care at a higher cost largely driven by insurance and professional fees. Shared care offers a middle ground with specialist involvement and public hospital support, balancing quality and cost.

Each model has strengths to meet diverse needs. Knowing their differences can empower you to select the care pathway that fits your family’s circumstances.