Having a baby in private care
If you have private health insurance, or you are prepared to pay for this service, you are able to book as a private patient for your:
- antenatal care
- baby’s birth
- postnatal care.
Private patients can either receive care from:
- an obstetrician in a:
- private hospital
- public hospital
- a private practice midwife.
Before deciding on the care you would like to receive, you should first check that your health insurance policy:
- includes obstetric care
- covers all of the services you require.
Private patients in a public hospital
You may be able to attend a public hospital as a private patient. As a private patient you may receive extra benefits including choice of doctor.
To find out if this option is available, contact your local hospital for more information.
Private hospital care
As a private patient you are able to choose the doctor and hospital you would prefer to provide your care.
You will normally have antenatal appointments with an obstetrician:
- in their private rooms
- at a hospital antenatal clinic.
You should ensure that your obstetrician has admitting rights at the hospital you prefer. You can find contact details for obstetricians from:
Private practice midwifery care
Private practice midwives are practising midwives who are not linked to a hospital or the Community Midwifery Program.
These midwives provide antenatal, birth and postnatal care to low risk, healthy women in their own homes.
In choosing this option you will normally see the same midwife or group of midwives for all your care.
Eligible midwives are able to access the Medicare benefit scheme.
This means that if you see a midwife in private practice who is an eligible midwife you will be able to claim the Medicare rebate for that visit.
The midwife will also be able to write prescriptions for you for certain medications.
You will need to discuss with the midwife whether or not they are endorsed as eligible in order to receive the rebate.
For more information:
Western Australia’s private maternity hospitals
Glengarry Private Hospital (external site)
53 Arnisdale Rd
Duncraig WA 6023
Phone: 9447 0111
Joondalup Health Campus (external site)
Joondalup Health Campus
Shenton Ave
Joondalup WA 6027
Phone: 9400 9999
Peel Health Campus (external site)
110 Lakes Rd
Mandurah WA 6210
Phone: 9531 8000
St John of God Bunbury Hospital (external site)
Bussell Hwy
Bunbury WA 6230
Phone: 9722 1600
St John of God Geraldton Hospital (external site)
Hermitage St
Geraldton WA 6530
Phone: 9921 1233
St John of God Mercy Hospital (external site)
Thirlmere Rd
Mt Lawley WA 6050
Phone: 9370 9222
St John of God Murdoch Hospital (external site)
100 Murdoch Drv
Murdoch WA 6150
Phone: 9366 1111
St John of God Subiaco Hospital (external site)
175 Cambridge St
Subiaco WA 6008
Phone: 9382 6111
Acknowledgements
Women and Newborn Health Service
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.