How much does it cost to give birth at a private hospital? 2022 latest package pricing reference.
Many private hospitals offer "birth packages" that allow parents to enjoy private healthcare services within their budget. How much do the charges differ among different hospitals? What items are not included in the packages? Bowtie's medical information team interviewed a recently discharged mother to find out the final cost she paid. This information is provided as a reference for new parents preparing to choose a hospital for delivery.
Comparison of delivery fees in 8 private hospitals
In Hong Kong, most private hospitals offer delivery packages, and the prices vary mainly based on room type, mode of delivery, and length of stay. Taking the example of a natural delivery (3 days 2 nights) in a standard room, the charges range from HK$18,800 to HK$23,300:
*The above package prices are for reference only. Please refer to the official information provided by the hospitals for actual charges.
St. Paul's Hospital Case: How much does it cost for both natural delivery and emergency C-section?
The Bowtie medical information team interviewed a mother who unfortunately had to go through a “full course” at St. Paul’s Hospital (which means an unsuccessful natural delivery followed by emergency C-section). She chose a 4-person standard room, and the final bill came to approximately HK$112,000. The “doctor’s fee” category was relatively straightforward and mainly included the surgical fee for the C-section, anesthesiologist fee, and pediatrician fee, totaling HK$67,500.
In addition to package and emergency surgical fees, the hospital charges various “miscellaneous fees,” such as $80 for rapid testing upon admission, $328 for a waist binder after surgery, and costs for common painkillers (Panadol), laboratory tests, and electrocardiograms that are not included in the package.
Which costs can be avoided? Save HK$20,000 anytime?
included, with minor variations between them. The most common situation that may incur additional charges is when a pregnant woman specifies a particular date or time for a C-section. For example, at Union Hospital, if a C-section is scheduled on a Sunday, public holiday, or between 10 pm and 7 am, an additional HK$19,000 will be charged.
Some pregnant women prefer “pain-free delivery” during natural birth, which incurs an additional HK$6,300 for every 5 hours. Additionally, if an “unscheduled emergency C-section” is required, the hospital will charge an additional HK$5,000.
In summary, if budget control is a priority, scheduling a C-section is an option for some pregnant women. However, both natural birth and C-section have their advantages and disadvantages, and pregnant women should choose the approach that best suits their own circumstances.
Potential additional charges for pediatric examinations
After the baby is born, private hospitals arrange for pediatricians to conduct a series of basic examinations. The situation most likely to incur additional charges is when the baby develops jaundice and requires phototherapy treatment while staying in the hospital.
For example, at Hong Kong Baptist Hospital, the daily fee for infant jaundice phototherapy is HK$1,500. If the mother is discharged from the hospital, but the baby still needs to stay, a nursery fee of HK$1,100 per day will be charged.
In addition, most hospitals charge additional fees for newborn hearing tests and metabolic screening. However, the packages at Union Hospital, Chinese University Hospital, and Canossa Hospital already include hearing tests.
If any health abnormalities are unfortunately detected and require treatment and examinations such as laboratory tests, blood transfusion, special intravenous fluids, X-rays, ultrasound, etc., additional charges will apply.
Public Hospital Delivery Fee Reference
In public hospitals, whether it is a “natural delivery” or a “C-section,” the cost is almost free.
Apart from a $75 admission fee, pregnant women can decide the length of their hospital stay based on their situation. If a successful natural delivery occurs, a 4-day stay is required, with a total cost of approximately $75 + $120 X 4 = $555. If a C-section is needed, doctors recommend an additional day of hospitalization, resulting in a total cost of $75 + $120 X 5 = $675.
How much deposit is required before admission?
Taking the basic room type as an example, both Queen Mary Hospital and St. Paul’s Hospital require a deposit of HK$10,000. Princess Margaret Hospital and Canossa Hospital require a deposit of HK$20,000, while Chinese University Hospital requires the full amount of the package as a deposit, which is HK$22,000.
How to maximize credit card rewards?
Private hospital delivery can easily cost up to HK$100,000, and some people consider using credit cards for payments to earn rewards and cashback. Credit cards often have a welcome offer period of 3 months, so it’s recommended to apply for a credit card about 2 months before the expected due date to enjoy the welcome offers.
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