So true! Our system is so broken! After adding up everything we'll have to spend, it frustrates me that people I know didn't have to pay a dime for their baby's birth because they're on state healthcare. It just doesn't seem fair that they get free healthcare because they DON'T work, and I have to pay through the nose because I'm working my butt off (and barely getting by!). Some people CAN'T work, and I totally get that...it's the people that play the system that drive me nuts. *end healthcare rant*

I just discovered that my OB also charges a fee above and beyond the hospital for all the prenatal visits (apparently this is how a lot of OBs do it, they just lump everything into a single charge for the whole 9 months). His fee is $4200, and then my insurance estimates delivery at our hospitals here at around $6000, but I have no doubt that's just for the basic "package" and doesn't include extra meds, complications, etc... We have to pay 20% of everything....but like others mentioned, luckily we do max out at a certain point.

I think since you have an HMO babyfeva they really limit how much you'll have to pay out of pocket, which is nice. I'm sure if you called your insurance company and asked for an estimate they could at least give you a ball park. Good luck and H&H 9 months!

Those prices are truely disgusting! You shouldn't have to pay to have a baby. Private healthcare is soo bloody greedy. People moan about the NHS here but I say that don't realise how lucky we are. Personally I love the NHS. May not always be the fastest system but its still there for everyone nonetheless

Actually the state I live in make the father pay a large chunk of the bill if you have state insurance. My bill for a csection and 3 night hospital stay was about 30000 and the epdural wasn't really covered much so that was an extra 500 out of pocket. We have two insurances which both are considered very good and I paid about 1200 out of pocket all together.

I have to pay a $1,500 deductible. Once that is met, I am responsible for 10% of each bill until I reach another $1,500. The maximum I'll pay out of pocket is $3,000.

Remember, doctors always overbill and never get paid as much as they bill insurance. From what I've seen with my bills so far, you are responsible for the contracted rate not necessarily what the doctor bills. For example, my insurance was billed over $700 for my HSG. I paid the bulk of it (insurance covered like $3!) and it was only a little over $200.

Awe, they are gentile giants! No need to be terrified lol. My heart does beat a bit fast if I come across some sharks, but they can actually kill me.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!! Nnnnnnnnooooo!!!!!

Reading this I feel so fortunate to live in canada and pay nothing! The only thing we pay for is if we wanted a private room at the hospital (no sharing rooms) its 75 a night where I live by the boyfriends and I's insurance covers that... Thankfully. Ahah! I don't wanna be in a room with 6 other girls trying to adjust to there newborn! ..

Wow! A private room is about $700-$800 per night here and they are not guaranteed. I hate the idea of sharing even with one person, but I can't afford that kind of money.

Hi Ladies,

Just wanted to put in my two sense about healthcare in Canada.

Despite the fact that we dont get a bill in the hospital, we do infact 'pay' for healthcare with our 13% taxes on everything and our higher housing taxes etc.

That being said, I also feel very fortunate to be living in Canada and pre-pay for my doctor bills and support others in their bills

Babyfeva,

I live in Santa Cruz!! Just thought I'd say Hi!

(First baby so I don't know what it costs for L & D)