Jump to content

Can I have a caesarean on Medicare


LandM

Recommended Posts

Hi PIO

I am currently expecting - due in the Autumn - and here in the UK I’d be having an elective c-section on the nhs. It’s medically indicated due to two prior births-with-issues. 
 

...my question is, if we can get out there before i can no longer fly (my husband is on the priority migration list so currently trying to secure a job for a 482 visa) do you think I would be able to have my caesarean on Medicare? Or would I need to look for super-duper private medical insurance that included it?

 

any thoughts or tips greatly appreciated!!

 

lisa

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Unlikely that you’ll find private insurance to cover it as you are already pregnant unless you already have private insurance in U.K. and when transferring from one insurance co to another, waiting times are waived.  Medicare is only going to cover you for necessary medical intervention - that generally precludes elective procedures.  Why the rush? 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If your doctor determines that it's medically necessary, it will be covered by Medicare.  If not, not.  If your history indicates it, then I'd expect Australian doctors to take the same cautious attitude as your British doctors so I wouldn't fret about it. 

However, do make sure you let doctors know that you have no health insurance and you want to be treated in the public system.  Many GP's will automatically refer you to a private specialist without thinking, unless you make a point of it, and then you'll be up for a big bill.

Your pregnancy is a pre-existing condition so I doubt you'd find a private insurance company who will cover it.

When transferring from one Australian health insurance company to another, it's normal for waiting times to be waived.  @Quoll, I've never heard of one that offered a waiver based on overseas cover? 

Edited by Marisawright
Link to comment
Share on other sites

53 minutes ago, Marisawright said:

 

When transferring from one Australian health insurance company to another, it's normal for waiting times to be waived.  @Quoll, I've never heard of one that offered a waiver based on overseas cover? 

That's what I was told recently when I needed major dental which had a 12 month waiting period.  I didnt know about it either.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 hours ago, LandM said:

Hi PIO

I am currently expecting - due in the Autumn - and here in the UK I’d be having an elective c-section on the nhs. It’s medically indicated due to two prior births-with-issues. 
 

...my question is, if we can get out there before i can no longer fly (my husband is on the priority migration list so currently trying to secure a job for a 482 visa) do you think I would be able to have my caesarean on Medicare? Or would I need to look for super-duper private medical insurance that included it?

 

any thoughts or tips greatly appreciated!!

 

lisa

If it's medically necessary due to previous complications get your current obstetrician to write a referral letter detailing your history and the reasons for the C section, if you get over before baby is born you can can present this.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks all. Yes a letter from current OB would be necessary!

why the rush...hehe...I’m just thinking moving lock stock with the baby inside will be easier than when it’s on the outside (flights, ‘camping’ after sending our furniture...) there’s probably no ‘better’ way!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 30/04/2021 at 18:08, LandM said:

Hi PIO

I am currently expecting - due in the Autumn - and here in the UK I’d be having an elective c-section on the nhs. It’s medically indicated due to two prior births-with-issues. 
 

...my question is, if we can get out there before i can no longer fly (my husband is on the priority migration list so currently trying to secure a job for a 482 visa) do you think I would be able to have my caesarean on Medicare? Or would I need to look for super-duper private medical insurance that included it?

 

any thoughts or tips greatly appreciated!!

 

lisa

It does bug me when they call it an elective c section. Our third child my wife had pre eclampsia. Her blood pressure spiked and the consultant said the baby was coming out today. No ifs no buts. Call your husband, we're preparing you for surgery. Then on her notes, it says elective c section! What part of that was elective?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 hours ago, newjez said:

It does bug me when they call it an elective c section. Our third child my wife had pre eclampsia. Her blood pressure spiked and the consultant said the baby was coming out today. No ifs no buts. Call your husband, we're preparing you for surgery. Then on her notes, it says elective c section! What part of that was elective?

Wording isn’t great. It is either an emergency c section (often during labour) or elective which covers both medical necessary intervention and opted for c sections (by doctor or mother). 
The idea of someone choosing a c section with no medical reason is a relatively new phenomenon!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...