Tania Posted May 21, 2013 Report Share Posted May 21, 2013 Hi I'm not pregnant yet - just thinking about it. Have been in Australia almost a year now and I still don't completely understand the health care system. Just wondered if anyone who's had a 'complicated' pregnancy since moving here can offer me some advice... When I was pregnant back in the UK I was considered 'high risk' following a late miscarriage caused by a blood-clot. I had to take daily injections/medication and be regularly monitored under a specialist. Everything there was covered by the NHS. Here, I don't currently have private healthcare so was wondering what exactly would be covered under my Medicare and would specialist care be monitored locally in my local hospital (Joondalup) or the main hospital down in Perth. As I am not actively trying for a baby just yet, I have not really spoke in depth to my GP other than to ask about the medication, which incidentally she was unable to answer (waste of an appointment!). There is a 12-month waiting period for the pregnancy element of any private healthcare, so unless I am prepared to wait another year for the insurance to take effect (which I'm not), I am contemplating returning back to the UK. Also, I don't have any family members here or close friends yet established - so I was wondering what would happen to my two small children if I was suddenly rushed into hospital (can kids be present in the labour ward - not that I'd want them there). Of course I'll have hubby, but I'm thinking just in case he's not nearby. This was never an issue back in UK as I had my mum So many things to think about - any advice much appreciated. Thanx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicolac34 Posted May 21, 2013 Report Share Posted May 21, 2013 I haven't had a baby here so I can't comment on the ins and outs of it, but I wanted to let you know that you don't have to wait a full 12 months on private insurance before you try for a baby. You have to have had the policy in place for 12 months at the date of birth of your child, so you could get a policy, wait 3-4 months and then try and you'd be covered so long as your due date was after the 12 month anniversary of your policy start date. I've got healthcare with Medibank with pregnancy cover (no excess) and we pay $258 per month as a couple. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ali Posted May 21, 2013 Report Share Posted May 21, 2013 You'll be covered by the public system but I don't know if all scans are covered ..... being private you'd be able to see the Dr of your choice. You'll probably be prescribed clexane as you've had a blood clot (injections). Sound out your GP regarding local services or if it would be better to go to King Eddies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roxy Posted June 20, 2013 Report Share Posted June 20, 2013 Hi Tania, Im 20 weeks pregnant from Northern Ireland living in Perth I have a medicare card. I was initially pregnant in October of last year however I suffered a miscarriage at 12 weeks and found out it was due to a rare molar condiotion....long & scarey storey. My doctors were great and King Edwards Hospital in Subiaco is where I believe most high risk pregnancies/births are treated, brilliant place, I have no complaints. I fell pregnant again in March, i'm now 18 weeks with a healthy baby girl but the first 12 weeks of my pregnancy were high risk again until they were able to rule out a repeat Molar. I find the healthcare here has been ALOT more thorough than my UK experiences,,, appointments are quick and accurate and im almost glad we had our health scare here and not back home. My family live here also and 3 of them work in different hospitals in Perth, 1 of in a childrens hospital. She has a 7 month old and when we were trying she told us there was NO need for private health care, she and the family have always used the public system. So far the first 12 weeks of my pregnany were the only think that had a cost factor... paying upfront for a blood test and 3 ultrasounds... less than $500 altogether and we claimed around half of that back. Now my appointments are hospital based from Osborne Park, 9 minutes from my house so we're very pleased and no out of pocket expeneses going forward. My friend back home is 2 weeks behind me and compared to the service she has got back home mine seems to be alot better, more appointments, choices etc So on the hole I definitely don't think we're missing out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluecob99 Posted June 20, 2013 Report Share Posted June 20, 2013 Hi Tania I've recently moved over myself and am busy learning about the maternity system and local hospitals as I am a birth doula. We support women during birth and can be particularly useful for help and advice when friends and family are a long way away. I had a client in the UK with exactly the same condition as you during pregnancy and I understand how you must be feeling. If you need to chat or just vent feelings I'm happy to listen, feel free to message me . I would definitely recommend King Eddie's if you decide to stay here. Although maternity care here can be very medicalised, for those who require attention and special care it is available and the pressures and staff shortages that we had under the NHS maternity system are certainly not the same. Good luck with everything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tania Posted June 24, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2013 Thanks for that Roxy - it's certainly a worrying and stressful time going through a high-risk pregnancy - some people don't know how lucky they are to breeze through it Wish you and baby well. x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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