One of the larger concerns of expectant parents is the cost of delivering a baby. Among the many considerations is the doctor, the anesthesiologist, the recovery room, nurses and lab fees. Insured patients can have an itemized list of costs sent off to the provider but may receive other statements from the doctor and the hospital.
The Cost of Delivering a Baby: Delivery Costs
One factor that largely determines the cost of delivering a baby is whether the birth is natural or by Cesarean section and whether complications set in afterward. How long the patient remains in the hospital and where the hospital is located also plays a role. The Northeast and West Coast are the most expensive for childbirth, while costs are lower in the South.
An uninsured patient who has a natural, uncomplicated delivery can see costs between $9,000 and $17,000. A patient who experiences complications or undergoes a C-section can see the bill rise to $25,000 or more.
The Cost of Delivering a Baby: Insurance Coverage
Those who have insurance coverage can expect to pay between $500 and $3,000 out-of-pocket for the cost of delivering a baby. This includes co-payments for the doctor and the delivery services. Some insurance plans may cover only 80 to 90 percent of cost after the deductible requirement has been reached.