Australia – Maternity and Giving Birth

What maternity care options are available in Australia?

Whether you opt for public or private care during your pregnancy, the choices available to you will be influenced by your own health needs and those of your baby, as well as where you reside. Care may be delivered by a midwife, a GP, an obstetrician, or a combination of these professionals, depending on your chosen birth setting.

The most prevalent model of care in 2025 is public hospital maternity care, which accounts for 42% of all models, followed by midwifery group practice caseload care at 16% and shared care at 14%. Of the roughly 300,000 births that occur in Australia each year, approximately 75% take place in public hospitals. This extensive public system draws comparisons with the NHS in the UK or the publicly funded systems found across Scandinavia, in that services are largely provided without charge at the point of delivery for eligible patients — yet unlike a purely GP-led referral structure, Australia’s system offers several distinct care pathways from the outset.

Public hospital maternity care broadly refers to a model in which antenatal services are delivered by midwives and/or doctors at on-site or outreach clinics, with labour, birth, and postnatal care provided in hospital by midwives working collaboratively with doctors as required. This encompasses a wide range of clinic types, from midwife-led settings focused on low-risk pregnancies to specialist obstetrician-led clinics catering to women with conditions such as gestational diabetes, multiple pregnancies, or planned birth following a previous caesarean section.

Midwifery group practice caseload care — also referred to as midwifery continuity of carer — is a model in which antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care are all delivered within a publicly funded framework by a known primary midwife, with backup midwives and medical collaboration available as needed. Antenatal and postnatal care typically takes place in hospital, community, or home settings, with labour and birth managed in a hospital, birth centre, or the home. The defining feature of this model is that the same midwife accompanies a woman throughout the entire maternity journey.

Shared care refers to a model in which antenatal appointments are provided by a community-based service — a doctor and/or midwife — in collaboration with hospital staff under an agreed schedule, with labour, birth, and early postnatal care generally occurring in hospital. This can be an appealing option for those who wish to maintain continuity with a GP they already have an established relationship with.

Private obstetrician specialist care describes a model in which antenatal care is led by a private specialist obstetrician, seen either in their private consulting rooms or at a hospital, with labour and birth managed in a public or private hospital by the specialist obstetrician alongside hospital midwives.

Birth centres are designed for women with low-risk pregnancies who wish to minimise medical intervention during labour and birth. They typically offer a more domestic atmosphere than a conventional hospital ward, with pregnancy, birth, and postnatal care provided by a known primary midwife or a small, consistent midwifery team. Most birth centres are physically located within hospitals and staffed entirely by midwives, meaning medical support is readily accessible should complications develop — though this setting is not appropriate for high-risk pregnancies.

For those planning a home birth, antenatal care can be arranged either through a privately engaged midwife or through a public hospital that offers a home birth programme. Booking with a private midwife usually requires no GP referral, whereas accessing a public home birth service generally does.

In Australia, where you plan to give birth is closely tied to which antenatal care pathway you can access. If you intend to deliver in a hospital or birth centre, booking in as early as possible is strongly advisable. Your first antenatal appointment should ideally take place around 6–8 weeks into the pregnancy, and can be made with a midwife, your GP, or directly with a clinic or hospital.

For expats, access to the public system is contingent on visa status and eligibility for Medicare, Australia’s national health insurance programme. Any pregnant woman is entitled to seek care for herself and her newborn while in Australia during pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period. However, if you are in Australia as a visitor, student, or recent arrival, the costs you face will be determined by your visa or residency situation. Medicare gives eligible Australian residents and certain categories of overseas visitors access to medical and hospital services. Australia holds reciprocal healthcare agreements with a number of countries — consult the Services Australia Medicare page or your nearest Australian embassy to confirm whether your country of origin is covered.

How much does it cost to give birth in Australia?

The financial outlay associated with having a baby in Australia can differ substantially depending on whether you use the public or private system, your Medicare eligibility, and the particulars of your care. The pathway you choose — public or private — is the single biggest factor in determining what you will pay.

Public system costs

If you hold a Medicare card and deliver in a public hospital, your personal expenses will be minimal. As a fully public patient, all aspects of your medical care are managed through the hospital and are not billed directly to you. This covers routine ultrasounds, blood tests, birth preparation classes, labour and birth care, and your and your baby’s postnatal hospital stay. If your baby requires paediatric review or specialist care in the NICU, these services are also covered.

With Medicare offsetting the bulk of costs, public patients can generally expect out-of-pocket expenses of up to around $1,000, which may include things like parking and small charges for a partner to stay overnight (as of 2024). Some additional costs may arise for certain ultrasounds, diagnostic tests, and medications, though Medicare rebates apply to most of these.

For those not eligible for Medicare, giving birth in a public hospital without complications carries a cost of upwards of $5,000 (as of 2024). Always verify your eligibility directly with Services Australia well ahead of your due date.

Private system costs

While antenatal care and birth are largely funded through the public healthcare system, the option to go private is available throughout Australia. Gold-level private health insurance can absorb a significant proportion of private costs, but out-of-pocket expenses can still be substantial. Research from 2024 indicates that total costs in the private system can exceed $12,000.

Private obstetricians typically charge an out-of-pocket pregnancy management fee ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 or more, which may include selected scans, tests, and medical consultations. Medicare rebates can offset a portion of these costs, but this remains the most expensive pregnancy care option overall (as of 2024).

Costs for giving birth in a private hospital can include accommodation charges of around $700–$850 per day — with a typical stay of two to five days — and an obstetrician delivery fee, sometimes referred to as a pregnancy management fee, of approximately $2,500–$3,400. This fee can roughly double in the case of multiple births such as twins (as of 2024).

The cost of giving birth in a private hospital without insurance starts at upwards of $8,000 (as of 2024), with caesarean sections attracting higher fees still. Always request a detailed, itemised cost estimate from both your obstetrician and the hospital in advance, as figures differ considerably depending on the provider and location.

Private health insurance and waiting periods

Private health funds typically require at least twelve months of continuous membership before they will provide cover for maternity-related services. It is essential to review carefully what your policy actually covers. The Private Health Insurance Ombudsman makes clear that the twelve-month waiting period is calculated from the date you are admitted to hospital for the birth. If you deliver prematurely, give birth during the waiting period, or go into labour even a few days before the period has elapsed, you will not be covered — nor will you be covered if your expected due date falls after the waiting period but the birth itself occurs within it.

International health insurance policies taken out overseas do not automatically extend to maternity care in Australia, and many exclude obstetric services entirely or apply lengthy waiting periods. If you are relocating to Australia and anticipate a pregnancy, arrange appropriate cover well in advance and confirm the scope of your entitlements with your insurer directly.

What is the standard of maternity and neonatal care in Australia?

Australia’s maternity services are consistently regarded among the finest in the world, with strong clinical outcomes across both the public and private sectors. Public maternity hospitals deliver a high standard of care for women throughout pregnancy, labour, birth, and the postnatal period, as well as for their newborns. The majority of Australian women choose to give birth through the public hospital system, which represents a safe, high-quality, and financially accessible option.

Australia’s neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are well resourced and appropriately staffed, and specialist perinatal services are accessible in all major cities. In public hospitals, specialists including obstetricians, anaesthetists, and paediatricians are typically present on site rather than needing to be called in from elsewhere.

That said, the experience of care can diverge between the public and private sectors. Models categorised as public hospital maternity care are more likely to involve no continuity of carer — meaning a woman may encounter different staff members at successive appointments and during labour — with around 54% of models in this category providing no continuity of carer. By contrast, models in which a privately practising midwife or a private specialist obstetrician acts as the designated carer are far more likely to offer continuity throughout the entire maternity period, at rates of 89% and 76% respectively (as of 2025). The decision to pursue private care often reflects a desire for a consistent, ongoing relationship with a single clinician rather than a meaningful difference in clinical safety outcomes.

Regional and rural areas can offer a more restricted range of options. In the Northern Territory, for example, remote area maternity care and shared care models are most prevalent rather than standard public hospital care. Women in very remote communities may need to travel to larger regional centres for birth, particularly in higher-risk situations. If you are relocating outside a major metropolitan area, it is worth investigating the nearest maternity unit before you arrive or shortly thereafter.

For those whose first language is not English, Australian hospitals offer professional interpreter services. The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) provides free telephone interpreting for Medicare cardholders consulting doctors, and many public hospitals can arrange face-to-face interpreters for antenatal appointments and during birth. It is advisable to request this service at the time of booking your care.

What should expats know about maternity rights and leave in Australia?

Australia operates a government-funded parental leave scheme alongside a set of workplace entitlements, both of which may be accessible to eligible foreign nationals who are lawfully employed in the country.

Government Parental Leave Pay

Eligible employees who are the primary carer of a child born or adopted from 1 July 2024 may receive up to 22 weeks of Parental Leave Pay, disbursed at the National Minimum Wage. Many employers additionally choose to offer a period of their own paid parental leave or supplementary benefits.

To qualify for government Parental Leave Pay, you must be an Australian resident or hold an eligible visa, satisfy a work test demonstrating recent employment history, and meet an income test. The residency criteria are specific — consult the Services Australia Parental Leave Pay page for the most current eligibility conditions, since these can change and your particular visa category will be relevant.

Employer-funded paid parental leave and other associated benefits are usually set out in an employment contract or workplace policy, with the amount varying according to your award or agreement. Receiving employer-funded leave does not affect your entitlement to government Parental Leave Pay — both can be received concurrently.

Unpaid parental leave entitlements

On completing a period of parental leave, employees have the right to resume the role they held before going on leave. Should that position no longer exist upon return, the employer must offer a comparable available role for which the employee is qualified. These protections apply to workers covered by the national Fair Work system, which encompasses the majority of employees in Australia, including those on permanent and temporary visas working on a lawful basis.

Self-employed, freelance, and contract workers are generally excluded from the same statutory workplace entitlements, although they may still be eligible for government Parental Leave Pay if they satisfy the work test and residency requirements. For current and authoritative information, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman and Services Australia.

How do you register a birth in Australia?

Registering your child’s birth is a legal obligation in every Australian state and territory. The process is administered by each jurisdiction’s own births, deaths, and marriages registry rather than a central national body, meaning the exact steps, timeframes, and fees differ slightly depending on where the birth takes place. The general procedure, however, follows a consistent pattern.

1. Collect your hospital paperwork. Your documentation journey begins at the hospital. Before you are discharged, you should be given a Parent Pack containing the key forms you will need. Among these, the Newborn Child Declaration Form is particularly important — a doctor or midwife must sign the “Proof of Birth” section prior to your departure. This form cannot be reissued if lost; you would instead need to wait for the birth certificate to be issued.
2. Complete the birth registration statement. Using the forms supplied by the hospital or obtained from your state or territory registry’s website, fill in the birth registration statement. You will need to provide details for both parents — including names, dates of birth, and addresses — along with the child’s proposed name.
3. Submit to the relevant registry. Lodge the completed form with the births, deaths, and marriages registry in the state or territory where the birth occurred. Submission is typically possible online, by post, or in person. Each jurisdiction has its own registry: for instance, the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages or Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria. Locate the registry relevant to the state or territory in which the birth took place.
4. Meet the registration deadline. Registration must generally be completed within 60 days of the birth, though the precise deadline varies by jurisdiction. Check directly with your local registry for the applicable timeframe, as late registrations may require additional documentation and a formal explanation.
5. Receive the birth certificate. Following registration, you may apply for an official birth certificate, which is the formal document serving as proof of registration. A fee is usually payable — check the current schedule with your state or territory registry, as fees are reviewed periodically.
6. Register with your home country’s embassy or consulate. If either or both parents are foreign nationals, the birth should also be registered with your home country’s embassy or consulate in Australia. This step is vital for establishing your child’s nationality in your country of origin, obtaining a passport for the child, and safeguarding their rights abroad. Requirements vary considerably between countries, so contact your embassy or consulate directly as soon as possible after the birth.
7. Notify the Department of Home Affairs (if on a temporary visa). Where the parents hold temporary visas, the child is deemed by operation of law to have been granted the same visa as the parents, and no separate visa application is required — however, the Department of Home Affairs must be notified. Log in to ImmiAccount and upload a Form 1022 — Notification of Changes in Circumstances.

What nationality will my child have if born in Australia?

Australia does not operate a straightforward jus soli system of birthright citizenship. For many decades, being born on Australian soil was sufficient to confer automatic citizenship. This changed on 20 August 1986, after which Australia ceased granting citizenship automatically to all children born in the country. A child’s entitlement to citizenship by birth is now determined by the immigration status of their parents at the time of the birth.

If a parent is a citizen or permanent resident

Where one or both parents are Australian citizens or permanent residents at the time of the child’s birth, the child is an Australian citizen. Under Section 12 of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007, this citizenship arises by operation of law and requires no separate application. As an Australian citizen, however, the child will ordinarily need an Australian passport to depart from and return to Australia.

If both parents hold temporary visas

Where at least one parent holds a temporary visa, the child is treated as having been granted the same visa as their parents. No visa application on behalf of the child is necessary, but the Department of Home Affairs must be informed as soon as the child’s birth certificate has been obtained.

A child born in Australia who has lived as an ordinarily resident in Australia from birth through to their tenth birthday may automatically become an Australian citizen on that date, regardless of the citizenship or immigration status of their parents. This provision — commonly referred to as the “ten-year rule” — functions as an important protection for children of long-term temporary visa holders.

Your child’s citizenship in your country of origin

If you or your partner are citizens of another country, your newborn may be entitled to dual nationality. Australia permits dual citizenship, meaning your child could hold both Australian citizenship and the citizenship of your home country. Some countries — China and India among them — do not recognise dual citizenship, which may mean your child will eventually need to elect one nationality, or that specific obligations arise if you visit those countries. Nationality law is intricate, and individual circumstances vary considerably. Always confirm your child’s specific situation with your country’s embassy or consulate in Australia and, where appropriate, seek guidance from a qualified immigration or legal adviser. The Australian Department of Home Affairs is the definitive source for information on Australian citizenship rules.

What are the laws and attitudes around abortion in Australia?

Abortion in Australia is governed at the state and territory level rather than by federal legislation, which means the legal framework, gestational limits, and procedural requirements differ depending on where you reside. As of 2024, abortion is lawful across all Australian states and territories, though the specific provisions vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

In broad terms, abortion is accessible on request up to a prescribed gestational threshold — commonly between 16 and 24 weeks, depending on the state or territory — beyond which the approval of one or two registered medical practitioners is typically required, taking into account medical, psychological, and social considerations. In most jurisdictions, late-term procedures — generally beyond 24 weeks — require the endorsement of two medical specialists. Relative to many countries where abortion access remains severely restricted or legally prohibited, Australia’s legislative framework is comparatively permissive, though practical access varies markedly between urban centres and rural or remote communities.

Abortion services are provided through both the public health system and private healthcare providers. Medicare subsidises many abortion-related consultations and procedures for eligible patients, reducing personal costs. Surgical terminations and medical abortions — using prescribed medication, typically available up to 9–10 weeks gestation — are the two principal methods. Medical abortion medication is available by prescription in Australia. Costs vary by provider, jurisdiction, and whether care is accessed publicly or privately — consult a local GP or the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care for current guidance on services in your area.

Some states impose mandatory consultation or counselling requirements, and certain individual healthcare providers may decline to perform terminations on grounds of conscientious objection, though they are generally obliged to refer patients to another provider. There are no federally mandated waiting periods, though local practices differ.

If this topic is relevant to your circumstances and you are moving to Australia, it is advisable to familiarise yourself with the laws and available services in your specific state or territory. Helpful contact points include 1800 My Options, a free and confidential national referral and support service, and your state health department. As legislation and service provision in this area can evolve, always verify the current position with the relevant state health authority.

Frequently asked questions about having a baby in Australia

Can I give birth in Australia as a foreign national without Medicare?

Any pregnant woman can seek care for herself and her baby while in Australia during pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period. However, if you are in Australia as a visitor, student, or recent arrival, the fees you incur will be determined by your visa or residency status. Without Medicare, you will be billed for hospital and medical services. Giving birth in a public hospital without complications and without Medicare coverage costs upwards of $5,000 (as of 2024). Check whether you are eligible for Medicare via Services Australia, and consider taking out appropriate international health insurance.

What is the difference between public and private maternity care in Australia?

Approximately 75% of births in Australia take place in public hospitals. In the public system, care is delivered by midwives and/or hospital doctors and is largely free for Medicare cardholders. In the private system, care is typically led by a private obstetrician of your choosing, who may be supported by a midwife. Private care affords greater continuity and personal choice of provider, but carries significant costs — particularly without suitable private health insurance.

How do I find a midwife or obstetrician in Australia as an expat?

For public care, contact your nearest public maternity hospital as soon as you can after arriving or learning you are pregnant. Booking in early is important — ideally around 6–8 weeks into the pregnancy — and your first appointment can be with a GP, a midwife, or directly at a hospital antenatal clinic. For private care, your GP can help identify an appropriate obstetrician and provide a referral, or you can approach private maternity hospitals directly and request a list of their practising specialists.

Will my baby automatically be an Australian citizen if born in Australia?

Not automatically. Australia no longer grants citizenship to every child born on its soil. A child’s entitlement to citizenship at birth now depends on the immigration status of their parents at the time of the birth. If one or both parents are Australian citizens or permanent residents, the child will be an Australian citizen. If both parents are on temporary visas, the child does not acquire citizenship automatically, but may become an Australian citizen if they have been ordinarily resident in Australia from birth until their tenth birthday.

How do I register my baby’s birth in Australia?

Birth registration is a legal requirement in all Australian states and territories and is carried out through the births, deaths, and marriages registry in the jurisdiction where the birth took place, generally within 60 days of the birth. The hospital will provide a Parent Pack containing the necessary forms before you are discharged. Once registration is complete, you can apply for an official birth certificate from the same registry. Check the current fees and deadlines with your local registry.

Does Australia have paid maternity leave for expats?

Eligible employees who are the primary carer of a child born or adopted from 1 July 2024 may receive up to 22 weeks of Government Parental Leave Pay at the National Minimum Wage. Eligibility is conditional on satisfying a work test, an income test, and residency requirements. Foreign nationals who are lawfully employed in Australia may qualify. Confirm your eligibility at Services Australia and the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Do I need to register my baby’s birth with my home country’s embassy?

Yes — if you wish your child to hold nationality in your country of origin or to obtain a passport from your home country, you will generally need to register the birth with that country’s embassy or consulate in Australia. Requirements differ by nationality, so get in touch with your embassy or consulate directly as soon as possible after the birth. Because Australia permits dual citizenship, children born here may be entitled to hold citizenship in more than one country.

Is abortion available through Australia’s public healthcare system?

Yes. As of 2024, abortion services are accessible through both the public health system and private providers across all Australian states and territories, though access and costs vary according to location and provider. Medicare subsidises many associated consultations and procedures for eligible patients. Gestational limits and procedural requirements differ between jurisdictions. For current guidance relevant to your circumstances, speak to a GP or consult the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. For free, confidential referral support, contact 1800 My Options.