Self-Funded Maternity Care with Dr Stephen Cole
What Is Self-Funded Care?
Self-funded care means paying directly for your hospital stay and treatment, rather than using private health insurance.
The care you receive is exactly the same — the same obstetrician (Dr Cole), the same maternity wards, the same midwives and facilities. The only difference is how the hospital and specialist costs are covered.
This option is increasingly popular in Melbourne, especially for women who:
- don’t hold private hospital insurance,
- are visitors to Australia, or
- want private care without committing to ongoing insurance premiums.
The Bigger Picture
In 2023, about 11% of Australians paid for their hospital care directly, spending around $2.4 billion out-of-pocket.
- Around 50% of Australians have “extras cover” (dental, optical etc.), but no hospital cover.
- In Victoria, 42.3% of the population have private hospital insurance — meaning nearly 60% do not.
- Rising premiums and exclusions are driving more families to explore self-funded maternity care.
Why Families Choose Self-Funded Maternity Care with Dr Cole
- Continuity of care — Dr Cole personally manages your pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal care.
- Choice of hospital — Dr Cole delivers at leading Melbourne private hospitals including Epworth Freemasons, Frances Perry House and St Vincent’s Private
- Certainty and transparency — you receive written estimates for hospital and professional costs in advance.
- Timely access — no waiting lists or restrictions.
- A personalised experience — private rooms (where available), midwifery support, breastfeeding assistance, and the comfort of knowing your own doctor will be with you throughout.
Self-Funded Maternity: Step by Step
Here’s how the process works in Dr Cole’s practice:
1. First Appointment
- You’ll see Dr Cole with a GP referral
- Dr Cole will discuss your care options, explain self-funded pathways, and answer questions about costs and hospital choices.
2. Hospital Estimate
- Dr Cole’s rooms will submit a maternity booking to your chosen hospital
- The hospital finance team provides a tailored estimate of their costs
- This quote covers your hospital stay, theatre use, and standard maternity services.
3. Professional Fees
- You’ll also receive a separate quote from Dr Cole’s rooms for his professional fees. You can find the full Pregnancy Care Package offered by Dr Cole here https://www.flipsnack.com/CD859DAA9F7/pregnancy-care-package-xnlri9hbdc/full-view.html
- Anaesthetists and paediatricians (if involved) provide their own fee estimates.
4. Planning Ahead
- Most Melbourne hospitals require payment of the hospital component 4–8 weeks before your due date.
- Dr Cole’s team will guide you through timelines, paperwork, and payment instructions.
5. Delivery & Postnatal Stay
- When you’re admitted, your hospital package covers your agreed length of stay which is usually 4 nights.
- Dr Cole is on hand for your labour or planned birth, and the hospital’s midwives support your recovery and early parenting.
- If baby requires special care (SCN/NICU), or your stay is longer than expected, additional costs may apply.
What’s Covered and What’s Extra?
Usually Included in Hospital Estimate
- Private room for the standard stay
- Theatre, labour ward and hospital accommodation fees
- Midwifery and nursing care
- Standard consumables, meals, linen
Usually Not Included
- Dr Cole’s professional fees
- Anaesthetist fees (for epidurals or caesareans)
- Paediatrician fees (baby check-ups, nursery care)
- Pathology, blood tests and ultrasounds
- Pharmacy (medications during your stay)
- Additional nights or extended care
- Special Care Nursery / NICU costs if baby needs extra support
Dr Cole’s team makes sure you have a clear picture of both hospital and professional costs well before your due date.
Common Misconceptions About Self-Funding
❌ “Self-funded care is lower quality.”
✔ Not true. Your care is the same. You’re cared for in the same hospitals, by the same staff, with the same safety standards as insured patients.
❌ “It’s only for the wealthy.”
✔ Many families find self-funding more practical than paying years of health insurance premiums, especially if they only need private care for pregnancy.
❌ “The bills will spiral out of control.”
✔ While costs can change if complications occur, Dr Cole and the hospital will provide itemised estimates upfront and keep you informed if anything changes.
Dr Cole specialises in high-risk pregnancy and twin care, but also provides personalised, compassionate care for all women — whether insured or self-funded.
- Over 20 years of experience in Melbourne private obstetrics
- Accredited at leading private hospitals
- Known for clear communication and evidence-based care
- Supported by a team who can help coordinate estimates, payments, and hospital booking processes
If you’re considering self-funded maternity care with Dr Cole:
- Book your first appointment with Dr Cole.
- Discuss your options and request cost estimates.
- Plan your care pathway with confidence.
Learn More - Epworth Freemasons Private Maternity