@ Pumi26 - a private room at a private hospital charges about $50000+ for a few days, it would be nice to see the room first before my husband and I make a final decision. Yes, it is only a few days, but its also one of the most important days of my life (you don't give birth everyday) so we would like to try to make the experience a nice/comfortable one.
Cost of doctor fees - ward vs private room at private hospital
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Loveisgood
Registered User
Yep, and if you can't decide which hospital then a tour would definitely help. You get to see the facilities they provide, how they operate and meet the team/midwives.
If insurance paying absolutely 100% I would go to Matilda but if not, why pay such a huge amount if risk of being transfered to QMH anyway is my thinking. My friend had 2 children in Matilda and although it was 5* treatment they did not have insurance so paid for the whole thing - I personally would rather spend that kind of money on the baby afterwards than the 2 - 4 days of hosp stay.
I don't really a have a deal - I just think it is shame that the expat scene here makes people feel they need to go private or that the public system is not good enough. This is something several of my friends have commented on (friends who have given birth here and also those expecting) and the general consensus has been that a lot of worry and confusion could have been saved if they just viewed the public system like being pregnant back in the UK and if people want to go private there is that option - rather than it feeling like an expectancy to go private.
Sweetblueberry
Registered User
Being pregnant in HK is a new experience for many of us and thankfully for boards like this, I've been able to meet some great people willing to share their experiences to make life easier.
The reality is... there are distinct differences on how things work in the public and private systems here compared to other countries. Many people find that it's helpful to get as much information as possible (e.g. from tours which are offered in both the private and public hospitals) to be able to make an informed decision.
Do realize that each family can have specific circumstances where one system would work out better than the other - as to what those specific circumstances are, it's really nobody else's business... but to explore one possible example, the public system does not allow for cord blood collection. For those parents that choose to do this for their own personal reasons, private delivery is the only option.
The public system can be an excellent choice - however I have known some mums who had to forfeit this option because they were working and their schedules were not flexible enough to accommodate 3 hour appointments (during dates and times you often can not get to choose) + commute time to QM/TS. For some people, this is just not feasible... no matter how much they want to go with public.
I don't really see the expat community here or elsewhere advocating private delivery as the better and only way to go. Our friends and family (a mix of locals and expats) have done both and shared care.
The reality is... there are distinct differences on how things work in the public and private systems here compared to other countries. Many people find that it's helpful to get as much information as possible (e.g. from tours which are offered in both the private and public hospitals) to be able to make an informed decision.
Do realize that each family can have specific circumstances where one system would work out better than the other - as to what those specific circumstances are, it's really nobody else's business... but to explore one possible example, the public system does not allow for cord blood collection. For those parents that choose to do this for their own personal reasons, private delivery is the only option.
The public system can be an excellent choice - however I have known some mums who had to forfeit this option because they were working and their schedules were not flexible enough to accommodate 3 hour appointments (during dates and times you often can not get to choose) + commute time to QM/TS. For some people, this is just not feasible... no matter how much they want to go with public.
I don't really see the expat community here or elsewhere advocating private delivery as the better and only way to go. Our friends and family (a mix of locals and expats) have done both and shared care.
I gave birth in St. Paul's hospital. Didn't think I needed a private room, but when I checked in they said a private room was available and I decided to go for it on an impulse. I thought it was really worth it... being able to rest a lot better, see baby whenever I wanted, and have my husband around at night. Sure, it was only for a few days and the bill did give me a minor heart attack (insurance ended up covering more of the cost than I expected), but all in all, I'm glad I went for it. Giving birth for the first time is a very special time, I think it's worth splurging a little for the experience.
Also, Sanatorium's semi-private room seems to be a good deal. At least the semi-private room my friend had was almost completely private (with a couch for husband to sleep on too), except having to share the bathroom with one other mom.
Also, Sanatorium's semi-private room seems to be a good deal. At least the semi-private room my friend had was almost completely private (with a couch for husband to sleep on too), except having to share the bathroom with one other mom.
Definitely having a tour, or giving yourself one whether you're going private or public is recommended by our friend who's a psychiatrist, he says by going in a few times, getting comfortable and familiar with your settings helps to put your mind at ease for your big day 
the anxiety of being in an unfamiliar setting will not help u or bb to relax which makes sense!
the anxiety of being in an unfamiliar setting will not help u or bb to relax which makes sense!