How Much Does It Cost to Give Birth in Canada?

Whether you are a legal resident from another country or a birth tourist visiting Canada, understanding the cost of giving birth is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the detailed financial considerations and relevant policies in Canada for both legal residents and non-residents.

For Legal Residents of Canada

If you are a legal resident of Canada, delivering a child domestically comes with some benefits that may reduce or eliminate certain costs. Once you have established permanent residency and lived in a province for at least 3 months, you will have access to publicly funded healthcare. This means that your prenatal visits, hospital delivery, and postnatal care, including any uncomplicated childbirth, is covered at no cost to you.

However, if you are in a situation where you require emergency services, additional medical care, or any unforeseen medical conditions, you might incur costs associated with these services. The Canadian healthcare system primarily covers expected and planned medical procedures and services associated with childbirth.

Costs for Birth Tourists

For those traveling to Canada as birth tourists, delivering a child on Canadian soil is not as straightforward. Birth tourists must secure a doctor who will agree to be responsible for your prenatal and postpartum care, and a healthcare facility that is willing to host your delivery. Different provinces may have varying fee structures, and since Canada does not have a nationalized healthcare system, you will need to budget for all costs.

In Alberta, for instance, Calgary Regional Health requires a $15,000 deposit from birth tourists. This deposit is refundable if the total costs do not exceed $15,000, or the excess amount is reimbursed. Conversely, if the delivery costs are below $15,000, the remainder of the deposit will be refunded. It's important to note that any additional fees for unexpected complications or requesting a private room are not covered by this deposit and must be paid as they occur.

Cost Breakdown for Birth Tourists

The cost of giving birth as a birth tourist can vary widely and can be as low as $15,000 for an uncomplicated birth. However, if there are complications, the costs can become significantly higher. Here's a breakdown of the potential costs involved:

Doctor's Fees: Doctors who agree to work with birth tourists often have a fixed fee or an hourly rate for their services. Healthcare Facility Fees: The facility where the birth takes place will charge for delivery, and additional costs for private rooms, emergency services, and unexpected medical procedures. Complications: Any unforeseen medical conditions or complications can significantly increase the cost of delivery. Daily Fees: Private rooms and additional hospital services are often charged daily. For example, a private room may cost around $200 per day. Uncomplicated Birth: For an uncomplicated birth, the costs, including doctor's fees and facility charges, can amount to approximately $15,000.

Alternative Healthcare Options

While some birth tourists opt for public healthcare, others may choose to add additional insurance through their employers to cover unexpected costs. For example, if you opt for a private room, many employers provide insurance that covers the daily fees. If you do not have such insurance, the costs of a private room may range from $200 to $300 per day.

Emergency and Postnatal Care

In cases of emergency, such as an emergency cesarean section, the costs may still be covered by public healthcare, but the costs for additional services, such as the duration of your stay and any other medical expenses, are not covered by public funding. In our experience, parking and medical stays (including additional costs) are minimal. For example, during my son's birth, the only costs were $40 for parking over a 5-day period, and less than $30 in total 13 years ago.

Conclusion

In Canada, the cost of giving birth can vary significantly based on your residency status and the specific circumstances of your delivery. For legal residents, the process is largely subsidised by the Canadian healthcare system. For birth tourists, costs can range widely and may need to be meticulously planned. Understanding your financial responsibilities and options is key to having a smooth and stress-free birthing experience.