A woman who gave birth in America was left stunned after calculating the cost of her childbirth without health insurance.
While the NHS has its challenges, Brits are fortunate to have free healthcare, ensuring pregnant mothers that their check-ups and childbirth, whether traditional or surgical, are covered.
However, the US system relies on private insurance and government schemes.
Quin, a lifestyle and motherhood content creator, gave birth to her second child about 10 weeks ago. The American mum recently received her hospital bill and exclaimed: “My mind is blown.”
Quin’s birth experience was straightforward – she was in hospital for less than 48 hours and did not require any surgery. “I was healthy, my baby was healthy, but my bill was still so high,” she expressed in disbelief.
People were shocked by the staggering amount it costs to bring a child into the world in the US. Quin detailed her bill on her page @quinmhamilton, revealing her room and board charge was $25,489 (£19,726), the recovery room cost $12,322 (£9,536), and her labour and delivery room was priced at $5,776 (£4,470).
Her lab charges amounted to $1,885 (£1,458) and the medical and surgical supplies and devices cost $2,088 (£1,615), plus a pharmacy charge of $1,933 (£1,495). Her total bill would have been a whopping $49,494.08 (£38,303).
Quin said: “My mind is just blown right now. I didn’t pay the bill when we had our first son – I don’t think I even saw it – but now I’m seeing this I’m just so shocked that this is how much it costs to have a baby in the United States.”
She added: “Thank goodness for insurance taking care of almost the full bill but still that is wild.”
Reactions came pouring in from parents worldwide, with one commenting: “I had a charge for skin to skin right after, like what?” Another remarked: “That is mind blowing, truly shocking.”
Do you have a health related story? Get in touch at Lucy.Marshall@reachplc.com.
