It's fair to say that many of us aren't sure what privatising the NHS would mean for us all in reality.
But with constant chatter surrounding the issue of privatisation - thanks to Donald Trump's controversial comments about a potential UK trade deal - people are understandably worried that our health service could be under threat.
With that in mind, we've looked at how much it would currently cost to give birth privately. (Spoiler alert, it isn't cheap when you break it down...)
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In the US, people must budget for insurance to ensure they can afford healthcare as and when they need it.
Having a natural birth Stateside can come with a bill of $30,000 (£23,000) or up to $50,000 (£39,000) for a c-section, according to Truven Health Analytics. Here's some figures for the UK, to put things into perspective.
Ultrasound - upwards of £100 per scan
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If you want to get a glimpse of your unborn child, or know that they are developing correctly, you can expect it to cost a few hundred pounds if you're going private, reports Which?.
Most women have at least two ultrasounds during their pregnancies, quickly adding on extra expenses.
Midwife - £2,000 to £5,000
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Depending on where you live in the UK, a private midwife can cost between £2,000 to £5,000 says Which?, adding that only two per cent of women in the UK currently decide to use a private midwife.
Obstetrician - anywhere between £3,500 to £8,000
According to Private Pregnancy, prices can vary depending on how far into your pregnancy you are when you hire these services.
The higher fee would hopefully cover your entire pregnancy whereas the latter may cover your final trimester.
Epidural for pain relief - £1,395
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This figure is based on research by an independent guide to private healthcare. However, this price could fluctuate between hospitals across the country, so if you live in London you should expect to pay more.
Normal/assisted delivery - £3,935
As the Mirror reports, Guys and St Thomas', London, charge this figure, which includes a one night stay. Any additional nights may cost an added £950.
C-section - £6,040
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For an elective of emergency cesarean, you can expect to pay much more. This price at the trust includes a two night stay, midwife care during delivery, food and more. However, it doesn't include the cost of a consultant obstetrician or anaesthetist.
It's clear that these figures quickly begin to add up when having a baby. And according to Maternity Action, those who aren't eligible to have free healthcare in the UK should expect to pay:
- Antenatal care £1590 - £4233
- Birth £2244 - £3282 (plus additional payments if you need a long stay in hospital)
- Postnatal care £355.50 - £1207.50
So, as it stands it could cost anywhere between £8,000 to £11,000 to have a baby in the UK privately - as long as everything goes along fairly smoothly.
Here's hoping the NHS will continue - as the last thing you want to be worrying about when you're in labour is money...
Featured Image Credit: Unsplash