Moving to the US and pregnant?

[3months]

Hi,

I have the reverse problem of most posters here. I'm moving to the States next year to be with my family, and I'm facing insurance issues.

My husband's company coverage will not be effective in the US. That being the case, can I buy private insurance? Is it simply crazy to even think of paying out-of-pocket? I've lived in the US for the past 10 years, but I've always had employer-sponsored insurance.

This time, I will not be working, at least initially. I'd appreciate any tips from moms in the US.

Thank you.

[expat mom]

If you do not end up with some type of insurance that will cover your pre-existing condition(pregnancy) then often doctors will reduce their stated fees if you ask.  Another option (if you are healthy and there is no worrisome condition for your baby)is to have a midwife and a home birth.  I had a friend that chose to do this due to the rapidity of her labor.  She had insurance so money was not an issue.  She was thrilled with home birth.  Also midwife birthing centers can be less costly.  If you go for the full OB, hospital delivery it will probably be quite expensive to pay for out of pocket.

[3months]

Thank you. I had not thought of the options you had mentioned. I'm trying to research this as much as possible.

[InTheStates]

3months,

Where in the US will you be living?  I ask because the insurance and midwife/homebirth situation differs from state to state.

If you want to get a rough idea as to how much self pay insurance would cost, I would look at Blue Cross/Blue Shield and United Healthcare to start.  These are 2 of the big insurance companies.  They should be able to give you an estimate via e-mail.  Another option many people don't consider it AAA--the auto club people.  Believe it or not, they often have very competitive rates for people who are self insured.

Also, many hospitals now offer their own insurance plans.  You would have to contact hospitals directly in the town where you plan to live.

There are also growing number of physician practices that are cash only.  Google for the name of your city plus "cash only" and see what you come up with.  Generally these doc's charge significantly less than others.  Sometimes it's very cost effective to get a catastrophic insurance plan for hospitalization only, then use cash only doc's for your primary care.  

If you don't get maternity coverage, I would do as expat mom suggests and consider a homebirth or birthing center, or negotiate with the ob and hospital up-front.  My sister negotiated with her ob and hospital when she was pregnant, and her total cost was about half of what our insurance covered delivery was.

Good luck!