So how much is Erin?

Finally had the chance (and courage) to work on our Medical Expenses relating to Lani's pregnancy and Erin's birth. Quite interesting numbers.

Our total bill was a whooping $49,293.22, of which $33,538.45 was paid by our private health insurance (Bupa). And that puts our total out-of-pocket cost at $15,754.77, in other words - six-foot deep hole.

Here's a breakdown:  

• $20,704.70 on Erin's hospital stay. Bupa paid for the whole amount. Thank you Bupa!
• $19,874.00 on Lani's hospital stay ($1,770/night x 11nights plus other charges). Bupa paid $12,390 (first 7 nights), but they didn't want to go any further. Still, thanks!
• $5635.10 paid to the OB gyne (regular visits, management fee, delivery fee). Not covered by Bupa coz we're within the 1-year waiting period for this benefit.
• $2157.00 on Lani's regular blood tests (every other day). Bupa covered only $245.75.
• $475.00 on Ultrasounds and Morphology Scans. Not covered by Bupa.
• $309.82 worth of medicines. Bupa's paid for only $72 so far.
• $137.60 on GP consultations (during the early stages of pregnancy). Bupa reimbursed $126.

The hospital costs are exorbitant because we are not permanent residents. For PRs and Citizens, Medicare pays for everything so they don't have to pay any hospital bills at all (no amount is ever discussed). But for "temporary residents" we get charged the normal rate of $318/night plus an overseas visitor fee of $1,452/night. Quite difficult to accept, considering we pay the same taxes as the residents.

Organizing the invoices and receipts