Let’s compare how much childbirth costs in different countries, including France, South Korea, Sweden, and the United States.
The WHO has clear guidelines on how prenatal care should be provided to expectant mothers [1]. Nevertheless, a lot often depends on each country's benefits, government support, and cultural practices.
South Korea
The National Health Insurance (NHI) covers the cost of [2]:
initial and follow-up appointments with an obstetrician-gynecologist
all necessary tests
childbirth preparation courses
folic acid and iron supplements
In South Korea, pregnant women receive a certificate for 1 million won ($750) and can use it to pay for any medical needs [3]. Any money that remains can be used towards payment for the birth. In addition, support is provided for up to 3 million won ($2200) for medical expenses not covered by health insurance for women with high-risk pregnancies. Childbirth costs can be partially or fully covered, depending on the family's income. The government also pays great attention to nutrition. Pregnant women can receive free nutritious staples such as rice, potatoes, eggs, and beans.
France
In terms of population growth, France leads European countries [4]. The government actively helps pregnant women throughout their journey. They can choose a midwife who will accompany them from pregnancy into motherhood. Health Insurance covers 100% of medical expenses (pharmaceutical, analysis, laboratory tests, hospitalization) from the fifth month of pregnancy. Labor and delivery costs are also fully covered [5].
Sweden
Prenatal care is free in Sweden and provided by the state when you have social insurance or have registered in the Swedish population register. When a woman becomes pregnant, they must contact a maternity care center and sign up. They can then meet with a midwife and discuss the pregnancy and their general health. A pregnancy care plan is then drawn with the midwife’s help, and the expectant mom is provided with a pregnancy certificate, which can facilitate benefits such as getting easier tasks at work or receiving social benefits as parents [6].
USA
In the United States, giving birth costs $18,865 on average. That includes prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care [7]. Health insurance may cover most of that cost. Some insurance plans may only cover a portion of the total or require additional payments. Even with insurance, the average new mother will pay at least $2,665 for labor and delivery [7]. It is also important to note that in the United States, there is the option of delivering the baby at home under the care of a specially trained midwife. In such cases, insurance may not cover all of the expenses related to the birth.
