Here’s how much it costs to give birth in the USA

Childbirth in the US is expensive. In fact, this 2013 report identifies the United States as having the most expensive child birth cost in the world. Regardless, there are people who prefer to have their babies in the US for personal reasons.

That being said, travelling to the US for childbirth is not illegal.

I looked up the cost of giving birth in the US and came up with some findings. This guide is for both first time travellers and those with previous international travel history. At the end, a full breakdown of costs will be given.

If you are planning on having a child in the USA, here are the main things you need to budget for:

  • Hospital and associated medical bills
  • Getting a visa
  • Accommodation
  • Child documentation
  • Flight tickets
  • Feeding and miscellaneous





Those who have been down this road before estimate that one will need between $10,000-15,000 for hospital bills alone. There are cases where, with diligent research, people have paid less. As ‘less’ as $5,000. Accommodation costs can be reduced or totally removed where one stays with relatives or friends, although Atoke from BellaNaija warns against being an inconvenience to cut costs. Some other expenses are dependent on necessity and personal needs of parents.

Getting a doctor and hospital

The main criteria in getting a doctor and hospital is fees. Booking an appointment with the doctor is crucial as the doctor’s correspondence will be required during visa interview. Another factor to consider is the proximity of the hospital to where you plan on staying.

Delivery cost vary with birth process. A vaginal delivery with no complications will be cheaper than a c-section. Epidural births come at extra cost. Apart from hospital bills, there are bills for doctors, scans, tests etc.

The total bill is one that, in many cases, exceed initial estimates provided by hospital.

According to costhelper, the average for a vaginal birth without complications is $9,000-$17,000. A c-section or vaginal delivery with complications averages between $14,000 and $25,000. Geographical location also plays a role as costs are lowest in the south and highest in the Northeast/East coast.

With this in mind, it is important to search for the most pocket friendly alternative. For a list of pricing and financial information on some US hospitals, click here.

Complications during births can have fees shooting through the roof. To be on a safe side, we picked a cost estimate of $10,000.

Total: $10,000

Tips:

Get as much required tests and scans done here. The price is always higher in the US.

Since you’re paying in full, bargain for as much discount as the hospital can offer.

DO NOT accept Medicaid or any form of government sponsorship. You do not pay taxes to America and is not entitled assistance. Accepting it might hinder future visa applications.

After childbirth, try as much as possible to be quickly discharged from the hospital.

Make sure you get ‘zero balance’ from the hospital after paying all bills.




Getting a B1/B2 VISA

To enter the US for childbirth, you will need a B1/B2 visa. To learn more and begin processing this visa you can visit the US Embassy Nigeria page. You will be required to pay a non-refundable visa application fee.

For others who have gotten a two year B-visa in the recent past, renewal can be done via Dropbox.

Total (visa only): $160

Visa interview tips:

Your intent for travelling (tourism/visit and child birth) should be clearly stated during interview. Playing ‘sharp guy’ will come with consequences in the future.

Make sure you have all necessary documents and proof of enough funds.

Documents and answers provided should show you have good enough ties with Nigeria.

If renewing via Dropbox, it is important to send a ‘letter of intent’ explaining you’re going for childbirth. Especially if your previous visa was not for childbirth reasons.

Accommodation

An average delivery will need the mother to stay at least six weeks (2 weeks before and 4 weeks after delivery). Accommodation is best provided by family and friends. If you’re lucky, you could get a baby shower as a bonus (ok, I’m joking).

Should you have no one to stay with then you can rent.

A good service to consider for this purpose is Airbnb. Airbnb has a vast reach and many options to choose from. Not only can you get cheap options when you book ahead, it’s possible to get one close to hospital of choice. Intown suites is another service provider that covers about thirty states. Accommodation options can start from as low as $50 a night and $270 a week. A six week stay at $270 per week gives $1,620.

Total: $1,620

Child documentation

After birth the next is to get your child’s documents. These include; birth certificate, American Passport. Social security number, Nigeria Passport and visa. Birth certificate is gotten for about $30. Application for both passports are more expensive if expedited. An expedited America passport (within 8 days) costs $180. The Nigeria passport goes for $167.

If unable to get a Nigeria passport, you can apply for an Emergency Travel Certificate costing about $300.

Total: $550

Flight tickets

Flight fees are dependent on several factors. Some airlines have long stopovers and poor user ratings but fairly good prices. Always confirm airline policy on pregnant women/infants before booking.

To get cheap airlines, recommendations from friends is the best bet. A call to the local travel agent could also generate good options. From wakanow, a one way Emirates Airlines economy class flight from Abuja to New York (JFK airport) costs $923. A one way trip (mother + infant) back to Abuja costs $1,564 with Turkish Airlines.

Total: $2,487

Feeding and Miscellaneous

Feeding, shopping and other unforeseen expenses make up our miscellaneous. In-city transportation comes in here too.

Total cost: $2000

Full breakdown

Hospital bills                       $10000

Visa                                       $160

Accommodation                  $1620

Child documentation          $550

Flight                                    $2487

Miscellaneous                     $2000

Grand Total                    $16,817

Bear in mind this is an estimate and can be reduced. Staying with family and hospital bill of $7,000 will reduce the above by more than $4,000. If possible, try to have like $15,000 before planning this trip. Hospital bills have been known to throw surprises at people.

Better to be safe than in a bad position. This is not our prayer.

Wish all our future mothers towing this path a hitch free birth.

 

Further reading:

Give birth in US: cost and procedure

2015’s Best and Worst States to Have a Baby in the US

List of documents to take for visa interview

 

Ever given birth in the US or have questions for us? We love to hear from you.

306 Comments

  1. Otukpe Cyril July 12, 2017
  2. badger-group.com January 22, 2020
  3. rekomendowana strona January 22, 2020
  4. cocuk porno videolarix January 23, 2020
  5. Forest January 23, 2020
  6. Avery January 23, 2020
  7. Seymour January 23, 2020
  8. Faustino January 23, 2020
  9. asdasdsadr15fdxx January 24, 2020
  10. Edison January 24, 2020
  11. asdasdsadr15fdbb January 25, 2020
  12. zayıflama hapları January 25, 2020
  13. fx15 January 25, 2020
  14. czytaj calosc tutaj January 25, 2020
  15. serdecznie zapraszam January 26, 2020
  16. Continued March 28, 2023
  17. Ilultu May 5, 2023
  18. Zoigbu May 8, 2023
  19. Syvbka May 9, 2023
  20. Zibeex May 9, 2023
  21. Wgwuzx May 11, 2023
  22. Prmfkh May 12, 2023
  23. Hisraw May 12, 2023
  24. Duwzku May 16, 2023
  25. Kwracv May 17, 2023
  26. Unathw May 18, 2023
  27. Mdzkts May 19, 2023
  28. Yzlfql May 20, 2023
  29. Icnlgu May 21, 2023
  30. Cwaeam May 22, 2023
  31. Uclxmq May 22, 2023
  32. Lqmfeh May 25, 2023
  33. Lewhks May 27, 2023
  34. Vctcld May 29, 2023
  35. Qxuqet June 1, 2023
  36. Ocvjtu June 2, 2023
  37. Qjeasg June 3, 2023
  38. Pkpsya June 5, 2023
  39. Rhnpml June 6, 2023
  40. Smbboi June 8, 2023
  41. Rhndcz June 9, 2023
  42. Ivocxl June 11, 2023
  43. Rceuln June 11, 2023
  44. Aazrsp June 13, 2023
  45. Gnyzvz June 13, 2023
  46. Akulsm June 15, 2023
  47. Zmmlcc June 16, 2023
  48. Nkejni June 16, 2023
  49. Ysnrto June 17, 2023
  50. Tjkfmc June 18, 2023
  51. Qcpiym June 19, 2023
  52. Jxnrqd June 19, 2023
  53. Okvdzz June 21, 2023
  54. Xwsbfu June 21, 2023
  55. Btppek June 23, 2023
  56. Mnamca June 23, 2023
  57. Ooqmxu June 24, 2023
  58. Jskzzz June 26, 2023
  59. Smerrs June 27, 2023
  60. Knuqyg June 27, 2023
  61. Thqukd June 29, 2023
  62. Vhuajw June 29, 2023
  63. Ndsiqd July 1, 2023
  64. Drgqvy July 1, 2023
  65. Qxbxcp July 2, 2023
  66. Qbdnpg July 3, 2023
  67. Uomaui July 4, 2023
  68. Dwomcv July 5, 2023
  69. Idqmye July 6, 2023
  70. Ktqpmz July 7, 2023
  71. Gehjaz July 7, 2023
  72. Wjdstc July 9, 2023
  73. Uzjhuh July 9, 2023
  74. Hoxbvp July 10, 2023
  75. Shakqx July 11, 2023
  76. Ahcacc July 12, 2023
  77. Rumldb July 13, 2023
  78. Zaeofz July 13, 2023
  79. Ithvck July 15, 2023
  80. Nfgdpj July 17, 2023
  81. Plwfyp July 17, 2023
  82. Rildew July 19, 2023
  83. Lqvkpp July 19, 2023
  84. Nfevyd July 20, 2023
  85. Inlrli July 21, 2023
  86. Coetyf July 22, 2023
  87. Tihswu July 24, 2023
  88. Axqpzi July 24, 2023
  89. Ufmyau July 26, 2023
  90. Wbcmtm July 27, 2023
  91. Ocvkpt July 28, 2023
  92. Jfzgak July 29, 2023
  93. Wfqqax July 29, 2023
  94. Tgdzxs July 30, 2023
  95. Ycktyw July 30, 2023
  96. Vizuuq August 2, 2023
  97. Drbvew August 2, 2023
  98. Svdakl August 5, 2023
  99. Grkduw August 5, 2023
  100. Npduov August 7, 2023
  101. Jimmymen August 7, 2023
  102. Zwncad August 7, 2023
  103. Derekduh August 8, 2023
  104. Kwmowj August 9, 2023
  105. Brentpielo August 10, 2023
  106. Samuelgab August 10, 2023
  107. ScottWeF August 10, 2023
  108. Charlesgof August 10, 2023
  109. ClaudeInins August 10, 2023
  110. Larrybrops August 11, 2023
  111. Jamesfrism August 11, 2023
  112. Charlespuh August 11, 2023
  113. DarylFig August 11, 2023
  114. ScottWeF August 11, 2023
  115. ClaudeInins August 11, 2023
  116. Larrybrops August 12, 2023
  117. Zbqbof August 12, 2023
  118. Brentpielo August 12, 2023
  119. Charlesgof August 12, 2023
  120. Samuelgab August 12, 2023
  121. ScottWeF August 12, 2023
  122. ClaudeInins August 12, 2023
  123. DarylFig August 12, 2023
  124. Jamesfrism August 12, 2023
  125. Larrybrops August 12, 2023
  126. Charlespuh August 13, 2023
  127. ScottWeF August 13, 2023
  128. ClaudeInins August 13, 2023
  129. Charlesgof August 13, 2023
  130. Fsjdyp August 13, 2023
  131. Samuelgab August 13, 2023
  132. Brentpielo August 13, 2023
  133. Larrybrops August 13, 2023
  134. Robertenade August 14, 2023
  135. Edwarddrymn August 14, 2023
  136. JoshuaFak August 14, 2023
  137. AlbertRon August 14, 2023
  138. Xuhlde August 14, 2023
  139. FreddyVek August 14, 2023
  140. Edwarddrymn August 15, 2023
  141. Robertenade August 15, 2023
  142. AlbertRon August 15, 2023
  143. Georgefralt August 15, 2023
  144. FreddyVek August 15, 2023
  145. Dwwjkv August 16, 2023
  146. Edwarddrymn August 16, 2023
  147. AlbertRon August 16, 2023
  148. AllanblinG August 16, 2023
  149. LorenEnert August 16, 2023
  150. FreddyVek August 16, 2023
  151. Luehfj August 16, 2023
  152. Edwarddrymn August 17, 2023
  153. Robertenade August 17, 2023
  154. AlbertRon August 17, 2023
  155. FreddyVek August 17, 2023
  156. Edwarddrymn August 17, 2023
  157. Zzmqqg August 18, 2023
  158. Georgefralt August 18, 2023
  159. AlbertRon August 18, 2023
  160. LorenEnert August 18, 2023
  161. AllanblinG August 18, 2023
  162. Robertenade August 18, 2023
  163. JoshuaFak August 18, 2023
  164. Edwarddrymn August 18, 2023
  165. FreddyVek August 18, 2023
  166. AlbertRon August 19, 2023
  167. Edwarddrymn August 19, 2023
  168. FreddyVek August 19, 2023
  169. Michaelstect August 20, 2023
  170. JeffreyNup August 20, 2023
  171. Gecxvt August 20, 2023
  172. Fswgzd August 20, 2023
  173. LucasCed August 20, 2023
  174. Donaldenupt August 20, 2023
  175. BarryTex August 20, 2023
  176. RobertBiash August 21, 2023
  177. Michaelstect August 21, 2023
  178. LucasCed August 21, 2023
  179. Keithric August 21, 2023
  180. JeffreyNup August 21, 2023
  181. BarryTex August 21, 2023
  182. Donaldenupt August 22, 2023
  183. LucasCed August 22, 2023
  184. MichaelExifs August 22, 2023
  185. JeffreyNup August 22, 2023
  186. BarryTex August 22, 2023
  187. Michaelstect August 23, 2023
  188. Yaqmwm August 23, 2023
  189. DavidPieva August 23, 2023
  190. Chiugw August 23, 2023
  191. Robertshesk August 23, 2023
  192. Albertatope August 23, 2023
  193. Williamheinc August 23, 2023
  194. Montyjailk August 24, 2023
  195. MichaelSot August 24, 2023
  196. Michaelevalf August 24, 2023
  197. RonaldHed August 24, 2023
  198. GeorgeGepek August 24, 2023
  199. Michaelevalf August 25, 2023
  200. RonaldHed August 25, 2023
  201. GeorgeGepek August 25, 2023
  202. AntonioFaulp August 26, 2023
  203. Michaelevalf August 26, 2023
  204. Robertclick August 26, 2023
  205. WillieHyday August 26, 2023
  206. Qcvamw August 26, 2023
  207. RonaldHed August 26, 2023
  208. GeorgeGepek August 26, 2023
  209. NelsonCet August 27, 2023
  210. Michaelevalf August 27, 2023
  211. AntonioFaulp August 27, 2023
  212. GeorgeGepek August 27, 2023
  213. Soztkh August 28, 2023
  214. Michaelevalf August 28, 2023
  215. AntonioFaulp August 28, 2023
  216. Robertclick August 28, 2023
  217. NelsonCet August 28, 2023
  218. GeorgeGepek August 28, 2023
  219. Qphphg August 29, 2023
  220. Joshuamat August 30, 2023
  221. Geraldecock August 30, 2023
  222. Stanleytip August 30, 2023
  223. Zacharyjelry August 30, 2023
  224. GeorgeMut August 31, 2023
  225. Charlesovaft August 31, 2023
  226. Ryksjz September 1, 2023
  227. WilliamRhype September 1, 2023
  228. Dehfrs September 1, 2023
  229. RodneyRon September 1, 2023
  230. Earnestomish September 1, 2023
  231. JamesSkank September 2, 2023
  232. Charlesovaft September 2, 2023
  233. WilliamRhype September 2, 2023
  234. vidalı kompresör September 3, 2023
  235. JamesDycle September 3, 2023
  236. Brianbop September 4, 2023
  237. Hes September 5, 2023
  238. VictorHit September 13, 2023
  239. Dnrltv September 13, 2023
  240. Iuzqjb September 15, 2023
  241. Ljmfxt September 15, 2023
  242. GarlandDiula September 15, 2023
  243. JesseRorry September 15, 2023
  244. Kennethpon September 15, 2023
  245. Uteno September 16, 2023
  246. Qyblft September 16, 2023
  247. Jerrygex September 16, 2023
  248. Rogerfop September 17, 2023
  249. Michaelgriet September 17, 2023
  250. Dennisval September 17, 2023
  251. JasonAmoxy September 17, 2023
  252. Manuelniply September 18, 2023
  253. Uunzfc September 18, 2023
  254. Lfwkat September 18, 2023
  255. Dennisval September 18, 2023
  256. CurtisAwalm September 19, 2023
  257. DavidSog September 20, 2023
  258. Danielfag September 21, 2023
  259. CurtisAwalm September 22, 2023
  260. Jvgedg September 22, 2023
  261. DavidSog September 22, 2023
  262. Jdrslx September 22, 2023
  263. Danielfag September 23, 2023
  264. Jwtvbt September 24, 2023
  265. ArchieAffer September 24, 2023
  266. Robertoffem September 24, 2023
  267. Thomasbum September 25, 2023
  268. TommyPelom September 25, 2023
  269. ArchieAffer September 25, 2023
  270. DwayneGem September 26, 2023
  271. Ypfidt September 26, 2023
  272. Pydwhv September 26, 2023
  273. Robertoffem September 26, 2023
  274. ArchieAffer September 26, 2023
  275. Raymondspoge September 27, 2023
  276. BillyWhago September 27, 2023
  277. Maxwellped September 28, 2023
  278. RickeyTwecy September 28, 2023
  279. Scsffu September 28, 2023
  280. Roberthal September 28, 2023
  281. BillyWhago September 29, 2023
  282. Ricardoduaps September 29, 2023
  283. RickeyTwecy September 29, 2023
  284. Njmmax September 29, 2023
  285. Raymondspoge September 29, 2023
  286. BillyWhago September 30, 2023
  287. Ewmnpk September 30, 2023
  288. MarvinNow September 30, 2023
  289. ArchieFuh October 1, 2023
  290. FelixLow October 1, 2023
  291. Robertdug October 1, 2023
  292. Gxsitz October 1, 2023
  293. RogerTricy October 1, 2023
  294. MichaelLem October 2, 2023
  295. Georgerer October 2, 2023
  296. Gxxrxt October 2, 2023
  297. FelixLow October 2, 2023
  298. MarvinNow October 2, 2023
  299. RogerTricy October 2, 2023
  300. ArchieFuh October 3, 2023

Leave a Reply