A study from Deco was a result of gathered data from 18 private hospitals that showed that there is a shift from the state sector to private care as women are choosing to have the privacy and comfort of a private service when giving birth, but want to be near a public hospital in case of emergencies.
In most cases people have health insurance to cover the cost of up to €6,000 depending on the area of the country, the type of delivery and the length of stay necessary.
The conclusion is reported in the February issue of the journal Teste Saúde, which surveyed 18 private healthcare units. According to the study, the north is the best value region with generally the cheapest prices.
Among the most expensive stays is in Lisbon with a normal birth costing €4,500 in Hospital Lusíadas. The same costs at Hospital CUF Porto is only €2,850.
When there is need for a cesarean, prices rise sharply to between €2,900 and €6,000.
In the Algarve, private health institutions charge high prices with the Hospital Particular in Portimão costing €3,900 for a normal delivery with two days of hospitalization, while the cost of a C-section easily can reach €5,500.
According to Deco, most women who choose private care have health insurance and like the fact that their obstetrician who monitored their pregnancy would be there through the labour and for the birth.
Even among those choosing private care, the existence of specialised equipment in a nearby public hospital in case of emergencies was a key criteria when selecting a location.
