The cost of childbirth in the UAE has significantly increased in recent years. A natural delivery with basic services starts from around 7,000 dirhams, but considering neonatal care and additional tests, this figure can rise significantly. Hospitals in the UAE offer a wide range of facilities; from simple medical centers to luxurious hospitals with five-star hotel standards.

Add-ons like epidurals add about 4,000 dirhams to the cost, and a newborn's stay in the intensive care unit costs about 8,000 dirhams per day. The cost of a cesarean section usually ranges from 25,000 to over 50,000 dirhams, while the average in the UAE is estimated to be around 20,000 dirhams, which is less than many other countries. In comparison, this cost in the USA is more than double.

The mandatory health insurance that employers are required to provide usually covers basic costs; around 7,000 dirhams for a natural delivery and 10,000 dirhams for a cesarean, plus a 10% co-pay. However, doctors say that the additional costs that parents have to pay out of pocket have significantly increased over the past five years.

The rate of cesarean sections is increasing worldwide. Doctors attribute this to older maternal age, an increase in IVF pregnancies, and a higher prevalence of obesity and diabetes. Turkey has the highest global rate with about 600 cesarean sections per 1,000 live births.

Experts recommend that parents check their insurance coverage from the very beginning of pregnancy. Choosing insurance that covers both types of delivery and neonatal care can prevent unexpected costs. Specialists emphasize that the increase in unnecessary medical interventions is one of the main factors driving up the cost of childbirth.

Source: National News