Midwives | How much does midwifery care cost?
Difference between a private midwife and an insurance-covered midwife
My midwife is a midwife covered by health insurance:
Midwives covered by health insurance have a contract with the health insurance provider and are paid directly by them. You will not incur any costs for the following services.
My midwife is a private midwife:
1. You pay your private midwife.
2. You submit the invoice to your health insurance provider.
3.You will be reimbursed 80% of the insurance rate (not the invoice amount).
Pregnancy
The midwife consultation included in the "Eltern-Kind-Pass" is free of charge. For midwives who do not have a contract with a health insurance provider, a fee of € 67,- is payable. You will be reimbursed the full amount by your health insurance provider afterward.
This midwife consultation is available between the 18th and 22nd weeks of pregnancy (17+0 to 21+6). Starting in October 2026, this service will be expanded.
The health insurance provider covers the following during pregnancy:
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For a planned inpatient hospital birth: one visit starting in the 32nd week of pregnancy (deducted from the postpartum quota)
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For a planned outpatient birth: up to 2 visits during pregnancy
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For a planned home birth: up to 8 visits during pregnancy
Cost of a private midwife: € 90,- to € 160,- per visit
Health insurance reimbursement: approx. € 48,- per visit
Additional midwife appointments can be arranged individually, but are not covered by health insurance.
Birth
Home birth
Care for a home birth is generally covered by health insurance - however, there are very few midwives affiliated with health insurance plans who provide care for home births.
- Cost of a private midwife: € 1900,- to € 3100,-
- Health insurance reimbursement: yes, up to € 1500,-
The price includes prenatal care, on-call availability from 3 weeks before to 2 weeks after the estimated due date, and care during childbirth and the postpartum period at home. Depending on the care model, the birth is attended by two midwives.
Giving birth with your own midwife in a hospital
In some hospitals, you can be cared for by the midwife of your choice, who will be there exclusively for you throughout the entire delivery. This is not covered by health insurance. Exception: Check with your private insurance provider.
- Cost of a midwife of your choice: approx. € 2000,-, including on-call service
- Health insurance reimbursement: No
After birth
After you are discharged, you can receive follow-up care at home from your midwife. This is possible whether you leave the hospital within 24 hours of giving birth (outpatient birth) or stay in the hospital for a few days.
Health insurance covers the following during the postpartum period:
- daily midwife visits during the first 5 days after birth (6 days for cesarean sections, premature births, or multiple births).
- After that, 6–7 home visits are available during the first 8 weeks (for cesarean sections, premature births, or multiple births, during the first 12 weeks).
- Cost of a private midwife: € 90,- to € 160,- per visit
- Health insurance reimbursement: yes, approx. € 48,- per visit (up to 12 times)
You also have the option of scheduling home visits via video or phone. In addition, up to 5 telephone consultations are covered by insurance throughout the entire care period.
Support after a miscarriage
As of September 1, 2024, women who experience a miscarriage after the 18th week of pregnancy are also eligible for midwifery care. The midwife can visit you daily for the first 5 days. After that, up to 7 additional home visits are available during the first 8 weeks following the pregnancy loss.
- Cost of a private midwife: € 90,- to € 160,- per visit
- Health insurance reimbursement: yes, approx. € 48,-, up to 12 times
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