15.5.16 Person this Division applies to
15.5.17 Childbirth costs
15.5.18 Childbirth costs at the posting location
Examples of suitable maternity treatment include:
-
Clinicians who speak the native language of the pregnant person.
- The availability of translation services.
All pregnancies occurring at an overseas posting location must be notified to the person who processes health reimbursements at post as early as possible. This is to allow consultation with JHC to determine on a case-by-case basis if childbirth costs will be approved at post or if the person is eligible for travel costs to return to Australia for childbirth.
If childbirth costs are not approved in the posting location the person is eligible for childbirth travel costs under subdivision 3 of Division 11, or alternatively the person can choose to pay their childbirth costs at the posting location at their own expense.
Before requesting approval for childbirth costs in the posting location ADF members, APS employees and the pregnant person should undertake their own research to understand any ramifications that may arise later in life for any child born in a foreign country, such as mandatory conscription for the birth country later in life.
Costs incurred for childbirth approved in the posting location are payable under this Part. Costs incurred in Australia are the pregnant person’s responsibility, with relevant assistance from Medicare and/or private health insurance. Defence will not cover childbirth costs incurred in Australia or a third country location.