How much does it cost to give birth at Asian Hospital Alabang?

I think it is every pregnant girl's secret dream to give birth in a posh hospital like The Asian Hospital in Alabang. Some have the means, really, but they are intimidated because of the lack of available information on how much it would really cost to give birth there. I can't really say if it is expensive or affordable because we all have different thresholds for those terms. So I will just give you the amount we paid so you have an idea and you can decide for yourself. I will also give you little tips that could help you save some money.

Back Story

When I found out that I was pregnant at 36, I told myself that I would only choose the best that I can afford on everything in this journey. Because, hello, I have waited for a very long time for this. I worked and worked and put marriage and family life behind for years and just focused on my career. Also I don't know if I will ever get pregnant again given that I have a PCOS. So I just want to enjoy and make the journey memorable and hassle free. Hence, I chose, the Asian Hospital to deliver my baby.

Where I pinched and splurged: Handy Tips

1. OB (Saved) - Since I am working, I have healthcare(HMO). My healthcare covers the check-ups but not the tests and ultrasound. I chose an OB that clinics in our local hospital but also in Asian Hospital. So for my check ups, wherever is closer and fits my schedule, I get my checkups there to save time, effort and gas. Remember that my check ups are covered so I did not factor that in. However, if your HMO does not cover that, you can save a lot as well because they would usually charge higher for Out Patient Consultations in Asian.

2. Tests and Ultrasound(Saved) are very expensive in Asian. So for the tests, I just go to a nearby hospital. You will see below the difference in amount. In Asian I would pay around Php 2-3K vs Php 712 in our local hospital. The OB would still honor the results so don't worry.

3. Room (Saved) - Ok some might not know this but the charges in your hospital bill will depend on how expensive your room is. So the same cotton balls charged to a regular room at 100 pesos will be 200 pesos in more expensive rooms. Same as your Doctors fee and other charges. There's premium there, so if you are not a celebrity that will need a posh room for the shoot, better choose a cheaper private room. You really do not want to get visitors anyway also visitors bring in germs that would harm the baby so standard is actually enough for me, my husband the baby and my assistant. Below are the room rates as of 2018.

4. Hospital things (Splurged) - Splurge probably is not the term, however, I did not try to save on hospital things anymore. I saw some people, trying to bring their own stuff (Alcohol, cotton balls, baby shampoo etc) and have those things removed from the hospital bills. Well, I did not do that. Reason is because, I don't want my husband to be stressed. I chose the cheapest private rooms so I know there wont be premium charges to hospital stuff, also if there are, the difference is not that big.

My birthing story:

I was told by my OB during a routine check up that I am already dilated and would need to be admitted in the evening, no rush, she said to pack my things and check in.

So we did, my husband and I went home to get my pre-packed hospital bags, one for me, one for my baby and one for my husband.

When we got there, we went to the Admission office. Note that we already pre-booked a date several weeks ago, however, had to change the date because, I delivered early. We got the Standard Private Room. Then I was brought to the Triage (Genenis - Labor and Delivery Area), where I will wait for labor to happen which did not happen. The doctor was hoping I would have normal delivery. They prepared the room where we will stay in, while we wait in the triage. Then around 11 PM, my husband was really sleepy so I told him to just sleep in the room upstairs while I rested in the Triage. I have a dedicated nurse who go to me when I push the button anyway, so I wasn't worried. I also have my phone with me so I can just call him if I needed him. Photo is not my own. I didn't get to take pics during that time. Credits to this mommyginger.com blogsite.

In the morning, my husband came back, I didn't get to sleep because I keep on peeing and they keep checking on me throughout the night. I was not allowed to drink so I was so thirsty. My OB came and continued checking how many CM dilated I was. At 6 CM I was given epidural, however after hours, it did not progress anymore so the doctor recommended already for ceasarian before any complications happen. I was brought to the delivery rooom, then another epidural. I was told by my anesthesiologist that I will feel heavy in breathing, this is because the anesthesia is up my upper tummy area. So just take small breaths. The doctor then proceeded to deliver the baby. Then they asked my husband to come in. They brought the baby to my chest for skin-to-skin. Then we had our very first family picture right there.

While I was being sewn up, the baby together with my husband was brought into another room. Then they brought me there too. I was so groggy and thirsty. The nurse also helped us feed the baby. Then the three of us were moved to our room. The baby stayed with us. There was no nursery, they baby stays with you the whole time.

We stayed there for 3 days. The following day, I was already allowed drink. I was also able to walk, seriously, they were that good! Even my mom can't believe it. After I farted and pooped I was already allowed to eat. We were contemplating if we will extend another day, but decided not to. Day 3 we were treated to steak dinner for 2 for free before we went home.

We spent around Php 200k for me and my baby for a caesarian operation. Which I think, was lower compared to what people are saying. Some friends told me it will be Php 300-500k. Could be if you have a special case, like if you have to stay there for a month or the baby will need to be on NICU. But mine was just regular caesarian delivery. Also, I was able to use Philhealth by the way. Then SSS gave me money around Php 50k (Ballpark, I cant remember anymore), then HMO gave me delivery assistance of Php 60k so that also reduced the cost by 110k. I charged all to my credit card so no hassle, and I also got rebate from the credit card from that charge.

So without further ado, here are the actual pages of my statement of account from Asian Hospital Alabang.

Then here are the charges for the baby. Not the actual OR because I cant find it anymore, but this is the amount pretty much (taken on the last day).

Hope this helps you in deciding which hospital to choose. As for me, the extra money spent was worth it. The staff were every knowledgeable and nice. The nurse will educate you, they are not just doctors assistants (some hospitals, the nurses will always ask the doctor you know). The facilities of course are superb! Live pianist play at the lobby, feels like stepping into a hotel really. The best part is, I was able to go out and do groceries 5 days after delivery, yep no kidding. So yes, I highly recommend it if you can afford it.