Germany offers comprehensive maternity and childbirth care through both its public and private health systems.
For U.S. expats, understanding how coverage and costs work during pregnancy, birth, and postnatal care can ease the transition and support better planning.
In the following article, we break down the level of care Germany provides to expectant mothers, the cost of giving birth in Germany as a U.S. citizen, and offer some comparisons between giving birth in Germany VS the U.S. for consideration.
Diving in: Prenatal Care
Prenatal care in Germany is thorough and well-regulated. Under statutory health insurance (GKV), expectant mothers are entitled to:
- Regular check-ups with a gynecologist or midwife
- Ultrasound scans (typically three, unless more are medically required)
- Blood tests and other screening procedures
These services are fully covered under public insurance with no out-of-pocket costs, assuming they fall within the standard schedule.
Private insurance often covers additional screenings or more frequent ultrasounds, depending on the plan.
Delivery Options and Costs
Mothers can choose to give birth in a public hospital, private clinic, or birthing center. Home births attended by midwives are also an option.
- Public insurance covers the cost of delivery in a public hospital, including the stay in a shared room.
- Private insurance typically covers private rooms, choice of doctor, and additional services.
The costs of childbirth, which average around €1,500 depending on the facility and delivery type, are generally fully covered by insurance if you're insured and the birth is in-network. In the U.S., the cost generally ranges between $10,000 and $35,000 depending on a variety of factors, and, unfortunately, there is no guarantee that all delivery costs will be fully covered even if you have insurance.
What Happens If You Give Birth in Germany on a Tourist Visa?
The costs associated with giving birth in Germany on a tourist visa will depend on the type of travel insurance you have. If you do not have any sort of health or travel insurance when you give birth in Germany, you can expect out-of-pocket costs to be in the neighborhood of $1,300 USD, assuming an uncomplicated delivery. (1)
Postnatal Care
Germany’s health system emphasizes strong postpartum care. Covered services include:
- Midwife visits at home for up to eight weeks postpartum
- A postnatal check-up with the gynecologist six weeks after delivery
- Pelvic floor rehabilitation classes (public insurance covers a limited number)
What is the Mortality Rate for Mothers After Giving Birth in Germany?
The maternal mortality rate in Germany is very low, with approximately 4 deaths per 100,000 live births. This rate has remained relatively stable over the past 20 years, with an average of around 4 deaths per 100,000 live births. (2)
When comparing giving birth in Germany VS the U.S., consider: In 2024, the provisional maternal mortality rate in the US was 18.7 deaths per 100,000 live births. Although this figure decreased YoY compared to 2023 (18.6 deaths per 100,000 live births), it likely remains statistically much safer to have a baby in Germany in 2025. (3)
Parental Leave and Benefits
Germany also offers generous parental leave and benefits:
- Mutterschutz (Maternity Protection): Covers six weeks before and eight weeks after birth (longer for multiple or premature births), during which the mother receives full pay from her employer with government support.
- Elterngeld (Parental Allowance): Replaces part of a parent’s income for up to 14 months after the baby is born, with the option to split time between both parents.
- Kindergeld (Child Benefit): Paid monthly to all families regardless of income to help with child-raising expenses.
Insurance Requirements
As an expat, your insurance plan must meet local standards to ensure full maternity coverage. If you're on private or global insurance, confirm that pregnancy-related care is included and accepted in Germany. Some expat or travel policies may not cover maternity or may exclude coverage if already pregnant upon arrival.
Whether you're planning a birth in Germany or unexpectedly navigating the system, rest assured that the German healthcare infrastructure is supportive, safe, and family-friendly.
Wrapping Up: Final Considerations for Americans Planning to Give Birth in Germany
Taken together, Germany offers an excellent healthcare infrastructure to support expectant mothers, with high-quality prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care.
For American expats, careful planning around insurance, benefits, and legal requirements will help streamline the experience and ensure you have full access to available services.
Be sure to review your health coverage in advance and consult experts if needed, so you can confidently focus on welcoming your new addition in Germany.
References
- Cost of childbirth vaginal delivery - selected countries| Statista
- Germany | World Bank Gender Data Portal
- Provisional Maternal Death Rates | CDC
Meet the Author
Arielle Tucker is a Certified Financial Planner™ and IRS Enrolled Agent with Connected Financial Planning. She's spent over a decade working with U.S. expats on U.S. tax and financial planning issues. She is passionate about working with U.S. expats and their families to help secure a financial future that is reflective of their core values. Arielle grew up in New York and has lived throughout the U.S., Germany, and Switzerland. Connected Financial Planning offers a complimentary introduction call for individuals and families seeking ongoing, comprehensive planning. You can schedule a call here.