Self-pay prices at DFW hospitals
Hospitals are supposed to publish a self-pay price, but most DFW hospitals leave it blank for having a baby. These 8 hospitals publish one (hospital stay only, for an uncomplicated birth):
| Hospital | Vaginal birth | C-section | Baby's stay | Full sticker price vaginal birth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Regional Medical Center | $8,693 | $10,742 | $5,278 | — |
| Methodist Celina Medical Center | $9,541 | $14,630 | $1,748 | $19,082 |
| Methodist Dallas Medical Center | $10,279 | $16,557 | $1,723 | $20,558 |
| Methodist Mansfield Medical Center | $8,957 | $14,099 | $1,921 | $17,913 |
| Methodist Midlothian Medical Center | $5,722 | $13,123 | $1,321 | $11,444 |
| Methodist Richardson Medical Center | $9,938 | $13,490 | $1,612 | $19,876 |
| Methodist Southwest Medical Center | $11,935 | $16,487 | $2,868 | $23,870 |
| Parkland Memorial Hospital | $6,623 | $12,783 | $2,137 | $16,557 |
The "full sticker price" is what the hospital lists before any discount. From our analysis of the price data each hospital is required to publish, updated 2026-10-25.
Baylor Scott & White, Texas Health, Medical City and UT Southwestern don't publish a self-pay price for having a baby, but you can still ask for one. Call and ask for their self-pay package price. As a rough guide, insurance companies typically pay DFW hospitals $10,280 for a vaginal birth and $11,934 for a C-section, and self-pay prices are often in the same range.
What else to budget for
A hospital's self-pay price usually covers only your stay. Plan for these too:
- Your OB or midwife for checkups, delivery and follow-up. Many offer a self-pay package.
- Anesthesia if you'd like an epidural or need a C-section.
- Your baby's hospital stay and pediatrician visits, which are billed separately.
- Blood work and ultrasounds during pregnancy.
- NICU care if your baby needs extra help. This is the biggest cost to plan for, and a big reason to look into Medicaid or insurance.
Five ways to pay less
- Ask for a Good Faith Estimate. It's a written estimate you have a right to by law. If your bill comes in $400 or more above it, you can dispute it.
- Ask for a package price from the hospital and your OB, in writing, and ask what happens if you need a C-section.
- Ask about financial help. Nonprofit hospitals must offer financial assistance. Ask for the application before your due date.
- Consider a birth center if your pregnancy is low-risk. Prices are often lower. Ask how they'd handle a hospital transfer.
- Check Medicaid and CHIP first. Many families who think they won't qualify actually do.
Texas Medicaid and CHIP for pregnancy
Texas Medicaid covers pregnancy for women with lower incomes, and CHIP Perinatal helps some families who don't qualify for Medicaid. Coverage after the birth now lasts 12 months. Apply at YourTexasBenefits.com or call 2-1-1 for free help.
Getting insurance
Marketplace plans cover pregnancy and birth, but being pregnant usually doesn't let you sign up outside open enrollment (November to mid-January). The birth does, though: you can add your baby, and often yourself, within 60 days.
Have insurance? See what you'd pay with your plan.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to give birth without insurance?
The hospital stay alone usually costs several thousand dollars or more. DFW hospitals that publish self-pay prices charge $5,722–$11,935 for a vaginal birth and $10,742–$16,557 for a C-section. You'll also have your doctor's fees, your baby's own bill and prenatal care.
Can I get a price before I give birth?
Yes. If you don't have insurance or you're paying yourself, hospitals and doctors must give you a written Good Faith Estimate when you ask for one or schedule care. If your final bill is $400 or more above it, you can dispute it.
Can I get pregnancy Medicaid in Texas?
Many families can. Texas Medicaid covers pregnancy for women with lower incomes, and CHIP Perinatal covers some families who don't qualify for Medicaid. Postpartum coverage now lasts 12 months. Apply at YourTexasBenefits.com or call 2-1-1.
Can I buy insurance once I'm pregnant?
Pregnancy usually doesn't let you sign up outside open enrollment, but the birth does. You can add your baby, and often yourself, within 60 days. You can also apply for Medicaid or CHIP at any time.