Ensuring Maternity Health: The Importance of Scan Cover

Medical scans during pregnancy, such as ultrasounds, are a vital part of prenatal care for South African families. These scans monitor the health of both mother and baby - helping detect any underlying complications early and guiding the pregnancy journey. For many households, however, the recurring cost of these essential procedures can strain monthly budgets, especially if relying on private care. Affordable health cover makes regular scans accessible and helps put peace of mind within reach for expectant parents.

What maternity scans typically involve

• Early viability scans to confirm pregnancy and estimate due dates
• Routine screening at 12, 20, and 32 weeks to assess development
• Scans for specific complications (as recommended by a healthcare practitioner)
• Additional scans where multiple pregnancies or risk factors are present

The cost of each scan at a private facility in South Africa typically ranges from R400 to R1,500 per visit, depending on the type of scan and other factors. For most families, three to five scans may be recommended during a healthy pregnancy, with additional monitoring if there are complications.

How health insurance makes scans more affordable

• Cover for the costs of routine maternity scans within your benefit limits
• Access to a wide range of private hospitals and imaging centres
• No unexpected, high out-of-pocket fees for essential scan services

Overview of affordable options for South African families

Affinity Health offers a range of family-focused cover plans that provide for maternity and family wellness, supporting you with:

• Essential scans required in pregnancy (within benefit limits and plan rules)
• Day-to-day cover for doctors’ visits and medication
• Hospital cover for planned and unplanned admissions
• Combined cover options, consolidating routine and major event benefits

To see detailed pricing for all options, visit the current plans and premiums page. Standard family combined health cover options start from R1,446 per month for principal member, spouse, and child, making this a cost-effective choice for full maternity protection.

Types of maternity plans available

• Day-to-Day Cover: Out-of-hospital care for GP visits, basic diagnostics, and prescriptions.
• Hospital Plan: In-hospital maternity events and emergency medical response.
• Combined Cover: Pairs routine benefits with in-hospital protection for the full pregnancy journey.

For specifics on combined plans, see the Affinity Health Combined Plan overview.

Selecting the Right Cover for Maternity Scans

Choosing cover that includes maternity scans isn’t just about cost - it’s about making sure you have access to care exactly when you need it during each trimester. Here’s how to find the best plan for your family:

Step-by-step guide to affordable maternity scan protection

1. List out the number and types of scans your healthcare practitioner anticipates throughout pregnancy.
2. Compare health plans for in-hospital and out-of-hospital maternity benefits. Ensure cover for essential scans is specified within your benefit limits and supported by your plan documents.
3. Verify if your local preferred hospital or scan provider participates in the approved network using this hospital provider search tool.

Combined plans are often budget-friendly for families as they offer peace of mind with protection inside and outside hospital settings. For individuals looking for cover for children or older family members, Affinity Health also provides Junior and Senior ranges.

Benefit and plan comparison table

*Limits apply to number and types of scans under each plan. Always consult your plan documents for full benefit descriptions.

South African scenarios: Practical advice

• Families in urban centres often use private cover to access quicker scheduling for scans and specialist appointments.
• Parents preparing for multiple children find combined cover provides useful cost predictability over the full pregnancy and early childhood years.

Explore Affinity Health’s day-to-day plans for further value, or learn about the wider family cover available on their homepage. Each policy is designed for transparency and affordability.

Sources

• Affinity Health - Combined Cover Plans
• Affinity Health - Plan Rates
• Antenatal Care - South African Government
• Statistics South Africa - Health Statistics
• National Institute for Communicable Diseases - Maternal Health