Understanding Maternity Scans and Prenatal Care

Maternity scans, including ultrasounds and related prenatal checks, play a vital role throughout pregnancy. Early detection of health concerns, assessment of foetal growth, and reassurance during a baby's development are all made possible through timely scans. In South Africa, private healthcare and affordable insurance plans help ensure more families are able to access these crucial services-even in regions such as the North West.

Why Access to Maternity Scans Matters

• Detects early and late-stage pregnancy concerns
• Supports confident decision-making about delivery
• Reduces anxiety by monitoring baby’s development
• Provides evidence-based guidance for expectant mothers

Typical Maternity Scan Types Covered

• Dating Scan: Confirms gestational age and due date
• Foetal Anatomy Scan: Assesses overall development (usually at 18-22 weeks)
• Growth and Wellbeing Scan: Later pregnancy monitoring as needed

Accessing Private Maternity Cover in the North West

While public clinics can offer basic prenatal services, private health insurance increases access to a broader range of scans and shortens waiting periods. Plans such as Affinity Health hospital cover and combined options are designed for South Africans seeking low-cost, high-value healthcare-ensuring that pregnancy journeys are as smooth and supported as possible.

Plan Options and Inclusions

• Hospital plans generally include cover for maternity admissions and certain in-hospital scans
• Day-to-day or combined plans may offer benefits for some out-of-hospital ultrasound scans
• Innovator and Standard plans provide different levels of cover to suit younger parents and working adults

It’s important to verify whether specific scans are covered in-hospital, and if a waiting period applies. Explore the day-to-day plan benefits for additional information on routine prenatal care.

What Is the Cost of Maternity Scan Cover?

The monthly cost for health plans that include maternity scans varies based on plan type and age. As of 2024, premiums for the Standard Combined Plan for adults start at R1,296. Single parent members or families with more than one child may have different premium amounts. See the latest figures on the Affinity Health rates page for the most up-to-date options.

Making the Most of Your Maternity Cover in North West

Residents in the North West province can strengthen their prenatal journey by choosing a private health insurance plan designed for families and individuals. Consider these practical tips for maximising your available benefits:

• Check waiting periods for pregnancy-related services and scans upon joining any new plan
• Use your insurer’s provider network for access to local hospitals and clinics-use the hospital provider finder
• Consider a combined plan for both day-to-day and in-hospital maternity cover
• Consult your healthcare practitioner regularly for guidance on which scans are recommended during each trimester

Benefit Comparison Table

Overview of the Claim Process

1. Consult your healthcare practitioner, who refers you for a scan
2. Confirm the scan location is a network facility
3. Submit necessary pre-authorisation documents, if required
4. Claims are processed directly between the provider and your insurer (where applicable)

Choosing the Right Plan for Your Family

Families with young children, first-time parents, and professionals planning for maternity in the North West can choose from a range of plans purpose-built for various life stages. The Affinity Junior Cover also helps cover children’s health needs as they grow, complementing maternity protections for the family’s next chapter.

Sources

• Affinity Health - Hospital Plan
• Affinity Health - Current Plan Rates
• National Institute for Communicable Diseases - Mother-to-Child Transmission
• South African Department of Health - Maternal Health