Understanding Maternity Scans and Pregnancy Cover

Maternity scans, including ultrasounds and routine prenatal checks, play a vital role in monitoring the health and development of a baby during pregnancy. For couples in South Africa, the costs of these services can quickly add up-an important factor when planning for a new arrival. Fortunately, specific health insurance plans can help make access more affordable while providing peace of mind throughout the journey to parenthood.

Why Are Maternity Scans Important?

• Maternity scans help detect developmental issues early.
• Routine ultrasounds provide essential information about fetal health and growth.
• Regular scans can identify potential complications and support a safer pregnancy for mother and baby.

Types of Medical Cover for Pregnancy

In South Africa, the primary options for accessing cover for maternity scans are:

• Day-to-Day health plans that include certain out-of-hospital maternity consultations and basic scans.
• Hospital plans covering in-hospital maternity events, such as childbirth, with limited cover for scans if required during admissions.
• Combined plans offering both types of protection in a budget-friendly monthly package.

Affinity Health offers three core plan groups catering to South Africans from all walks of life. Couples aged 18-54 may particularly benefit from the Day-to-Day Plan, the Hospital Plan, or a Combined Plan. These options provide various levels of cover for pregnancy-related benefits, including scans and consultations.

Premium Comparisons for Couples

Plan prices are based on actual Affinity Health published premiums as of 2024. For more detail about pricing, visit the policy rates page.

What’s Included: Scan and Maternity Cover Breakdown

Day-to-Day and Combined plans typically provide benefits for a set number of maternity visits, essential scans (such as 2D/3D ultrasounds), and follow-up consultations. Hospital plans focus on care during childbirth and major in-hospital events, with limited routine scan coverage unless clinically urgent. Couples can select the plan that matches their expected healthcare needs throughout pregnancy and delivery.

How to Maximise Your Pregnancy Health Cover

To get the most value from your medical insurance for pregnancy, consider these steps:

1. Review your plan’s schedule of benefits to confirm the number of covered scans and consultations.
2. Coordinate each routine check-up with your healthcare practitioner, using your approved provider network. Locate approved doctors using the Affinity Health Provider Directory.
3. For childbirth and emergency admissions, reference your plan for pre-authorisation requirements and benefit limits. Use the Find a Hospital Provider tool for network hospitals.
4. Consider a combined plan if you want the most comprehensive approach-covering both regular scans and hospital events in a single monthly premium.

Advantages of Choosing Affordable Health Cover

• Budget-friendly monthly premiums mean more couples can safeguard their pregnancy journey.
• Access to private practitioners and sonographers, enhancing the quality and speed of maternity care.
• Structured benefits help reduce out-of-pocket costs for both routine and emergency pregnancy needs.

Key Considerations for South African Couples

• Check benefit limits for maternity scans-most plans cover specific numbers or types of scans each pregnancy.
• Hospital admission and specialist maternity care may involve co-payments (fixed excess) depending on the plan selected.
• Waiting periods typically apply before maternity benefits activate, so early enrolment is smart planning for couples considering pregnancy.

Planning Your Pregnancy with Confidence

Securing cost-effective maternity scan cover means couples in South Africa can focus on enjoying this special time, knowing they're protected against many unforeseen medical costs. Affinity Health strives to make private maternity care affordable and accessible, supporting a healthier and more secure future for families across the country.

Sources

• Affinity Health - Combined Plan
• Affinity Health - Day-to-Day Plan
• SA Department of Health - Maternal and Newborn Health
• Statistics South Africa - Population and Health Indicators