Understanding Maternity Scans and Why They Matter

Maternity scans are a crucial part of prenatal healthcare, providing expectant parents and healthcare professionals with vital information at every stage of pregnancy. From confirming fetal health to detecting potential complications early, timely access to ultrasound scans and routine prenatal assessments can improve pregnancy outcomes for both mothers and babies.

What Are the Types of Maternity Scans?

• Early Pregnancy Scans (6-10 weeks): Confirm pregnancy, check for multiples, and assess fetal heartbeat.
• First Trimester Screening (11-14 weeks): Nuchal translucency scan for chromosomal conditions and early anatomy checks.
• Mid-Trimester (Anomaly) Scan (18-22 weeks): Assess fetal development, organ formation, and growth measurements.
• Growth Scans (late pregnancy): Monitor baby's well-being, growth, and placenta function when indicated.

Why Is Maternity Cover Important?

Private scan costs can be high, particularly for families without medical insurance. Having reliable health cover that includes maternity scans supports early diagnosis and regular monitoring without imposing major financial strain.

Typical Costs in South Africa

In the private sector, a single pregnancy ultrasound can range from R400 to R1,200 per scan as of 2024, with total routine scan costs surpassing R3,000 for an uncomplicated pregnancy. These costs underscore the value of having health cover that includes essential maternity scans and consultations as part of its benefits.

What to Look for When Choosing Maternity Scans Cover

• Inclusion of routine and anomaly scans
• Access to private imaging providers within the insurer’s network
• Cover for pregnancy-related blood tests and additional necessary investigations if medically indicated
• Ease of authorisation and minimal out-of-pocket expenses beyond excess (if applicable)

Selecting a plan that balances day-to-day maternity benefits with essential hospital cover is especially relevant for South African families looking for both peace of mind and affordability. You can compare the available combined plan options and their features directly on the combined plan benefits page.

Affordable Health Cover Options for Maternity

At Affinity Health, families and individuals can select budget-conscious options suited for every life stage:

• Standard Range Combined Plan: For adults aged 18-54, monthly premiums start at R1,468. This option includes day-to-day and hospital benefits, typically covering routine pregnancy scans when hospitalisation is required. See full benefits at the combined plan page.
• Day-to-Day Plan: For ongoing care, the day-to-day plan from R864 per month covers a range of GP visits and basic diagnostic investigations; always verify whether scans are included out-of-hospital on the day-to-day cover page.

Maximising Your Maternity Benefits

To make the most of your maternity scan cover, it is important to understand the structure of benefits, how provider networks operate, and how to avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket payments.

Understanding Provider Networks

Make sure you use designated healthcare providers for scans and maternity consultations. Use the provider finder tool to locate participating radiologists and healthcare professionals nearby. Hospital admissions for maternity care can be checked via the hospital provider network search.

Tips for Managing Maternity Expenses

• Book essential scans within recommended windows: early scans (6-10 weeks), the anomaly scan (18-22 weeks), and additional growth scans only as needed.
• Check your health plan booklet for any pre-authorisation requirements before scheduling high-cost imaging.
• Retain records and referral notes from your Healthcare Practitioner for faster authorisation where required.

Budget Example: Routine Maternity Scans Under Health Cover

Service	Estimated Private Cost	Covered by Combined Plan
First Trimester Ultrasound	R600	Yes (if part of approved maternity benefit or hospitalisation)
20-Week Anomaly Scan	R900	Yes (see plan guidelines)
Third Trimester Growth Scan	R700	Yes (if medically required and pre-authorised)

Navigating the Claims Process

• Authorisation is required for most in-hospital maternity benefits; day-to-day benefits may have annual scan limits.
• Submit claims promptly with the required documentation from your Healthcare Practitioner.
• For specific cover queries or benefit guidelines, refer to the Affinity Health combined plan details.

Who Benefits Most?

• Young families and first-time parents seeking accessible, quality prenatal care
• Expectant mothers preferring private facilities for scan appointments
• Anyone balancing monthly budgets while preparing for hospital stays at birth

Sources

• Affinity Health: Combined Plan Benefits
• Affinity Health: Policy Pricing
• South African Department of Health: Maternity Guidelines
• Western Cape Government: Pregnancy Healthcare Guide