The Importance of Maternity Scans for Growing Families

Maternity scans are a crucial part of prenatal care, providing detailed insight into your baby’s growth and development. In the North West province, access to reliable and affordable ultrasound scans remains a priority for expectant mothers. Affinity Health recognises this vital need and ensures that maternity benefits include the scans and guidance your family depends on throughout your pregnancy journey.

What are Maternity Scans?

Maternity scans use ultrasound technology to visualise an unborn child at various stages of pregnancy. Typical scans include a dating scan (to estimate gestational age), mid-pregnancy anomaly scan, and growth scans later on. These help healthcare practitioners monitor for healthy fetal development, placental position, and overall maternal health.

• Confirm fetal heartbeat and growth patterns.
• Screen for anomalies or health concerns early.
• Provide peace of mind for expecting parents in North West.

How Maternity Cover Works

Maternity cover as part of your health insurance includes not only hospitalisation benefits for childbirth but also access to essential maternity scans before delivery. The combined plan options from Affinity Health allow families in North West to budget for ongoing prenatal appointments plus hospital events.

*Refer to current plan pricing for North West. Pricing does not vary by region.

Benefits of Medical Cover for Pregnant Women

• Scheduled pregnancy scans, consults, and emergency medical response support.
• Private provider network for higher-quality, timely care.
• Protection from unexpected out-of-pocket expenses during pregnancy.

Key Components of Prenatal Care

• First-trimester scan for viability and dating.
• Mid-pregnancy scan (usually week 18-22) for anatomy assessment.
• Third-trimester growth and position scan.
• Routine healthcare practitioner consultations for maternal health.

By ensuring these milestones are covered, families in North West can confidently navigate pregnancy, reduce anxiety, and access prompt support if concerns arise. Visit the Combined Plan page for a snapshot of what’s included for expecting parents.

Evaluating Health Cover: Why Maternity Benefits Matter in North West

Pregnancy brings both excitement and responsibility. The right cover ensures you can book routine scans as recommended throughout gestation, handle emergencies, and avoid financial distress from unforeseen pregnancy complications. In North West, affordable private options bridge the gap between public hospital waiting times and out-of-pocket private payments - with plans like Affinity Health’s Standard and Innovator ranges supporting a broad spectrum of pregnancy needs.

How to Select the Best Plan for Your Pregnancy

1. Confirm your age band eligibility for available products.
2. Compare maternity cover inclusions: are all three key pregnancy scans included?
3. Review plan limits - some benefits provide set scan visits per pregnancy.
4. Consider additional support: teleconsults, advice, and private hospital delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do these plans include public, private or both types of providers? Plans primarily offer private sector access via network providers.
• Can families access hospital admission for complications? Yes, via combined or hospital plan benefits (waiting periods for pregnancy may apply).
• Is newborn cover included? Coverage for baby starts once registered as a dependant. Review your plan for waiting periods.

To compare all inclusions, use the Innovator Range guide for option-specific details and pricing relevant to North West households.

Why Private Maternity Cover Offers Peace of Mind

• No waiting lines for routine scans and appointments when using network providers.
• Clear cost expectations with set premiums; pricing is standard for North West.
• Support for both medical and emotional wellbeing during pregnancy and postnatal care.

Sources

• Affinity Health - Combined Plan (Maternity Inclusions)
• Affinity Health - Innovator Range Comparison Grid
• Affinity Health - Plan Premiums & Pricing
• Government of South Africa - Antenatal Care Information
• Statistics South Africa - Mid-year Population Estimates (2021)