Don't assume that because you have a medical aid, that your pregnancy, birth and aftercare will all be covered.
Also read: Which medical aid is the best one for you?
Whether you're shopping around for a medical fund or already have one, ensure you ask the following questions:
- Do I have to use a specific hospital or doctor?
- What happens if I want to use a hospital or doctor that's not in the scheme's network?
- Are my maternity benefits additional or subject to my family's overall limits?
- What happens if my out-of-hospital benefits run out before my pregnancy is over?
- Am I covered for delivery by a midwife?
- Am I covered for a specialist (obstetrician or gynaecologist), or only a GP?
- What type of scans am I covered for? (For example 2D or 3D scans)
- What type of screenings am I covered for? (For example noninvasive prenatal testing and amniocentesis)
- Am I covered for antenatal classes?
- How am I covered for my confinement and delivery? (For example full cover or 100% medical scheme rates)
- Am I covered for a caesarian?
- Am I covered for a home birth?
- Am I covered for a water birth?
- Am I covered for any post-natal consultations?
- What benefits are there for my baby's first year?
Also note that you have to join a medical aid BEFORE you fall pregnant, otherwise you pregnancy may not be covered at all.
Also read: 10 weeks pregnant? Things to know
Also read: Family finance
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