Maternity Benefit - holistic care during and after pregnancy
From the first scan to the moment you hold your baby, our Maternity Benefit gives you the medical and emotional support you need throughout pregnancy and postnatal care.
What is the Maternity Benefit?
Being pregnant is a very important time in a woman's life, and a time when you don't want to worry about medical aid cover. With Discovery Health Medical Scheme, you have peace of mind that we offer you the best care.
You have access to comprehensive maternity and post-birth benefits supported by access to 24/7 support, advice and guidance through the My Pregnancy and My Baby programmes on the Discovery Health app and website. You can also activate ParentSense for extra support.
The My Pregnancy and My Baby programmes need to be activated in order to access these benefits. The healthcare services are covered from the Maternity Benefit at the Discovery Health Rate. This cover does not affect your day-to-day benefits and depends on the health plan you are on.
What we cover for maternity and early childhood
Newborn registration formDuring pregnancy
Antenatal consultations
You are covered for up to 8 or 12 consultations with your gynaecologist, GP or midwife, based on your chosen health plan.
Ultrasound scans and screenings during pregnancy
- You are covered for up to two 2D ultrasound scans or one nuchal translucency test.
- 3D and 4D scans are paid up to the rate we pay for 2D scans.
- You are also covered for one chromosome test or Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) if you meet the clinical entry criteria.
Blood tests
We pay for a defined list of blood tests for each pregnancy.
Private ward for delivery
The healthcare services related to childbirth are covered by your Hospital Benefit. On Executive and Comprehensive plans, you also have cover for up to R2,600 per day in a private ward for your hospital stay.
Flu vaccinations
We pay for one flu vaccination during your pregnancy.
Pre- and postnatal care
We pay for a maximum of five antenatal or postnatal classes with a registered nurse up until two years after you have given birth. We pay for one breastfeeding consultation with a registered nurse or a breastfeeding specialist.
After you give birth
Essential registered devices
For members on the Executive and Comprehensive plans, we pay up to R6,000 for essential registered devices such as breast pumps and smart thermometers. You must pay 25% towards the cost of these devices.
Nurture at Home Programme
The Nurture at Home Programme provides comprehensive post-discharge care for babies who have spent 7 days or more in NICU, including coaching, home nursing, and additional paediatric consultations. This programme is available to eligible members at no extra cost and does not affect your day-to-day benefits.
Other healthcare services
You also have access to postnatal care, which includes a postnatal consultation within six-weeks post-birth for complications post delivery, a nutritional assessment with a dietitian and two mental healthcare consultations with a counsellor or psychologist.
GP and specialists to help you after birth
Your baby under the age of two years is covered for two visits to a GP, paediatrician or an ear, nose and throat specialist.
Read more about the maternity benefit on our benefit guide.
Nurture at Home
What is the Nurture at Home Programme?
Bringing your baby home after a stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can be overwhelming. With Discovery Health Medical Scheme, you have peace of mind knowing we offer structured support to help you and your baby thrive during this critical transition.
The Nurture at Home Programme provides comprehensive post-discharge care for babies who have spent 7 days or more in NICU, including coaching, home nursing, and additional paediatric consultations. This benefit is available to eligible members at no extra cost and does not affect your day-to-day benefits.
This benefit includes:
● Three personalised virtual health coaching sessions
● One home and two virtual nurse check-ins
● Two additional paediatric consultations
If you qualify for this Programme, we'll contact you directly to guide you through the next steps.
My Baby Programme - care that grows with your child
Your baby's wellbeing is our priority from day one. When you activate the My Baby programme, your child is automatically covered from birth, once they're registered on your health plan.
The My Baby programme gives you access to key benefits in your child's early years, including:
- Visits to your GP, paediatrician or ENT (ear, nose and throat specialist), up to the age of two years
- Cover for essential items like breast pumps, nebulisers and thermometers (on selected plans)
- Ongoing support through Parent Sense to help track development and milestones
We're here to support your baby's health from day one, and every day after.
Read more about the My Baby programme.
Extra savings and services
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