The steady advances in science, technology, medicine and surgery over the years have been marvellous for mother and child. These days, especially since the advent of epidural and C-section births, having a baby is no longer as risky as it was for many women just a few generations ago. The good hospitals, doctors and nurses are so better geared to deal with any complications that might arise. But here’s the thing: the best doctors and hospitals aren’t cheap, to put it mildly. In fact, without the support of a comprehensive medical aid scheme, many expectant families will be struggling to make ends-meat even before the baby arrives, let alone afterwards.

Yes, it’s the medical care and procedures that moms and their infants receive and undergo in private hospitals that tend to be the most costly part of having a baby. Unless you’re wealthy or planning on using a government hospital, a hospital plan is the very least that you’ll need to cover the costs of the delivery, and post-natal care immediately thereafter in a ward where you won’t have to queue, and where there isn’t a shortage of beds. Before mom goes into labour, what about the check-ups at the GP or gynaecologist, the tests and scans to make sure everything’s going as it should during the nine months before it all happens? A hospital plan won’t cover these expenses, just as it won’t help you pay for the visits to the paediatrician et al after mother and child have checked out of the hospital.

For regular updates and information regarding medical aid for moms, visit the eMom.co.za website!

 Unless you have plenty of money to spare, clearly having a child is one of those periods in your life when it makes a lot of sense to have the most comprehensive medical cover you can afford. Especially if any of your doctors charge 200% to 300% above the average rates, which a lot of them now do nowadays.