Bonitas benefits for you and your baby
Giving your little one the best possible start in life is essential . That ’ s why we have a host of maternity benefits and benefits for newborns and babies to assist you . These benefits are paid for from risk , so they are in addition to your savings and day-to-day benefits .
Maternity benefits
Having children is expensive . That ’ s why we pay for your maternity benefits in addition to your savings and day-to-day benefits so you can focus on the things that really matter . We cover a range of elements during pregnancy including :
• Two 2D ultrasounds
• Maternity consultations with your gynaecologist , midwife or GP ( paid at 100 % of the Bonitas Rate )
• Amniocentesis ( a test on amniotic fluid to screen for abnormalities in the developing baby )
• Antenatal classes to help prepare you on everything you need to know before your baby arrives
• Consultations with a midwife after you have given birth
Please note : Your maternity benefits will depend on the option you ’ ve selected .
In addition , your stay in hospital when your baby arrives will also be covered . Please make sure you pre-authorise this after your 24th week of pregnancy by calling 0860 002 108 or emailing hospital @ bonitas . co . za .
Newborn hearing screening
Significant hearing loss is the most common disorder at birth . Therefore , screening all newborns for hearing loss is internationally recommended . We cover two electrophysiological techniques , auditory brainstem responses ( ABR ) and otoaucostic emissions ( OAE ) for all babies under 8 weeks old , in or out of hospital , making sure that your baby ’ s hearing is intact or allowing you to intervene early if necessary .
Help is just a call away with Babyline
Babyline is the first dedicated children ’ s health advice line in South Africa . It is available 24 hours a day , 365 days a year . The service is run by paediatric trained nurses who assist with any queries related to your little one ’ s health and wellness .
The benefit is available on all Bonitas plans for children under 3 years , and offers :
• Home care advice
• Clinic / Primary Care / GP referral for the same day
• Clinic / Primary Care / GP referral for the next day
• After-hours care within the next six hours
• Immediate referral to the emergency room .
Simply call 0860 999 121 and you will be put through to a paediatric trained registered nurse . Please have your Bonitas membership number on hand when you call . The nurse will ask a series of questions depending on the concern raised by you . Thereafter , you will be given professional advice on what to do next and whether the symptoms are urgent enough to visit the emergency room , a doctor or specialist . If necessary , the nurse will advise on the most appropriate healthcare provider to see the child .
Other childcare benefits
We don ’ t stop there ; we also help you keep your children healthy . A separate benefit is offered for consultations with a paediatrician for children under 2 years old as well as a benefit for GP consultations for children under 12 years old . The number of consultations is based on the option you ’ ve chosen .
Congenital hypothyroidism screening
Cover for TSH tests ( to screen for congenital hypothyroidism ), is available on all options for children under a month old .
Page 13 B-Living Issue 1 , 2018