How do antenatal packages work? | ExpatWoman.com
 

How do antenatal packages work?

308
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 February 2013 - 16:14

Me again ladies, a lot less dazed and a lot more excited this time :)

Just a few questions re doc appointments:

Do I need to see a doc before 12 weeks? I’m thinking unless I feel there are any issues I should just wait (no maternity coverage for antenatal) and then start when I get an antenatal package from 12 weeks.
Do I get to choose my doc with a package?
Do I need to purchase the package in advance and even book my first appointment in advance?
Do I check the doc I’m with through my antenatal package is the same doc that will also deliver?

Not clear how all this works, although I’ve read lots about you ladies changing docs, etc. I must have just missed how it all gets going.

Thanks 

166
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2013 - 21:35
Hi Jupiter, what you can do is, decide first on which hospital and doctor you want to go with. After a lot of research, we opted for American Hospital. I first met our OB at 10 weeks and had to pay for that visit which was around 700 or 800, i think. The package doesnt start until you are 12 weeks. The package will include all your routine tests and scans. At AH, they explained to me all the inclusions in the package and if there are any tests outside of the package which I must get, that I must pay. Everytime I go for my visits, they know that I dont have insurance and that I have a package. My doctor is also aware. I am now almost full term and will also deliver at American Hospital. Again, I am taking a package for either normal or c-section delivery. Everything was also explained to me when the day comes that I go into labour. Visit their website to get more info. Prices are on their website as well. Hope this helps! http://www.ahdubai.com/dynamicdata/maternity.aspx
71
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2013 - 19:04
Hi Jupiter I'm also pregnant, 9 weeks, I was recommended a doctor at City hospital. They seem to have a good maternity package there. My husbands work will cover us for some but not all of the pregnancy. I have the details of City hospitals package if you would like me to email it to you let me know. But when I rang them they emailed me details of the packages straight away. The GP I saw here suggested I go to the Fetal clinic just near city hospital for my 12 week scan and then see the consultant at 14-16 weeks which is when you would start the 'package' I think. Good luck
308
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 February 2013 - 17:34
Thanks Bex, your reply is so helpful - I know my questions are a bit boring and basic. So am I right in thinking I would make a joining appointment with the doc I want to deliver with, at about 10 weeks (at my own expense) as the pre-cursor to the antenatal package with the same doctor starting at 12 weeks? Or how many weeks in advance do you need to book an appointment (I'm sure this varies from doc to doc) but is 2 weeks realistic? Really useful tips re being clear about to only have tests/scans etc that are included in my package. I wouldn't have thought of that had you not said :) City is looking likely for me too.
44
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2013 - 16:58
Hi Ok I recently had a baby here at city so I am aware of all your concerns! If you have no insurance in place (neither did I) I would not bother going to the doctors before the 10 week mark. If your buying a package, this comes from 12 weeks so usually you would have a joining appointment at your expense - usually 500 a 600 dhs, then they will let you pay for the package and start booking your scan etc. Now be careful as what happened to me is that I got super excited and went to have a scan at 8 weeks, only to be convinced to have all the tests done, this was too early, too expensive and would have been included in my package. Also be careful as once you have the package usually the doctor isn't aware and mine sent me off to have amazing 4d scans only for me to find out after I had to pay extra for these so make your doctor aware you want only what's included on the package or to made aware if its an extra cost, usually the nurses will let you know if you ask. Best to research your hospital and doctor first, most doctors in clinics will tell you or have information on the hospitals they can deliver at, I went with a doc at City as was best for me and I delivered there too. You should pick your doctor then make an appointment with that doctor, don't forget to ask about the package costs in advance. Mine at city was 5500 dhs
 
 

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