From July 2028, Labour will make maternity scans free everywhere in New Zealand with the Medicard.
- Every referred maternity scan is free, everywhere in New Zealand, from July 2028
- Scans currently cost up to $90 each, and are only free already in some regions (Tairāwhiti, Nelson and the West Coast)
- Cost: $28.6 million a year, funded by Labour's simple, targeted capital gains tax
- 24 paid trainee sonographer positions funded to grow the workforce, costing less than $3 million a year
- Entitlement loaded automatically onto the Medicard after a referral from a GP, midwife or specialist
- Sits alongside the Medicard's three free doctor's visits a year and free cervical screening
How it works
Labour will fund every scan a doctor, midwife or specialist refers a pregnant woman for. After the referral, the entitlement is loaded onto her Medicard.
No forms, no invoices. All a new mum will need is her Medicard, or the Medicard app on her phone.
How much this saves families
A woman having the two routine scans recommended in a straightforward pregnancy, at $90 each, currently pays $180. A woman needing five scans could currently pay up to $450 across her pregnancy. Under Labour, she pays nothing.
Why this matters
You shouldn't have to worry about money to know you or your baby are okay. Right now, a pregnancy scan can cost up to $90, depending on where you live, and scans are currently only free in some places, like Tairāwhiti, Nelson and the West Coast. Labour will make them free everywhere.
No mum will skip a scan because she can't afford it, helping to look after her and her baby, and easing the pressure on hospitals.
How is it paid for?
Free maternity scans will cost $28.6 million a year, funded by a simple, targeted capital gains tax on profits from the sale of commercial and residential investment property (excluding the family home, farms, businesses, inheritance, and KiwiSaver). Every dollar raised by the CGT is ring-fenced for health, including three free doctor's visits for every New Zealander.
When will it be implemented?
Free scans will be available from July 2028.
Do we have enough sonographers to meet demand?
Labour will grow the workforce by funding 24 paid trainee sonographer positions at Health New Zealand, costing less than $3 million a year from Health NZ baselines.
Who will be entitled to free maternity scans?
Anyone who is pregnant and eligible for publicly funded health services. For a scan to be covered, a referral from a GP, midwife or specialist will be required.
How much money will this save families?
Anyone having the two routine scans recommended in a straightforward pregnancy, at $90 each, saves $180. A woman needing five scans could currently pay up to $450 across her pregnancy. Under Labour, she pays nothing.
Aren't scans already free?
Not everywhere. Scans are currently free in places like Tairāwhiti, Nelson and the West Coast. Under Labour, free scans will be free no matter where you live.
Free maternity scans. Three free doctor's visits. Free cervical screening - all on one Medicard.
Money back in your pocket and just one of the ways Labour policies will make your life better.
Sign up to receive the latest announcements directly to your inbox.
You can unsubscribe any time.
