Labour has pledged to make all medically necessary maternity scans free from mid-2028 if elected, expanding entitlements under its proposed Medicard scheme.
The policy would be funded alongside a range of other initiatives through the introduction of a capital gains tax.
The policy would reportedly cover every scan deemed medically necessary by a doctor or midwife following a referral, with no cap on the number of scans allowed per pregnancy.
“Women and their families shouldn’t have to worry about money when it comes to making sure they and their babies are OK,” Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins said.
“Right now, what you pay for a maternity scan can cost up to $90, depending on where you live. Under Labour, free will mean free everywhere.”
Scans are currently free in regions such as Tairāwhiti, Nelson and the West Coast. However, in other parts of the country, including Auckland, Canterbury and Waikato, Health NZ has capped the cost at $30 for Community Services Card holders and $90 for those without a card.
According to a fact sheet released by Labour, someone undergoing the two routine scans recommended in a straightforward pregnancy would save around $180. In cases where a person requires five scans, the current system could see costs reaching up to $450.
If elected, Hipkins said free maternity scans would be introduced from July 2028.
Labour’s health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said maternity scans play an important role in detecting complications early, allowing issues to be identified and managed sooner in pregnancy.
“No one should have to skip a scan because they can’t afford it. Scans pick up issues early, help families prepare for birth, and save lives,” Verrall said.
She said the free scans would help ease cost-of-living pressures during what is often one of the most expensive but also most significant periods in a family’s life.