During a normal pregnancy, basic insurance covers the costs of seven routine check-ups (with no deductible or excess), of which two are ultrasound scans. These involve measuring the head diameter and the crown-rump length to check whether the child is developing normally. If the parents wish, they can also have tests during the early stages of pregnancy to look for indications of whether their unborn child may have a chromosome abnormality.
Basic insurance at ÖKK
At ÖKK you can choose the model that suits you best with regards to who your first point of contact is for any health-related problems.
Possible prenatal tests
Check-up | Time | Details | Cost coverage |
---|---|---|---|
First trimester test | 11th – 14th week | Non-invasive, nuchal fold test (ultrasound) | Basic insurance |
Non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) | From 10th week (usually after the first trimester test) | Non-invasive, blood test for mother | Basic insurance if an increased risk is identified during the first trimester test |
Amniocentesis or tissue sample from placenta | Amniocentesis: 14th-18th week, tissue sample from placenta: From 10th week | Invasive, sample of amniotic fluid or tissue from placenta | Basic insurance if an increased risk is identified during the NIPT |
Organ screening | From 19th week | Non-invasive, organ examination (ultrasound) | Basic insurance |
First trimester test
The first trimester test can be carried out between the start of the 11th and the end of the 14th week of pregnancy. This examination does not damage the amniotic sac and is a non-invasive method. The nuchal fold of the child is examined using ultrasound. This gives an indication of whether there may be any chromosome abnormalities, for example down syndrome (trisomy 21). In addition, the mother’s blood is analysed to check the concentration of the PAPP-A protein and the beta-hCG hormone. If elevated concentrations are detected and the mother’s age is taken into consideration, this can indicate a foetal abnormality. The results of the first-trimester test should only be viewed as a personal risk assessment, however; they are not a diagnosis.
Who pays the costs of the first trimester test?
The costs of the first trimester test are fully covered by basic insurance.
Non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT)
If required, it is possible to take a blood test from the 10th week of pregnancy to check whether there are any signs of chromosome abnormalities. As a rule, this examination is only carried out after the first-trimester test. This involves taking blood from the mother and there is no risk to the child. Unlike the first trimester test, the results of an NIPT are very accurate and are almost 100% for trisomy 18 and 21.
Who pays the costs of the NIPT?
The NIPT is covered by basic insurance if the first trimester test is carried out and it gives an indication there is an increased risk of down syndrome.
Amniocentesis and tissue sample from placenta
If the first trimester test gives an indication that there is an increased risk of a chromosome abnormality for the unborn child, the mother is offered an amniocentesis. Unlike the first trimester test, this is an invasive test. This means that a thin needle is inserted through the mother’s abdominal wall into the amniotic sac and a sample of amniotic fluid is taken. Nowadays, however, it is more common to take a tissue sample from the placenta, a so-called chorionic villus sample. A chorionic villus sample can be taken from the 10th week of pregnancy, while the amniocentesis usually takes place from the 14th week. The amniocentesis involves a low risk of miscarriage (0.5 to 1%).
Who pays the costs of an amniocentesis / tissue sample from placenta?
The costs of invasive prenatal diagnostic tests are covered by basic insurance if the NIPT gives an indication there is an increased risk of down syndrome.
Organ screening
The second, more comprehensive ultrasound is carried out from the 19th week of pregnancy. This involves measuring the baby’s head diameter, chest circumference and length. It also checks whether the organs are developing normally. This is important as it allows any abnormalities discovered at an early stage to be treated properly. It is usually also possible to identify the sex of the baby at this point.
Who pays the costs of the organ screening?
The organ screening as part of the second, more comprehensive ultrasound is part of the routine check-ups. As such, the costs are fully covered by basic insurance.