World Health Day: Here’s What You Need To Know About Maternity Insurance in India

Having a baby is not as easy as it may look. Besides the many other things that come with having a baby, your expenses will be on the rise as well. Your expenses go up from the time you conceive a baby, from visits to the doctor and the various tests you need to take during pregnancy as well as the vitamins and medicines you need to take, all of it costs money. There are expenses during delivery and post baby too.

That’s where the maternity insurance plans come into handy. They are designed to cover the costs associated with the pregnancy, baby delivery and even cover any cost of complications. Depending on the insurer’s plan, you can avail it to ease off the expenses. 

With World Health Day falling on 7 April every year, where the health concerns are brought to focus, let’s talk about maternity care and planning, which is a crucial aspect for all expecting parents. 

Read on to find out all about maternity insurance. 

What is Maternity Insurance

Maternity insurance covers all the expenses involved in during childbirth up to a certain period. There are mainly two options – either a standalone policy or an add-on health insurance with maternity cover. You can get the add-on option by paying an extra premium.

With maternity insurance in India, the hospital stay and the delivery costs including the medical tests get eased. The cost of medicines is also compensated. With a well-constructed maternity insurance plan, the rising costs associated with the happiest moment of your life can be done without any stress.

Features Of Maternity Insurance Plan in India

Maternity insurance plan coverage and benefits vary depending on the service provider. Typically, a maternity health insurance plan includes these features- 

1. Quick Online Application

You can apply it easily from the comfort of your home through online mode. The respective insurance agent also gets in touch with you to understand your requirements. 

2. Care for Newborn

The policy also covers any critical illness that might happen to the newborn.

3. Comprehensive Coverage

The insurance plan provides coverage for the hospital stay, delivery of baby, cost of medicines and more.

4. Ambulance Charges

The plan also provides coverage against emergencies.

5. Go Cashless

You can opt for cashless mode when availing services from the hospital network of the insurer.

6. Hospitalisation Coverage

Usually, any of the expenses incurred 30 days before and 60 days after hospitalisation are covered in the plan.

Getting Health Insurance During Pregnancy

You might be able to avail the health insurance plan during your pregnancy. But, it is best to not delay the decision and procure maternity coverage at the earliest.  

The reason mainly is the waiting period that is involved for getting maternity insurance which is not available easily. You might have to usually wait for about three to four years before being able to benefit from this coverage.

Pregnancy Eligibility for Health Insurance

The majority of the insurance companies do not provide maternity insurance in case you are already pregnant. A normal health insurance does not cover maternity insurance and hence your pregnancy is considered a pre-existing condition.

Coverage Under Maternity Insurance

The policy covers all maternity and childcare expenses up to a certain predefined limit. From delivery to the vaccination of your newborn, the policy covers other post-natal expenses too depending on the terms and conditions. 

The coverage covers both normal as well as C-section deliveries. Some policies may also include the cost of post-delivery complications to the mother too. Certain insurers also offer prenatal expenses along with covering dependent children for up to 25 years. 

However, different insurers have different waiting time periods and might not cover early delivery expenses.

Calculation of Maternity Insurance Premium

The amount of premium to be paid on a maternity insurance policy is higher than a regular medical insurance plan. This is because filing the claim under the maternity insurance policy is absolute. 

Thus insurers levy a higher premium on these policies. So before you plan to buy this coverage, check with your insurer for the details to get a  cost-benefit analysis. You can do this with the different plans offered in the market by various insurance providers.

Also, keep in mind that the premium for maternity insurance increases with increased age. Additionally, the cost of pregnancy is rising every day. Hence, do not delay your decision if you are planning a baby. 

The earlier you get insurance for maternity coverage in India,  the better are your chances to avail an affordable plan with the maximum benefits.

It’s advisable to get a maternity insurance plan if you have not got one already. We wish all the mums and babies good health and safety this World Health Day.