Maternity Health Insurance – The Complete Guide

When it comes to creating a new life, parenthood is one of the special experiences, especially for the females. During pregnancy, the female body undergoes many changes at once, both physical and hormonal. These changes have a lifelong impact and thus it is necessary to take care from the very beginning. However, any amount of precaution taken, there is some room for medical complications. These are unpredictable situations, but that doesn’t mean one cannot be prepared to tackle them. Health insurance with maternity cover are specifically designed to manage the medical costs associated for both the expecting mother as well as the baby. Worrying about money shouldn’t be a concern during these times, but instead focus must be on necessary medical attention.

Let’s start with understanding what is maternity health insurance

Health insurance with maternity cover aids the policyholder with medical expenses related to pregnancy and childbirth. Not only the childbirth costs are included, but also any complications that are required to be addressed are also covered by maternity health insurance plans.

What is the need of a maternity health cover?

The rate of medical inflation as of today poses a challenge to manage treatment cost from hard-earned savings including childbirth expenses. A standard delivery or C-section procedure can cost anywhere within ₹60,000 to ₹2,00,000 range. By buying a health insurance with maternity cover, these hefty childbirth costs are borne by the insurance company ensuring adequate attention is devoted to the mother and the child.

How does a maternity health insurance secure the health of the mother and the child?

Maternity health insurance plans offer the benefits listed below –

• Pre as well as post-natal care

An expecting mother requires frequent doctor visits and health check-ups to ensure both the mother and the child are making a positive progress. In some cases, mothers are advised to consume few medicines to support the nutrition requirement. With a maternity health insurance policy, these hospital visits as well as medical expenses that are required are included in the insurance company’s coverage. Generally, the costs associated 30 days before and 30-60 days after the delivery are included depending on the coverage opted.

• Coverage for delivery

With maternity health insurance plans, the cost associated with childbirth, be it natural delivery or a caesarean procedure, both are covered under the insurance company’s scope. Since it involves medical experts and specialized tools and equipment, the costs are high.

• Insurance cover for newborn

Maternity health insurance policies cover any congenital conditions faced by the newborn babies. These costs are covered up to 90 days from birth in case of any special care required. Also depends on the cover opted during buying the policy.

• Vaccination coverage

Lastly, some maternity insurance policies also cover the costs associated with vaccination. Depending on the terms of the health insurance policy, the immunization cost for polio, measles, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis, diphtheria, and more are covered up to 1 year after birth. These are some of the benefits that maternity health insurance plans have in store. However, when buying one, keep in mind the waiting period which can range between 2 years to 4 years. Some insurance providers have a shorter waiting duration, but the premium is slightly higher. Further, these maternity health plans can be purchased as standalone policies or add-ons to a family health insurance policy. So, it is advisable to pick one early to secure the health of the expecting mother as well as the child.  Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.