Motherhood is a beautiful journey for a woman. A mother’s health is of utmost importance during this time. As a family, when you embark on your journey towards parenthood, it may be advisable to plan for the expenses you may incur going forward. Remember that medical costs keep rising quickly, and it is no different for maternity-related expenses. Maternity hospitalisation costs can vary between ₹ 50,000 to ₹ 3 lakhs¹, depending on the city, type of hospital and the type of delivery. Adding to this, there are other variables such as consumables, room rent or other complications.

Most of us, will usually have a regular health plan or a Mediclaim policy, but many such plans usually do not cover maternity-related costs. Therefore, having maternity insurance can provide essential financial support at such a time. Let’s learn more about it so you can choose the right maternity insurance plan before you embark on your journey towards motherhood.

What is Maternity Insurance?

Maternity health insurance covers a variety of pregnancy-related expenses, including prenatal and postnatal care, childbirth, doctor visits, sonograms, medications, ambulance costs, newborn care and more. Tailored to meet the needs of expecting and new mothers, it helps ease financial stress during this important phase by covering your essential healthcare costs.

How does a Maternity Insurance Plan work?

Maternity insurance plans offer financial coverage for pregnancy-related healthcare expenses. These plans often include benefits like cashless hospitalisation, which allows expecting and new mothers to receive treatment at network hospitals without paying any upfront costs.

It is important to note that these plans typically have a waiting period, so it would be beneficial if purchased before planning to conceive. Once the waiting period is over, you can use the plan to cover your medical expenses related to pregnancy and childbirth.

Why is Maternity Cover Important for Women?

Health insurance with maternity cover allows women to focus on their well-being during one of the most critical phases of their lives. While pregnancy is a beautiful experience, it also brings its share of challenges. Medical complications, regular check-ups, delivery costs and postnatal care can add up and become a financial burden for expecting parents.

Maternity insurance ensures that quality healthcare is always accessible to the mother and child. Additionally, there are maternity insurance plans that cover not just childbirth but also costs related to delivery and pregnancy complications, pre and postnatal expenses, newborn baby’s cover, vaccination costs for the baby among others. All this makes sure that the newborn gets all the care that is required without any worry. Assurance from the maternity cover that her newborn will be well taken care of provides peace of mind to the mother and the family.

What are the Benefits of Maternity Insurance?

Tailored coverage

Maternity insurance provides coverage that is specifically designed for expecting mothers, including women-specific and pregnancy-related healthcare.

Customisation options

Women can choose policy terms, coverage and riders for their maternity insurance policy based on their individual needs, ensuring the plan suits their unique situation.

Comprehensive protection

The plan offers comprehensive protection, covering prenatal and postnatal care, as well as hospitalisation and delivery costs.

Cashless hospitalisation

Maternity insurance includes network hospitals that offer cashless hospitalisation, which makes it easier for expecting mothers to receive treatment without the financial stress of upfront payments.

When to Buy Maternity Health Insurance?

It is advisable to purchase a maternity insurance policy before you actually plan to conceive, as it can help you secure lower premiums. Ideally, you should buy the insurance before you plan to get pregnant, as maternity insurance coverage typically comes with a waiting period. During this waiting period, you cannot make any claims. Planning your pregnancy in advance allows you to purchase the coverage beforehand, ensuring that when you do conceive, you already have insurance in place to cover your medical expenses.

What does Maternity Insurance cover?

• Hospitalisation fees for in-patient care
• Expenses for normal delivery
• Costs associated with C-section delivery
• Prenatal and postnatal care
• Newborn baby care costs
• Vaccination costs for the newborn
• IVF treatment
• Treatment for pregnancy complications
• Stem cell storage
• Surrogacy-related expenses
• Medically necessary pregnancy termination

What does Maternity Insurance not cover?

• Pre-existing conditions affecting pregnancy
• Expenses incurred before the waiting period
• Diagnostic charges
• Congenital disorders
• Fertility treatments

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