Health Insurance for Newborns: Key Features and Coverage Details

However, the coverage benefit usually does not begin before 90 days of their life. Hence, it is essential to learn about health insurance for newborns in detail. That way, you can get the maximum benefits at affordable premiums.  

Understanding Health Insurance for Newborns 

Health insurance for newborns ensures that all of your baby’s neonatal care needs are covered. These include regular check-ups, emergency hospital visits, surgeries, vaccinations, pre- and post-hospitalisation costs, diagnostic tests, medications, and other specialised treatments.  

Typically, the following types of health insurance policies provide coverage for infants: 

• Family Floater Policy: Add your newborn as a rider to the existing family health insurance plan. 
• Maternity Insurance: It provides comprehensive medical coverage for the mother and the baby for up to 90 days after delivery.  
• Standalone Insurance Plan: It only covers unforeseen medical expenses incurred for the newborn’s health.  
• Child Health Plans with Newborn Coverage: Many child health insurance plans come with unique coverage that goes from infancy to adulthood.  
• Government Back Schemes: There are many government plans and schemes that provide essential healthcare and financial aid to people. This comprises medical checkups of patients of all ages at subsidised rates.  

Key Features of Health Insurance for Newborns 

Take a look at the features you can expect:  

1. Coverage Benefits from Day One 

In some cases, newborns need to undergo neonatal intensive care units or other specialised treatments from day one. With the support of health insurance for infants, you can access the best treatment for your child without worrying about the high costs.  

2. Regular Preventive Care

It includes regular visits to the doctor for health check-ups and immunisation. 

3. Cashless Treatment 

Cashless treatment is available at a network hospital in your local area.  

4. Hospitalisation Coverage 

In case your infant requires immediate hospitalisation, health insurance for newborns will help you choose the best hospital for your child. It will pay for all the expenses related to treatment.  

5. Maternity-Related Expenses 

When choosing maternity health insurance, your baby will be covered in the prenatal and postnatal periods. It covers expenses incurred on the child's delivery and after birth, too. 

6. No Waiting Period 

Make sure your health insurance policy for infants does not come with a waiting period. Its coverage benefits for all types of health risks should start from your baby’s birth.  

Coverage Details to Look for 

Check out the following pointers to know which coverage benefits your policy should provide:  

1. Inpatient Hospitalisation: It includes costs for hospitalisation, operations, the cost of accommodation, and medical bills for the doctor. 
2. Outpatient Expenses: Offers reimbursement for going to the doctor, undergoing lab tests, and buying medications without even having to get admitted to the hospital. 
3. Vaccinations: Some insurance coverage options include the child’s first year coverage for necessary vaccinations. Make sure to check the same.  
4. Maternity Benefits: Offers coverage of not only prenatal but also postnatal medical costs, which could help the baby, too. 
5. Daycare Procedures : These include fewer treatments that can be completed without hospitalisation for 24 hours or more.  
6. Emergency Services: Guarantees payment for emergency transportation out of an ambulance, both road and air.

Tips for Choosing the Right Health Insurance Plan 

The right form of health insurance for your baby requires careful consideration. Keep these tips in mind: 

• Compare Policies: Compare how various companies quote benefits, premiums and exclusions they provide. 
• Check Network Hospitals: Ensure that the insurer keeps a strong and wide network of hospitals in your area in order to provide cashless treatment. 
• Claim Settlement Ratio: Choose insurers reputed to have a high percentage of successful claims settlements to guarantee reliability. 
• Read the Fine Print: Never get into the finality of the purchase without knowing the terms and conditions on what is and isn’t covered and any limitations. 
• Plan for the Future: Make sure the plan comes with long-term renewability and flexibility to address your child’s changing needs.