Maternity Insurance in India: Top Plans to Consider

Here in this blog, we will be covering all the aspects of Maternity Insurance in India that includes the working of Maternity Insurance, its benefits, factors to consider while choosing Maternity Insurance, typical coverage and few top Maternity Insurance plans available in the market.  

Understanding Maternity Insurance in India 

Maternity insurance is a type of health insurance that pays for medical expenses which come about during pregnancy and childbirth. Most often, it is offered as an add on or a feature of a comprehensive health insurance plan or family floater policy. 

Key Features of Maternity Insurance: 

1. Includes both normal and cesarean (C-section) deliveries, and covers delivery costs. 

2. Routine check-ups, diagnostic tests and follow up consultations after childbirth are covered under Pre and Postnatal Care Coverage. 

3. Newborn Care – Some of the plans cover the baby too, including neonatal claims and vaccinations. 

4. Cashless Treatment – Most maternity insurance providers provide cashless facilities in their network hospitals, so that you don’t have to worry about payments. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Maternity Insurance 

Maternity insurance is a plan that provides coverage for the delivery of your baby in a hospital. Here are the key aspects to evaluate: 

1. Maternity Insurance Waiting Period 

The waiting period is one of the most important things in maternity insurance, which can be from 9 months to 4 years, depending on the provider. It's important to plan well ahead and buy the policy early so that when you need its cover, you have it. 

2. Coverage and Benefits 

Make sure the policy covers basic expenses like delivery costs, coverage for pre and postnatal care, hospitalisation, and emergencies during pregnancy. Some even cover the costs of newborn care — like vaccinations. 

3. Hospital Network 

Make sure that the insurance provider that you are considering for maternity insurance has a wide network of hospitals and that reputed hospitals in your area are not among them. Cashless hospitalisation at network hospitals can cut down your out-of-pocket expenses considerably. 

4. Sum Insured 

Select a plan with a reasonable sum insured so that all maternity-related pre and post-natal expenses such as hospitalisation, diagnostic tests and postnatal care are covered. 

5. Additional Features 

Also, look for value-added benefits like Wellness Programs, Annual Health checkups, and discounts on maternity packages. These can make the plan more useful. 

6. Premiums 

Compare the premiums of maternity insurance providers and pick a plan that weighs the best between cost and benefit. 

What Does Maternity Insurance Typically Cover? 

The coverage provided by maternity insurance varies across providers, but most plans include the following: 

1. Delivery Costs 

The policy includes charges for normal and C-section deliveries such as hospital charges, doctor’s fees and medications. 

2. Pre and Postnatal Care 

This includes: 

• Prenatal consultations. 

• Ultrasounds and blood tests are diagnostic tests. 

• To ensure mother and baby's health, postnatal checkups. 

3. Hospitalisation 

It covers room rent, nursing charges and surgical expenses during delivery and complications of maternity. 

4. Newborn Care 

Most plans will cover the baby for the first 90 days after birth including vaccinations, neonatal care, and treatment for congenital conditions. 

5. Complications in Pregnancy 

Medical complications like ectopic pregnancy and preterm birth are covered by maternity insurance, which provides financial security in the event of an emergency. 

Top Maternity Insurance Plans to Consider 

If you’re exploring the best maternity insurance options in India, here are some popular plans offered by leading maternity insurance providers: 

1. Star Health Comprehensive Insurance 

Features: 

• Normal and C-section deliveries are covered. 

• Pre and postnatal care coverage is included. 

• Up to the sum insured, it covers newborn medical expenses. 

Ideal For: Families looking for comprehensive coverage of maternity and child health. 

2. Joy Plan - Care Health Insurance 

Features: 

• Waiting period of 9 months. 

• Delivery costs and complications are covered. 

• Maternity insurance with extensive hospital network, cashless. 

Ideal For: People who are soon planning a family. 

3. ICICI Lombard Complete Health Insurance  

Features: 

• Prenatal and postnatal care, including comprehensive maternity coverage. 

• Newborn expenses such as vaccinations. 

• Wellness programs, and other value added services. 

Ideal For: Families in search of an all inclusive health insurance plan. 

4. Bajaj Allianz Health Guard Family Floater 

Features: 

• Maternity expenses are covered under a family floater policy. 

• It includes postnatal care and newborn care. 

• Cashless facility available for maternity insurance in large hospital networks. 

Ideal For: Those that are interested in including maternity benefits in their existing policy. 

5. HDFC ERGO Health Suraksha 

Features: 

• Includes delivery costs and complications. 

• Wellness programs and annual health check ups are included. 

• Newborn care add ons available. 

Ideal For: For people looking to find a middle ground between cost and all encompassing maternity coverage.