Maternity Benefits in Health Insurance
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With advancements in medical science, the entire process of maternity and prenatal care has undergone significant improvements over the past few decades. Welcoming a child is one of the most important aspects of life for parents, and they must spare no expense to ensure that the entire process is safe and under the best possible medical supervision.
However, from conception to delivery, from prenatal to postnatal, the entire process is long and financially straining. There are tests, medications, vaccinations, supplements, surgeries, and other rehab processes that a woman needs to undergo in that period. Health insurance plans can help in such situations by offering maternity benefits, allowing for access to state-of-the-art facilities and the best care for both the patient and the newborn.
However, it is worth noting that not all health insurance plans include maternity benefits. It can be purchased as an add-on, and the amount of coverage offered for maternity benefits depends solely on the insurance provider. Let us find out everything you need to know about maternity benefits in health insurance.
Maternity benefit refers to the health insurance coverage that takes into account expenses related to pregnancy, pre and postnatal care. It is generally not included in a standard health insurance plan, and there are pregnancy-related expenses which support expecting mothers and families at every stage of childbirth. The benefit can be added to the eligible plans by paying an extra bit of premium, and it provides the highest quality of care and protects an individual from sudden out-of-pocket costs.
There are various insurance companies in India, particularly ManipalCigna, that provide maternity coverage both as a part of a family plan as well as an add-on. Parents planning for childbirth should consider including this add-on, as it can help reduce the total out-of-pocket and other hospitalisation expenses during childbirth.
Insurers typically impose specific conditions for maternity cover, such as sub-limits on expenses, coverage of only up to two deliveries, and capping on room rent. Policyholders must carefully read the terms to understand what is included and excluded before purchasing. Transparency at this stage helps avoid claim rejections later.
With delivery costs in metro cities ranging from ₹60,000 to ₹2,00,000, maternity insurance ensures financial preparedness.
Maternity plans reduce stress by covering hospitalization, delivery, and newborn care expenses, allowing families to focus on well-being.
Early planning ensures coverage when you need it most. Waiting periods make it necessary to purchase maternity cover well before conception
Evaluating these aspects ensures you select a policy that aligns with family planning goals and long-term health requirements.
Maternity insurance is more than a financial safeguard - it’s an investment in your family’s health and future. By planning early and choosing the right coverage, families can navigate childbirth expenses confidently, ensuring both mother and child receive the best possible care.
It covers expenses related to pregnancy, delivery, and newborn care, reducing financial burden on families.
Pre-existing pregnancy, elective or cosmetic procedures, and claims within the waiting period are excluded.
No, most policies require a waiting period before coverage starts, so it must be bought in advance.
Yes, typically the eligible age ranges from 18 to 45 years, but this may vary by insurer.
Yes, if both are covered under policies with maternity benefits, either policy can be used for claims.
