Here’s What You Should Know About Maternity Insurance In India

August 23, 2021

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Motherhood is a big part of a woman's life. Not only is it a new phase for a mother but also a family. To make this entire experience overwhelming, motherhood related expenses and responsibilities begin from the day you get pregnant and don't just end when a child is delivered.

If you have decided to start a family, then getting maternity insurance must be your top priority. Here are a few things you must know about maternity insurance in India.

What is Maternity Insurance?

Maternity insurance is an add-on cover that you can choose with a health insurance policy. Maternity insurance covers all maternity-related expenses for the insurer. Anyone between the ages of 18-65 can buy a maternity insurance in India.

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How Important is Health Insurance Maternity Cover?

Whether it's a normal or cesarean delivery, hospitalization expenses can be heavy on your wallet. Standard delivery cost in a hospital ranges between Rs 50,000 to Rs 80,000 in urban areas. Whereas a C-section delivery costs around 1-2 lakh, depending on complications. However, it is significant to take maternity insurance in India that provides maternity coverage including pre and postnatal expenses. Not only does it reduce the financial burden but also saves money.

Things to know about maternity insurance in India

Maternity health insurance covers the expenses of women who are pregnant. These expenses cover pre-hospitalization (30 days) and post-hospitalization (60 days), delivery expenses, pre and postnatal expenses, baby cover.
Maternity insurance can be taken before you get pregnant, not after as then it is deemed a pre-existing condition, insurance companies don’t cover expenses if you have taken a policy after you become pregnant.
There are two types of maternal insurance plans you can take for maternity benefits. One which is included in your comprehensive health insurance plans. The second is maternity-specific health insurance.

What is covered under Maternity Health Insurance?

Maternity health insurance covers pre and postnatal treatment of both child and the mother. If you haven’t taken any maternity insurance, then it can cost you a fortune.

Here are some factors that should be considered while taking any Maternity Insurance in India.

Newborn Baby Cover: The pregnancy insurance plan offers a complete newborn baby cover as well as covers expenses from delivery to 90 days.
Newborn Baby Defects: Care health Insurance will pay the amount if the newborn child is diagnosed with any baby defects such as down syndrome or cerebral palsy.
Tax Benefit: Opting for maternity insurance in India comes with many benefits. Out of all, one important benefit is that of tax benefit on the premium under the Income Tax Act 1961*. For that reason, buy health insurance that covers pregnancy
Free Look Period: Care health Insurance offers a free-look period of 15 days from the date of receipt of the policy. In case, you find the insurance unsuitable for you, then, you will be refunded the premium received after certain deductions, depending on the terms and conditions of the policy.
Waiting Period: Don’t forget to check the waiting period of maternity insurance for coverage on conditions declared and existing at the time of first purchase.

What is Not Covered Under Maternity Health Insurance?

Health insurance with maternity cover has exclusions. You can read here what is not covered under the policy:

Any existing disorder/injury that was diagnosed within 48 months before to issuance of the first policy
Non-allopathic treatment
Expenses owing to self-harm injury such as suicide or attempted suicide
Expenses arising due to use/misuse/abuse of alcohol or drugs
Cost of spectacles/contact lenses, dental treatment
Medical expenses incurred for treatment of AIDS
Congenital diseases
Tests and treatment concerning infertility and in-vitro fertilization