Health insurance plans are a beacon of light during medical emergencies as they open your doors to a network of hospitals and healthcare providers. However, what's striking is that most health insurance policies don't include maternity benefits despite average C-Section delivery costs reaching as high as Rs. 2,00,000.
Therefore, securing health insurance with maternity coverage is your best guard against financial woes if you are looking to welcome a baby. Opting for a maternity health insurance policy covers you for most expenses you will incur during childbirth, offering financial freedom and mental peace.
With several health insurance plans available in the market, picking the right one can be a hassle. But not anymore! This blog covers all you need to know about maternity coverage in health insurance.
Crucial insights into maternity insurance
Look for these factors before signing your health insurance policy with maternity benefits:
Waiting period
Maternity health insurance policies often have a waiting period ranging from 9 months to 4 years. You cannot make any maternity-related claims during this time. That's why it's crucial to make your purchase timely.
Policy inclusions
The scope of health insurance with maternity coverage differs from policy to policy. You must know what is included, such as hospitalisation, delivery, and pre and postnatal care, and what is not.
Coverage limit
A coverage limit specifies how much a particular policy will pay for maternity-related expenses. Ensure the limit aligns with your location's estimated costs for pregnancy and childbirth.
Premium costs
The cost of maternity coverage adds to your health insurance for pregnancy. You must choose a policy that balances coverage and affordability.
Network hospitals
Choose a policy that covers several hospitals in your area.
Eligibility criteria
Women between 18 and 45 are typically eligible for health insurance for pregnancy.
What benefits are covered under a maternity insurance policy?
A maternity insurance policy offers pregnancy, pre and postnatal care benefits. Some of these are:
Hospitalisation expenses
Maternity insurance covers expenses for hospitalisation during childbirth, including nursing costs, nursing charges, and other inpatient services.
Delivery costs
It includes normal deliveries and C-section expenses, such as surgeon fees or operation theatre costs.
Newborn baby coverage
Some policies cover the newborn baby's medical expenses up to 90 days from birth. It includes vaccination costs and other medical services.
Complications and emergencies
Maternity insurance can cover unexpected complications during childbirth or pregnancy to protect the mother and child.
Outpatient expenses
A few maternity health insurance policies cover outpatient expenses related to pregnancy, such as diagnostic tests, doctor visits, and lactation consultation services.
Tax benefits
Purchasing a maternity insurance policy will make you eligible for tax benefits under section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
What is not covered under maternity insurance?
There are certain exclusions and limitations to health insurance for pregnancy, such as:
· Expenses on supplements (vitamins or tonics)
· Charges associated with diagnostic tests or doctor consultations
· Infertility treatments
· Expenditures on stem cells
· Pregnancy-related expenses during the waiting period
Best maternity health insurance plans
Not all health insurance plans are created equal. Choosing health insurance with maternity cover that caters to pre and post-pregnancy care is a smart investment.
Generali Central offers health insurance plans catering to such needs. You can choose either of the three standout options for your maternity insurance policy:
DIY Health
This health insurance policy from Generali Central allows you to customise and create your own plan. The advantages of this maternity insurance include:
· Pre and post-maternity expenses
· Medical treatment within less than 24 hours of hospitalisation
· Up to 530 covered procedures as a part of the policy amount
· Pre-hospitalisation expenses up to 90 days
· Post-hospitalisation expenses up to 120 days
· Coverage of hospital room rent charges and ICU charges
· 25% cumulative bonus for zero claims in a year
· Coverage of wellness benefits
· 15% online + 10% family discount (on ensuring more than one person)
· 7.5% discount for a 2-year and 10% for a 3-year policy
FG Health Absolute
FG Health Absolute covers the physical and mental wellness of up to 15 family members. This health insurance policy proves to be beneficial for pregnant women, too, because of the following:
· Free health check-ups, mental health support, and discounts on health brands
· Coverage for newborn baby under mother's policy
· Additional cover for girl child
· Coverage of enhanced vaccination for newborn babies up to one year after birth
· Free pre and postnatal expenses for pregnant women
FG Health Elite
FG Health Elite offers customised health insurance with maternity coverage and exclusive benefits. Here are the benefits you can enjoy with this plan:
· Pre and postnatal child delivery expenses
· Newborn baby's expenses up to 91 days from the date of birth
· Vaccination expenses of the child up to 12 years
· 80% of the prescribed medicine expenses
· Emergency ambulance expenses
Parting thoughts
Maternity coverage in health insurance is crucial for expectant parents. It provides financial security with benefits like hospitalisation, postnatal care, and tax advantages.
Prioritise your family's well-being during this significant life stage by investing in the right policy.
