7 Reasons for Having Maternity Insurance in India

1. Covers the high cost of delivery

   The cost of delivery, be it caesarean or normal, is rising by the day. Today, a normal delivery costs anywhere between Rs. 30,000 and Rs. 80,000. On the other hand, caesarean births, which are seemingly becoming the norm, cost Rs. 70,000 to Rs. 2 lakhs, in decent private hospitals. Hence, most couples in India are becoming apprehensive about parenthood due to the financial responsibilities that come with it.

   But you don’t have to be one of them. With a Maternity Insurance Cover in place, you can build your own beautiful family, without worrying about the expenses.

2. Covers both normal and caesarean deliveries

   Both caesarean/C-Section or normal/natural deliveries will be covered under a Maternity Insurance Cover. The expenses will be covered up to the limit specified by the insurer. Any expenses incurred beyond the specified limit will have to be borne by you.

3. Covers pre and post-natal costs

   Pre and post-natal expenses include the expenses incurred before childbirth and after childbirth. For example, costs of medicines, ultrasounds, regular checkups, doctor's consultation fees, etc.

   Generally, prenatal costs incurred 30 days prior to the delivery of the baby, and post-natal costs incurred 60 days after the delivery are covered under Maternity Insurance. The expenses will be covered as per the policy’s terms and conditions.

4. Covers the newborn baby

   The cover is not only limited to the delivery of the baby. Some health insurance policies, in addition to covering the to-be mother, may also cover the newborn baby for a set period of time.

   Some plans cover the newborn baby from day 1 until the next renewal, while others cover the baby from day 1 to day 90. After this, the newborn baby will have to be added to the health insurance policy by paying an additional premium.

5. Covers unforeseen expenses

   Pregnancy might involve several complications. Nausea, anxiety, infections, gestational diabetes, etc. are some common complications. A critical one includes premature delivery. If you deliver a preterm baby, your baby will likely need a longer hospital stay. Depending on how much care your baby requires, they may be admitted to an intermediate care nursery or the neonatal intensive care unit. And this special care can cost a lot.

   Maternity Insurance Cover will take care of these unforeseen expenses and give you financial relief, in times of distress.

6. Covers vaccination and other expenses of the newborn baby

   Under some health insurance policies, the costs of vaccination of the baby, medical treatments, and so on are also covered for a specific time period.

   Some insurance companies may specify a list of vaccines they will cover. In contrast, other insurance companies may place a cap on the amount up to which the vaccination-related costs will be covered.

7. Helps you start a family without financial burden

   Whether it’s your first or second time around, the onset of motherhood can be one of the most beautiful yet challenging times. A Maternity Cover makes sure the financial stress doesn’t take away the excitement and gratification of building a family.

Please note: The above conditions and limits may vary across insurance companies. So make sure you read the policy wording and brochure carefully - to avoid any difficulties later on.