7 Reasons for Having Maternity Insurance in India

Becoming a mother — the responsibility of bringing up good, kind, ethical human beings — is the biggest job anyone can embark on. But with this magical chapter of your life, come financial responsibilities. The journey to motherhood starts even before the child is born. A mother needs to change her diet, lifestyle habits, and take proper care of her health to ensure her baby is happy and healthy in the womb.

So how can you be prepared beforehand? By purchasing something known as Maternity Insurance.

Let’s embark upon the journey together, shall we?
 

What is Maternity Insurance?

Maternity insurance offers protection against medical and health-related expenses related to pregnancy. In some health insurance policies, the maternity insurance cover is available by default. In others, you can voluntarily opt for it - as an add-on benefit - by paying an additional premium.

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.
 

Wrapping up!

While visiting the doctor regularly and making conscious health choices during pregnancy is essential, you must also consider the need for a good Maternity Insurance Cover. It lets you take baby steps into the world of parenthood while being financially secure. Because milestones like this don’t happen just every other day.