Top 5 Maternity Insurance in India: Plans and Features
Parenthood is a beautiful journey, but the initial phase can be stressful due to massive bills and hospitalization charges. From the day a woman becomes pregnant to the day of delivery, a family needs to bear hospitalization charges, normal or C-section delivery costs, medical tests, etc. Celebrating a new beginning with financial responsibilities at the back of your mind can ruin all your good moments. This is where maternity insurance plans come into practice. Several health insurance companies offer maternity benefits that provide financial coverage and support so that soon-to-be parents can enjoy the new beginning without financial stress.
Let's check and compare top maternity insurance plans in India. Further, learn some key factors to consider when purchasing Maternity Insurance.
Table of Contents
What Is Maternity Insurance?
Maternity insurance is a health insurance policy that pays for your pregnancy, delivery, and other associated medical expenses and treatment costs. Under these plans, both mother and newborn get coverage, i.e., prenatal and postpartum care. In case, your existing policy does not include maternity coverage, you can purchase it as a rider or add-on cover. Further, whether the mother undergoes normal or C-section delivery, coverage is provided in both cases.
Key Benefits of Maternity Insurance
Purchasing a maternity insurance plan can offer a wide range of benefits, including:
- Coverage For Pre- and Post-hospitalization Expenses
Apart from delivery, a woman goes through various health issues before and after delivery. These pre- and post-hospitalization expenses, including regular check-ups, ultrasounds, doctor consultations, etc., can be very expensive if a couple decides to pay from their own pocket. However, with an insurance policy in hand, couples can better manage their finances and get coverage for these additional expenses.
- Ambulance Cover
Under the maternity insurance plan, the pregnant woman also gets coverage for ambulance costs and other pregnancy-related medical services provided during the journey to the hospital.
- Newborn Baby Cover
The time period for newborn baby cover may vary for different insurance companies. Under this plan, all the medical expenses, including vaccinations and check-ups of the little one get covered.
- Mental Peace
The entire pregnancy journey can be stressful for couples as there are various complications and health issues that a mother goes through. Apart from this, the financial stress related to maternity expenses can impact your mental health. But, with the right policy, you can be less stressful and enjoy your moment.
Top 5 Maternity Insurance Plans in India
1. Activ Health Platinum Enhanced Plan By Aditya Birla Health Insurance
Activ Health Platinum Enhanced Plan offered by Aditya Birla Health Insurance provides a sum insured of up to 2 crores. The plan also includes Chronic Care management programs and 100% HealthReturnsTM as rewards for your healthy journey. Other benefits include in-patient hospitalization expenses, ambulance cover, free health check-ups, pre-hospitalization and post-hospitalisation expenses, etc. You can even access double sum insured for two-claim free years.
2. Health Guard Family Floater Plan By Bajaj Allianz Health Insurance
Health Guard Family Floater plan is another trusted insurance plan for maternity coverage. Most people choose the Bajaj Allianz Health Guard Family Floater plan because it offers good coverage at affordable premium rates. The plan is available in three variants including maternity benefits and new-born baby cover. Apart from these, the plan provides medical coverage for ayurvedic/homeopathic treatment, in-patient hospitalization expenses, daily cash cover, etc.
3. Joy Plan By Care Health Insurance
Joy health insurance policy is a comprehensive health insurance plan designed specifically for mothers and newborns. The Care Insurance maternity plan covers 540+ daycare treatment expenses, in-patient care, ambulance cover, and a 9-month to 24-month waiting period. You can choose from the two variant plans - Joy Today and Joy Tomorrow. For newborns, a 90 days coverage period is available. Also, one can apply for cashless claim settlement at 24800+ network hospitals.
4. Health Total Mediclaim Insurance By Future Generali Health Insurance
Future Generali Health Total insurance policy offers complete financial security to pregnant mothers and newborns. The plan offers long-term coverage benefits at low premium rates. You can choose from three variants - Vital, Superior, and Premium plans. Under this plan, an insured individual gets coverage for pre-hospitalization expenses, post-hospitalization expenses, delivery charges, etc. Apart from maternity benefits, the plan also covers mental illness, road ambulance, domiciliary expenses, child vaccination benefits, consultation, etc. Keep in mind no coverage is provided for congenital diseases or disabilities from birth.
5. ProHealth Insurance Plan By ManipalCigna Health Insurance
ManipalCigna ProHealth is a flexible insurance policy that also covers your non-medical expenses. You can choose from a wide range of variants - ProHealth Prime Protect, ProHealth Prime Advantage, and Prime Active. Under this plan, an insured individual can access coverage for pre-hospitalization and post-hospitalization expenses, daycare treatment, domiciliary hospitalization expenses, road ambulance, donor expenses, etc.
Comparison of Top Maternity Insurance Plans
|
Name of the Insurance Company |
Name of the Insurance Policy |
Entry Age Criteria |
Sum Insured |
|
Activ Health Platinum Enhanced Plan |
91 Days to No limit |
Up to ₹ 2 crore |
|
|
Health Guard Family Floater Plan |
3 months to 65 years |
1.5 lakh - 1 Crore |
|
|
Joy Plan |
For Adults, 18 years to 45 years. For child, 1 day to 24 years |
Cover 3 to 5 Lakh |
|
|
Health Total Mediclaim Insurance |
1 Day to no limit |
Cover 3 lakh to 1 crore |
|
|
ProHealth Insurance Plan |
91 days to no limit |
₹ 2.5 Lakhs - ₹ 1 Crore |
Important Features to Look For in Maternity Insurance
Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting or purchasing a maternity insurance plan:
1. Coverage
Under the maternity insurance plan, you may get coverage for delivery expenses, postpartum and prenatal care, etc. But make sure to check other inclusions and exclusions thoroughly. For example, a few insurance companies also offer coverage for preterm delivery, hypertension, etc., but not all of them cover pregnancy-related issues.
2. Waiting Time
Another critical factor to look forward to when purchasing a pregnancy health insurance plan is the waiting period. Some insurers impose a waiting period on maternity coverage which can vary from months to year. Hence, check if the provided period meets your requirements.
3. Premium
Review the premium amount for different health insurance plans, compare and check what benefits each of them offers. Certain insurers may offer higher premium rates than standard policies, so compare their coverage benefits and see if they match your requirements.
4. Network Hospitals
Cashless hospitalization for pregnancy and other maternity-related services is considered to be a good option. So, ensure your insurance company has a good number of network hospitals that support cashless hospitalization. This feature will help parents to focus more on the newborn and less on hospital expenditures.
5. Newborn Coverage
Go through your policy document and ensure it offers coverage to both the mother and the child. Even a newborn may require medical attention resulting in additional medical expenses. So, go for a maternity plan that includes newborn coverage in its policy.
Conclusion
Maternity health insurance plan can make your entire pregnancy journey less stressful in terms of finance and mental peace. If you are planning a baby, add maternity insurance to your checklist. Choose and compare different plans based on coverage, premium, inclusions/exclusions, etc. before finalizing one for your family.
FAQs
Ques 1: When is the best time to purchase health insurance for expectant mothers?
Ans: After your wedding within a few months try to learn about different plans and their waiting period. Get in touch with an insurance company or agent to get more information on maternity benefits.
Ques 2: I'm pregnant; may I purchase and make claims on maternity insurance?
Ans: Certain insurance companies do not allow claiming maternity benefits after getting pregnant as it comes under a pre-existing condition.
Ques 3: Are there any eligibility criteria for a maternity insurance plan?
Ans: Yes, one must meet the eligibility criteria to gain benefits from maternity plans. Generally, the entry age is 18 years but it may vary from insurer to insurer.
Ques 4: If I am pregnant with a third child, will I get covered?
Ans: Some insurance companies provide coverage for pregnancy for two children only. But, still, speak with your insurer and get more details related to maternity coverage.
Ques 5: Are both normal and C-section deliveries covered under the maternity insurance plan?
Ans: Maternity health insurance plans cover both types of delivery, including normal and cesarean deliveries.
