The Importance of Maternity Health Insurance for Expectant Mothers
Updated On Apr 29, 2024
Table of Contents
- What is Maternity Health Insurance?
- Importance of Maternity Insurance For Smooth Pregnancy
- Key Features of Maternity Health Insurance
- Benefits of Maternity Health Insurance
- Securing Maternity Health Insurance Post-Pregnancy: Is It Possible?
- Availing Maternity Health Insurance While Pregnant
- Inclusions of Maternity Plan
- Top 4 Maternity Health Insurance Plans
- Conclusion
Being pregnant and preparing for the arrival of a new baby is a super exciting and beautiful time for any woman. But with rising healthcare costs and economic conditions, it becomes a big deal because you have to look after both the mother and baby’s health really well. That’s why having health insurance is important. It helps to make sure that both mom and baby are taken care of and solves your major financial puzzle.
Maternity insurance is a type of insurance that helps cover medical expenses related to costs of pregnancy and childbirth. It is like financial support for expecting mothers, making sure they can get the quality medical care they need without worrying about the cost.
In this article, we will cover the importance of maternity health insurance and why every expectant mother and their family should think about getting it.
What is Maternity Health Insurance?
Maternity health insurance helps pay for hospital stays during childbirth, as well as doctor visits, tests before (pre-natal) and after birth (post-natal), and care for any problems that might happen during pregnancy or delivery. This makes sure both mom and baby get the care and attention they need right away.
Different health insurance companies offer different maternity insurance plans. Some might have a waiting period before they start covering pregnancy costs, and some plans might not cover certain elements of maternity (exclusions). That's why it's really important to review and understand what the insurance plan offers before you decide to purchase it.
Importance of Maternity Insurance For Smooth Pregnancy
Every year, about 3 lakh women die because of problems during pregnancy or childbirth. This high number signifies how important it is to have good and quality health care when you are pregnant. However, prenatal care, postnatal care, and pregnancy combined are really expensive and not everyone can afford it. This is where Maternity Health Insurance comes in as a saviour to provide financial stability along with affordable healthcare.
The following list briefly describes the features of maternity insurance benefits in India:
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Provide financial assistance or security.
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Expensive delivery in a private environment
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Coverage for a newborn from the first day.
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Prepares couples for potential and unforeseen challenges.
Key Features of Maternity Health Insurance
Here is a simple overview of what maternity health insurance offers:
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Features |
Description |
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Access to cashless facilities at hospitals in the network |
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Coverage |
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Specifications |
6500+ network hospitals |
Benefits of Maternity Health Insurance
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Financial Stability: Pregnancy can be a stressful period, and the added burden of huge costs may lead to worry for the mental and emotional well-being of the mother, Hence, apart from medical expenses, maternity health insurance also covers the labour costs, whether it is a normal delivery or a caesarean. It also includes postnatal care, which is important for the mother and the baby's well-being.
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Extensive pregnancy and childbirth coverage: Maternity insurance plans are designed to offer comprehensive coverage, which includes routine doctor checkups, blood tests, and rest, as well as all aspects of maternity and pregnancy care. This is clearly outlined in policy documents.
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Customised maternity plans: in some cases, you may also add some additional benefits such as coverage for maternity-related complications, prenatal vitamins, and even maternity leaves. These benefits help ease another layer of financial strain and lead to a happy mother and the baby.
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Protection against potential complications: It provides coverage for any unforeseen complications that may arise during pregnancy or childbirth. This includes emergency procedures, such as a C-section or hospitalisation due to pregnancy-related complications. Without proper insurance coverage, these expenses can be a burden and may lead to delays in necessary medical care.
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Preventive and post-natal care: Maternity health insurance does not only cover expenses related to pregnancy and childbirth but also provides coverage for the newborn baby. This includes vaccinations for the baby, doctor visits, and any medical requirements in the first few months after birth. This is to make sure that the baby receives the necessary healthcare without putting financial stress on the family.
Securing Maternity Health Insurance Post-Pregnancy: Is It Possible?
Getting ready for a baby is exciting, yet it is also a bit of a financial puzzle, especially with rising medical costs every day. You might think your regular health insurance has got you covered for oncoming baby expenses, but such is not always the case. Most of these plans do not include maternity as they see pregnancy as something that you are planning for and do not mark it as a sudden health crisis.
So, what can you do? You cannot just snap your fingers and get this coverage within 5 minutes, like a money transaction, the moment you find out about pregnancy. There is a waiting period that can last anywhere from 9 months to 6 years before you can use the benefits.
This means that waiting till you are actually trying to have a baby to get maternity insurance is not the best move. It is like waiting till the last minute to start saving for your trip next week- a stressful plan and so not helpful. The smart move would be to get this coverage into your bucket as soon as it fits into your budget. That way, you can plan ahead for your game, and those bulky hospital bills become someone else’s worry and not yours.
Availing Maternity Health Insurance While Pregnant
You can get a health insurance policy when you are pregnant, but it won't cover the costs of your pregnancy until after a waiting period, which can last between 9 months and 4 years. So, it is smart to get maternity health insurance early. That way, when you get pregnant, you will be all set to use its benefits without waiting.
Inclusions of Maternity Plan
Please note that the coverage of maternity health insurance plans may vary depending on different policies. For more detailed information, you can either visit Insurancedekho or contact their customer care at 7551196989. Below are some of the aspects that are typically covered under such plans:
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Inclusions |
Remarks |
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Pre and Post Hospitalisation Support |
Covers all related costs |
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Labour Cost |
All birth-related expenses, a limited number of pregnancies covered |
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C-section |
Covered on doctor's recommendation |
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Hospitalisation and Room Rent |
All hospitalisation and room rent. Natural and c-sections, natural births, and pregnancy termination in life-threatening situations are covered. (medical essential scenario) |
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Newborn baby Coverage |
Provides coverage for a certain number of days, varying with policies. |
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Vaccination |
Covers routine vaccination for newborns. |
Top 4 Maternity Health Insurance Plans
Now that you understand the importance of maternity health insurance and why it is important for your family's safety. Here are some of the top Maternity Health Insurance Plans in 2024 that you can check out before you decide to buy one for yourself.
Conclusion
As you start this beautiful journey of parenthood, let InsuranceDekho be your guide in securing a maternity health Insurance plan that provides peace of mind and cherishes your bundle of joy without any financial worries.
Remember, investment in maternity health insurance is not just a financial decision but a smart move with a loving gesture towards your family’s future.
