Maternity Health Insurance

Maternity Health Insurance in India

Welcoming a new life into the world fills your days with wonder, laughter, and a sense of awe. As the saying goes, “With great power comes great responsibility,” and parenthood is a journey that calls you to nurture and protect. Though this chapter brims with excitement, it is wise to anticipate the unexpected and prepare for whatever may come.

Most pregnancy delivery packages provide a broad spectrum of services that may help monitor and support the health of a mother and baby. Usually, expecting parents compare different pregnancy packages to get an estimate of overall maternity spending.

While standard plans require advance purchase, some insurance companies now provide pregnancy insurance after becoming pregnant with modified waiting periods, though coverage typically applies only to future pregnancies.

We realise that growing medical inflation and escalating hospitalisation costs are putting a strain on the couple’s finances. As a result, Star Health Insurance provides Maternity health Insurance Policies, so you no longer have to worry about growing medical costs.

As per IRDAI, Maternity expenses are termed as medical treatment expenses traceable to childbirth, including normal or cesarean sections incurred during hospitalisation. It includes expenses towards the lawful termination of pregnancy during the policy period.

A medical policy with delivery benefits is essential to meet the growing expenses, particularly when it comes to prenatal care, doctor’s visits, delivery, and post-natal care.

A medical policy with delivery benefits ensures the mother and baby are well protected during labour, particularly if any complications arise during the delivery and the early days of the child’s life. It is recommended to review maternity claim guidelines earlier to avoid unpleasant surprises and last-minute confusion. In addition, many couples also look for a flexible pregnancy cover that fits their budget easily.

Understanding what is maternity insurance helps parents financially prepare for having a baby, is an expensive affair.

To enjoy their benefits efficiently, it is better to have maternity insurance plans with no waiting period or have the lowest waiting period for maternity insurance.

Why do you need delivery expense coverage as a part of your regular health insurance?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report on newborn death and illness, approximately 41% of all deaths among children under five years of age occur during the neonatal period, defined as the first 28 days of life.

In many Indian cities, the price tag for a Normal or C-section delivery is climbing, often soaring past ₹ two lakhs and putting a real strain on family budgets.

Why is a Medical Policy with Maternity Benefits Important?

Pregnancy and going through labour are important phases of a woman’s life. While there is certainly the joy of becoming a parent, most women experience the accompanying anxiety as well. So, one thing you need not worry about during this time is hospitalisation expenses. If you have an insurance policy that provides cover for maternity expenses, you can put your worries to rest and enjoy your pregnancy, knowing that all the costs are taken care of.

With the escalating medical costs across the country and the surge in delivery expenses in private hospitals, opting for maternity insurance cover, especially the maternity insurance plans with no waiting period, and family medical insurance, is the best approach to tackle expenses.

Many couples often wonder, Does health insurance cover pregnancy if I’m already pregnant? The answer to this is that many standard policies usually do not include maternity benefits if they are purchased after conception, as the insurance company considers it a pre-existing condition. Nevertheless, some insurance companies offer pregnancy insurance after pregnancy with shorter waiting periods (e.g., 12–24 months), but coverage typically begins only after the waiting period.   
 

“Nearly 41% of all deaths in under-fives occur among newborns, babies in their first 28 days of life, or babies in the neonatal period”, says WHO in its report on newborn death and illness.

The average cost of Normal or C-section deliveries is rising and can go up to ₹ two lakhs and above in most cities in India.

Although there are limited maternity health insurance policies in India, one of the key benefits of Star Health Insurance’s individual and family floater policies is that they cover expenses incurred during delivery and for the newborn.

Mediclaim plans that include delivery expense coverage or pregnancy insurance provide significant benefits for individuals seeking comprehensive family health protection. Health insurance policies with maternity cover typically reimburse expenses associated with normal or caesarean deliveries, as well as hospitalization costs for newborns experiencing medical complications.

This is a great feature if you are looking to buy a Mediclaim plan with delivery expense coverage or pregnancy insurance for your spouse or your family. Health insurance with maternity cover can cover expenses that arise due to normal delivery or cesarean delivery, and/or if the baby has been hospitalised due to any medical complications.

The pregnancy insurance has to be considered by every new mother for their delivery needs. Many parents choose a pregnancy check-up package to monitor the health progress. These tests are beneficial during pregnancy as they help assess the mother’s health and the baby’s health as well.

Whether you plan to purchase a Mediclaim policy with delivery benefits or you are looking to switch to a family policy, Star Health Insurance provides soon-to-be parents with the right medical insurance. Star Health Insurance’s individual and family floater policies offer the support they need to have a happy and healthy pregnancy.

Welcoming a child brings a world of happiness, but it also ushers in a wave of new expenses that can weigh heavily on the finances and peace of mind of new parents.
 
Therefore, individuals should obtain a medical insurance policy that provides comprehensive coverage for pregnancy-related expenses prior to conception.

Can a husband and wife both claim maternity insurance in India? Yes, both the wife and husband are allowed to claim maternity health insurance in India. However, they must check whether their respective plans allow dual coverage or have any limitations. This can be helpful in managing the total costs, including maternity and neonatal care.

Advantages of Buying a Medical Policy with a Delivery Benefit

 The key features & benefits of buying a maternity policy in India are :

Financial Backup

Maternity health insurance takes care of expenses for both normal and C-Section deliveries. Whatever medical care you need, you can feel at ease knowing you are supported. These policies also look after your pre- and post-natal needs.

Covers a Newborn Baby

Our plans, namely Star Comprehensive Insurance Policy, Young Star Insurance Policy and Super Surplus Insurance Policy, provide coverage for the newborn from day one. These costs encompass expenses related to medical emergencies and vaccinations. Due to the ongoing increase in medical inflation, numerous pregnancy-related expenses, including diagnostic tests and routine check-ups, have become significant financial burdens for many individuals.

Covers Delivery Expenses

Choosing a Mediclaim plan with maternity benefits gives you peace of mind throughout your pregnancy journey. It covers everything from pre- and post-natal care to ambulance and delivery costs, whether your delivery is normal or caesarean.

Easy and Hassle-Free Online Application Process

Many health insurance companies now offer a swift online application process, allowing you to easily secure top maternity health insurance in India, all without a single sheet of paperwork.

What Should you Consider Before Buying a Mediclaim Plan with Maternity Benefits?

Every parent deserves maternity cover insurance to cover delivery expenses. Handling the high maternity care costs without medical insurance might be tough for both parents. As a result, the best method to organise your finances is to purchase a maternity health insurance policy, ensuring a healthier and pleasant parenthood.

Consider the following factors when selecting a medical policy with maternity benefits.

• Select a maternity insurance plan that covers a range of medical expenses, not only hospitalisation costs.
• Review available premium savings to help manage household expenses.
• Check the list of cashless network hospitals to ensure convenient access to cashless facilities during a medical emergency.
• Review the policy documents to understand inclusions, exclusions, sub-limits, and waiting periods.

By carefully comparing the maternity insurance plans and selecting the proper policy with maximum coverage and features, you may acquire maternity coverage at an affordable cost.

Early planning is essential. Pregnancy insurance after pregnancy usually comes with certain restrictions, making pre-conception enrolment the safest option for full coverage. Star Health's plans offer comprehensive protection to couples who purchase them at the right time.

Star Health Policies Covering Delivery Expenses?

With maternity health plans, you can stay financially protected from the costs incurred during pregnancy. Here is a detailed table that explains the various plans offered by Star Health for pregnant women, along with the sum insured and waiting period:

Note that pregnancy insurance after pregnancy is excluded from most plans unless specified under special provisions, such as employer group policies or government schemes. Star Health's policies require enrollment before conception for maternity coverage.  It is advisable to go for a health booster maternity cover rider for enhanced safety. It provides coverage for various delivery methods, including both natural and caesarean births.  The plan is tailored to meet the needs of a diverse range of customers with a flexible entry age starting at 18 years and above.

Factors to Choose a Mediclaim Policy with Maternity Cover

There are some factors that need to be considered when opting for a mediclaim policy for maternity in India. Here are the factors to be considered when choosing a maternity mediclaim policy :

1.  Coverage Benefits

• Prenatal care: Check if prenatal checkups, scans, and consultations are included in the policy.
• Postnatal care: See for the coverage for postnatal care, like follow-up visits and medications.
• Delivery Categories: See if the policy offers coverage for both normal and cesarean deliveries.  
• Newborn coverage: See whether the mediclaim policy provides coverage for the medical expenses of the newborn baby for a certain period after birth.

2.  Waiting Period

• Maternity coverage generally has a longer waiting period than other health benefits. It usually ranges from 9 months to many years.
• Check and compare the waiting periods across different policies before choosing one.

3.  Accessible Network of Hospitals

• Choose a mediclaim with maternity cover with several hospitals in your area where you can get a cashless treatment feature.

4.  Premium cost

• Compare the premiums from different insurers while considering the coverage provided to know which premium is suitable for you.

Exclusions:

Check if any pre-existing medical conditions connected to pregnancy might be excluded from insurance coverage by carefully reading the mediclaim policy document.

Add-on Advantages:   

A few insurers might provide add-on choices to boost maternity coverage, like coverage for particular risks or enhanced newborn care.

What is the Best Time to Purchase Maternity Health Insurance?

Women should purchase maternity health insurance at the earliest possible stage to complete the mandatory waiting period before planning a family. Most maternity insurance plans in India have a waiting period starting from as little as 3 months, during which no pregnancy-related expenses are covered.

Buying maternity insurance at a younger age ensures a more comprehensive pregnancy cover, helping women manage the rising costs of pre-natal care, delivery expenses, and post-natal care without financial stress. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for a maternity insurance cover a few years before starting a family.

Additionally, women should carefully check the maternity insurance waiting period before purchasing any policy, as the duration can vary across different plans.

Are There Maternity Insurance Policies Available with Zero Waiting Period?

At present, maternity insurance without waiting period is generally not available in India. This means that insured women cannot get immediate coverage after purchasing a pregnancy cover and must serve the applicable waiting period before filing a maternity claim with their insurer. The good news is that some options, such as maternity insurance with 3-month waiting period, are available.

Why Choose a Health Insurance with Maternity Cover from Star Health Insurance?

Pre- and Post-Natal Care

Few health insurers extend coverage to both expenses before and after delivery, making Star Health’s comprehensive support a standout advantage for expectant families.

Cashless Facility

Expectant mothers are eligible to access cashless services at over 14,000 network hospitals nationwide.

Fast and Hassle-Free Claims Settlement

With Star Health Insurance, you have access to over 14,000 network hospitals, ensuring your claims are settled quickly when it matters most, like during childbirth. This means you can focus on recovery and cherishing moments with your family, while Star Health handles your claim smoothly and directly, without any third-party involvement.