10 min read Posted on 14 Aug 2025

Maternity health insurance is a specialized form of health coverage designed to support women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care. As maternity-related medical expenses can be significant, having the right insurance plan can provide financial relief and ensure access to quality healthcare. This comprehensive guide explores the key features, benefits, coverage options, and considerations associated with maternity health insurance.

What is Maternity Health Insurance?

Maternity health insurance is a policy that covers medical expenses related to pregnancy and childbirth. It typically includes prenatal and postnatal care coverage, delivery costs, and newborn care. Some policies also offer additional benefits like coverage for complications during pregnancy, fertility treatments, and newborn vaccinations.

Maternity Health Insurance Policies at Glance

Below are some of the common specifications of the Maternity Health Insurance Plans:

Why is Maternity Health Insurance Important?

As we know, medical treatments are becoming expensive day by day. As a would-be parent, you must prepare for the maternity expenses and expenses related to a newborn. So, you must prepare your finances in advance to deal with unexpected expenses related to the child and pregnancy. Below are the points that make maternity health insurance so important:

• Financial Protection: Pregnancy and childbirth can be expensive, including regular check-ups, tests, medications, hospital stays, and delivery charges. Maternity health insurance protects against these expenses, ensuring that expecting parents do not face financial strain during this crucial time.
• Access to Quality Healthcare: Maternity health insurance ensures that the mother and the baby receive timely and quality healthcare services. It covers regular check-ups, necessary tests, and consultations with specialists, which are essential for monitoring the health of both the mother and the baby.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Maternity health insurance offers comprehensive coverage, including prenatal, delivery, and postnatal expenses. This ensures that the mother is cared for throughout the pregnancy and childbirth.

Key Features of Maternity Health Insurance

Maternity health insurance is designed to provide financial support and ensure access to quality healthcare services for expecting mothers and their newborns. Here are the key features of maternity health insurance:

• Coverage for Prenatal and Postnatal Expenses: Maternity health insurance typically covers all the necessary medical expenses incurred during pregnancy and after childbirth. This includes routine check-ups, ultrasounds, blood tests, medications, and consultations with gynaecologists and obstetricians.
• Coverage for Delivery Expenses: The policy covers the delivery cost, whether a normal delivery or a cesarean section. This includes the hospital stay, medical staff fees, and any required surgical procedures.
• Newborn Baby Cover: Many maternity health insurance plans offer coverage for newborn babies from birth. This can include expenses related to vaccinations, initial health check-ups, and treatments for congenital conditions.
• Coverage for Complications: Some policies provide coverage for complications that may arise during pregnancy or childbirth, such as ectopic pregnancy, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and other high-risk conditions.
• Waiting Period: Maternity health insurance policies usually come with a waiting period, which is the duration from the start of the policy until the benefits can be claimed. Depending on the insurer, this waiting period can range from 9 months to 4 years. It is essential to plan accordingly and purchase the policy well in advance.
• Other Coverage Benefits: Some maternity health insurance plans offer additional coverage benefits such as coverage for fertility treatments, ambulance charges, and room rent. These benefits can vary from insurer to insurer, so it is essential to read the policy document carefully.
• Cashless Treatment: Most maternity health insurance plans offer cashless treatment facilities at network hospitals. This means the insurer directly settles the medical bills with the hospital, reducing the insured's financial burden during hospitalization.
• Additional Benefits: Certain maternity health insurance plans offer additional benefits, such as:
  1. Coverage for Infertility Treatments: Some policies include benefits for treatments like in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
  2. Maternity Health Programs: Access to wellness programs, prenatal and postnatal care workshops, and support services.
• Tax Benefits: Premiums paid for maternity health insurance policies are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, reducing the policyholder's overall tax liability.

Coverage Benefits Offered Under Maternity Health Insurance

Below are some of the common coverage benefits offered under maternity health insurance plans:

• Coverage for normal and cesarean deliveries
• Pre- and post-hospitalization expenses
• Hospital room charges and medical staff fees
• Routine check-ups
• Diagnostic tests and ultrasounds
• Medications and supplements
• Post-delivery check-ups for the mother and baby
• Vaccinations for the newborn
• Medical consultations and treatments for the newborn
• Treatment for pregnancy-related complications
• Coverage for high-risk pregnancies
• Emergency medical care
• Initial health check-ups and treatments
• Congenital disorder treatments
• Vaccinations

How to Choose the Right Maternity Health Insurance Plan?

Choosing the right maternity health insurance plan is crucial to ensure comprehensive coverage and financial security during pregnancy and childbirth. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting the best plan for your needs:

• Assess your healthcare needs and budget before choosing a maternity health insurance plan. Consider factors such as age, health condition, family history, and whether you plan to conceive soon.
• Compare different maternity health insurance plans offered by various insurers. Look at the coverage benefits, waiting periods, premiums, and additional features. Use online comparison tools to make an informed decision.
• Ensure the insurance plan has a vast network of hospitals where you can avail of cashless treatment. Check if the preferred hospitals and maternity centres in your area are included in the network.
• Since maternity health insurance policies have a waiting period, it is important to understand the duration and plan accordingly. Choose a policy with a waiting period that aligns with your family planning timeline.
• Read the policy document carefully to understand the terms and conditions, exclusions, and claim process. Pay attention to details such as co-payment, sub-limits, and any specific conditions related to maternity coverage.
• If you are still deciding which plan to choose, seek advice from insurance experts or financial advisors. They can help you understand the nuances of different plans and recommend the best option based on your needs.

Things To Consider Before Purchasing a Maternity Health Insurance Plan

Selecting the right maternity health insurance plan is crucial to ensure comprehensive coverage and financial security during pregnancy and childbirth. Here are the key factors to consider before purchasing a maternity health insurance policy:

• Prenatal and Postnatal Care: Ensure the plan covers all prenatal expenses, such as routine check-ups, ultrasounds, blood tests, and medications. Postnatal care coverage should include follow-up visits, medications, and necessary treatments after delivery.
• Delivery Expenses: The policy should cover both normal and cesarean deliveries, including hospitalization, room rent, nursing charges, and medical staff fees. Check for sub-limits or caps on expenses like room rent or surgeon fees.
• Newborn Baby Cover: Verify if the policy provides coverage for the newborn from birth, including initial health check-ups, vaccinations, and treatment for congenital conditions.
• Waiting Period: Maternity health insurance plans typically have a waiting period ranging from 9 months to 4 years. Choose a plan with a waiting period that aligns with your family planning timeline. Plan to purchase the policy well before conceiving to ensure coverage is available when needed.
• Network Hospitals: Confirm that the insurance provider has a vast network of hospitals offering cashless treatment facilities. Ensure your preferred hospitals and maternity centres are included in the network for convenience and ease of access.
• Premiums and Affordability: Compare the premiums of different maternity health insurance plans to find one that fits your budget. Consider the overall benefits and coverage the plan provides and its cost.
• Inclusions and Exclusions: Carefully review the policy document to understand what is covered and what is not. Common exclusions include cosmetic treatments, dietary supplements, and treatments for infertility. Be aware of any specific conditions or limitations related to maternity coverage.
• Claim Process: Understand the claim process and ensure it is straightforward and hassle-free. Check the documentation required for claims and the time taken for approval and reimbursement.
• Reviews and Reputation of the Insurer: Research the insurer’s reputation and read reviews from other policyholders. Consider the insurer’s claim settlement ratio and customer service quality.

How to Buy Maternity Health Insurance Plans?

You can buy a health insurance policy from the insurance company’s official website and “RenewBuy.com”. Below are both the buying processes of health insurance plans:

Buy from the official website of the insurance company

• Visit the insurance company’s official website and click the “Health Insurance” tab.
• Select the desired plan.
• Fill in all the required information.
• Click on the Buy Now button.
• Make payment.
• The insurance company will send the policy documents to your email address.

Buy from "RenewBuy.com"

• Visit the official website of RenewBuy.
• Click on the “Health Insurance” tab.
• Fill out the form that shows on the next page.
• Compare health plans and select your desired plan.
• Click on the “Buy Now” button.
• A pop-up will show you the plan details and the additional rider information.
• Click on the “Proceed to Buy” button.
• Make the online payment, and the policy documents will be sent to your registered email address.

Maternity Health Insurance Claim Settlement Process

Maternity health insurance plans offer two types of claim settlement modes: cashless claims and reimbursement claims. Below are the steps to file a claim under both types of claim processes:

Cashless Claim Process

In Case of Planned Hospitalization

• Inform the health insurance company before 48 to 72 hours of hospitalization.
• The health insurance company will provide you with a confirmation letter.
• The policyholder must submit the relevant documents, the confirmation letter, and the health card at the hospital desk.
• The insurance company will directly settle the bill with the hospital.

In Case of Emergency Hospitalization

• Inform the insurance company about the hospitalization within 24 hours.
• Fill out the claim form and submit it.
• The policyholder needs to submit the required documents.
• The health insurance company will provide an authorization form to the hospital.
• The insurance company will directly settle the medical bill.

Reimbursement Claim Process

• Intimate the Health insurance company.
• Collect the original discharge summary.
• Fill and submit the claim form along with the ID proof.
• The insurance company will verify the documents.
• Once the verification is done, the insurance company will initiate the reimbursement process.

Conclusion

Maternity health insurance is an essential investment for expecting parents, providing financial security and access to quality healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth. By understanding these policies' key features, benefits, and considerations, you can choose the right plan that meets your needs and ensures a smooth and stress-free maternity experience.

Disclaimer: The content published in this article is intended solely for the readers' informational purposes and should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions. It is advisable to seek advice from a qualified professional regarding specific concerns. The details provided regarding the plan are for reference purposes only. Please visit the insurer’s website for the latest updates on the plan. The company does not guarantee suitability, reliability, timeliness, or accuracy of the information, services, or any other aspects mentioned in this regard for any purpose. We do not endorse any insurance company or insurance product provided by any insurer.