Maternity insurance takes care of the medical expenses arising due to pregnancy or its complications. This type of health insurance shall also cover the cost of IVF, artificial insemination, etc. if there are troubles conceiving a baby. But there are quite a few things that you should know about maternity insurance for a hassle-free experience. Let’s read this page further for the same.
Look Out for the Important Things While Choosing Maternity Insurance
While buying this insurance, do know the following –
No Coverage is Available if You’re Already Pregnant at the Time of Proposal
The insurance company won’t be liable to pay for any maternity expenses incurred during the policy term if it is pre-existing. Yes, if the insured is already pregnant, the company won’t cover her medical expenses related to childbirth. It means you have to pay from your pocket even after having maternity insurance.
Do I Get coverage for Maternity Expenses from Day One?
No, you won’t be getting medical coverage for maternity expenses from day one as the same comes with a waiting period. This is a period during which the company won’t take care of your maternity expenses. For a dedicated maternity plan, the waiting period is around 9 months from the date of policy inception. Regular health insurance comes with a waiting period of 24 months. However, these clauses may vary based on the insurer. So, check the waiting period before going any further.
Does the Newborn Get Coverage Under Maternity Insurance?
Yes, your newborn will be covered against medical expenses up to 90 days from the date of birth. So, you don’t need to worry about the expenses in case the newborn gets hospitalized.
Pre & Post Natal Expenses Coverage
Do check whether your insurer covers the pre and post-natal expenses or not. Because if it’s not, it could put a huge burden on your pocket. Some common complications expected include –
- Infection or sepsis
- Hemorrhage
- Blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs due to blood clots (thrombotic pulmonary embolism)
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Amniotic fluid embolism
- Anesthesia complications
- Cardiovascular diseases like heart muscles getting harder and making it difficult to pump blood to the rest of your body (cardiomyopathy)
At What Age Can I Buy This Insurance?
The minimum entry age for maternity health insurance is 21 years and the maximum is subject to 45 years.
Do I Get the Basic Hospitalization Coverage Under an Independent Maternity Insurance Plan?
Yes, you can get basic medical coverage like
- In-patient hospitalization
- Daycare
- Pre and post-hospitalization
- Ambulance
under maternity insurance.
Pre Policy Check-up for Maternity Insurance
Yes, you will need to undergo a medical examination before buying maternity insurance if the insurer asks you to do so. Often there is an age criterion applicable to this clause. Suppose you’re less than 45 years old, you don’t need to undergo a policy check-up. So, do check whether your insurer puts this clause under the plan or not.
Does the Plan Cover Tests & Scans?
Yes, the insurer will cover the ultrasound scan, blood tests, doctor’s consultations, etc. related to the pregnancy.
How to Get Maternity Insurance?
Well, you can get maternity cover either as an independent plan or rider to your base policy. So, you should know this before making your choice. Because if you add maternity cover as a rider, you don’t need to go through the whole application process. Just contact the insurer, pay the nominal premium amount and get it attached to your base plan.
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