Childbirth is a matter of excitement for the parents to be and other family members. An addition to the family is always looked forward to and there are a lot of preparations that couples do for welcoming their baby. But have you ever thought of pregnancy to be included in your insurance or healthcare package? The challenges that may be encountered by each individual mother are unique. A newborn also sometimes needs extra care. In normal circumstances also, infants need all the care and attention during their initial days. Healthcare expenses are rising, and the financial pressures are inevitable. It is better to include pregnancy in your healthcare plan.
What is Pregnancy Insurance?
It is a type of insurance offering financial protection against all the expenses associated with childbirth up to a certain period. The chances of pregnancy related complications are higher when a mother is older. From the day a woman gets pregnant, related expenses and responsibilities arise and never stop. Typically, it also covers the new-born baby related expenses up to a certain number of days following birth and does not stop on the day of birth. You can choose a standalone policy or include it as an add-on health insurance with maternity cover by paying an extra premium.
When and how to get it?
Insurance companies do not provide maternity insurance if you are already pregnant. You should get insurance in advance because maternity insurance without waiting period is not easily available. Pregnancy is considered as a preexisting condition and is beyond policy cover. Usually, you need to wait for a period of around three to four years before claiming this kind of insurance. You may enjoy the benefits of health insurance when you are pregnant but not the maternity coverage if you have not planned for it in advance.
What is covered?
It is limited to a pre-defined sum for your delivery. A few companies offer pre-natal and post-natal expenses and newly born baby coverage for a specific amount of maternity insurance. Both the normal as well as C-section deliveries are covered. There is provision for the cost of termination due to complications by a few policies.
- Pre-natal and post-natal coverage: A pregnant woman needs regular medical care. Health check-ups and medications are lined up throughout the period. Even when a pregnant woman goes into labor, medicines are required. Post birth examinations and treatments continue after the baby is born. Health insurance status affects the care received by mothers who have just given birth and their newborns to a greater extent. Uninsured mothers and newborns get lesser pre-natal care and less perinatal treatment. Pregnancy insurance converge takes care of all medical expenses for the mother and the child from 30 days before the due date to 30 to 60 days after birth according to the plan that you select. Ambulance charges during an emergency are covered by such health plans.
- Expenses of delivery: Senior and experienced doctors charge higher fees than usual. This will be covered by the pregnancy insurance subject to specific sub-limits and delivery being normal/C section. When natural process of childbirth is not recommended for a mother and a caesarean delivery is the only option, it becomes expensive due to the surgical process involved. The charge for C section is much higher than a normal delivery. Pregnancy coverage will be a good option to provide for the same. The cost of delivery could be as high as Rs.50,000 to Rs. 100,000 and the cost depends on the locality, name of the hospital, the reputation and experience of the doctor etc. To get the best or high-quality health care during the pregnancy, you should go for the same in advance.
- Cover for the newborn: There are insurance plans that pay for up to 90 days after birth if the newborn requires special care because of congenital disorders or other complications. If the newborn requires any advanced emergency medical treatment during the pregnancy or after birth, the parents will be stress-free as they have already secured all the contingencies by choosing a maternity plan.
- Coverage for vaccination: Immunization for your baby can be included in your health plan. By doing so vaccinations for polio, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, measles and hepatitis are covered under the maternity cover for the first year after birth. Many other expenses associated with childbirth get covered under the pregnancy insurance.
You should thoroughly understand the inclusions and exclusions in maternity insurance. There are many health insurance plans with maternity coverage offered by Aditya Birla Health Insurance, Bajaj Allianz Health Insurance, Bharti AXA Health Insurance, Care Health Insurance, Cholamandalam Health Insurance, Digit Health Insurance etc. You can also apply for maternity health insurance online. There are cashless facilities offered by the insurer’s network hospitals. The coverage is eligible for tax exemption up to Rs.60,000 under section 80D of the Income Tax Act.
Smrutirekha Bhoi