What Factors Should You Consider While Buying a Maternity Health Insurance Policy?

The best maternity insurance secures your 9 months journey of becoming a mother. For many women, the maternity period is the most precious transformative phase of their lives. For all those women who choose to be mothers, adapting physically, emotionally, socially and mentally to motherhood can be a tough yet beautiful stage. Right from the days of pregnancy until delivery of the baby and the postpartum period, the body goes through numerous changes.

Family and friends can be a great support during pregnancy. However, having the best maternity insurance can also be equally helpful in securing your pregnancy period. Motherhood is a demanding role in which the body and mind constantly navigate towards new roles as mothers. For some women, maternity can be more challenging than others. 

Having a mediclaim for pregnancy can be a financial backup in such times. In this article, we will discuss how the best maternity health insurance can help you on your journey to maternity and motherhood.

What is Maternity Health Insurance?

Before selecting the  best maternity insurance, it is essential to understand what a mediclaim for pregnancy is. Health insurance plans for pregnancy, as the name may suggest, are health coverage for pregnant women. Childbirth may involve hefty hospitalisation expenses not just during delivery but even after discharge. Maternity health insurance aims to cover the medical expenses of the mother and baby during pregnancy and the postpartum phase.

Depending on the chosen plan, you may also get coverage for the newborn baby. With Joy Maternity Insurance Plan by Care Health Insurance, you get the following coverages under mediclaim for pregnancy:

1. It covers hospitalisation expenses incurred during the maternity and delivery period of the insured child-bearer
2. The newborn baby is also covered for medical attention for up to 90 days after delivery
3. More than 540 daycare treatments are covered under the plan
4. Ambulance expenses are covered
5. Mother's pre-hospitalisation expenses of up to 30 days and post-hospitalisation expenses of up to 60 days are covered
6. You can choose the required sum insured option (₹3 and ₹5 lakhs) as per your needs

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing the Best Maternity Insurance 

Maternity insurance plans are specifically designed for the health needs of expectant mothers and the newborn. Hence, these plans differ from usual health insurance plans in terms of coverage and conditions. So, if you are purchasing mediclaim for pregnancy for the first time, here are a few things you must consider:

Adequate Sum Insured

The sum insured you choose must be sufficient and align with your medical expenses. With Care Joy, you have the option to choose from ₹3 lakh and ₹5 lakh sum insured plan. Depending on the chosen sum insured, some of the features may also vary. So, make sure you get the details of the plan before finalising it.

Be Aware of Exclusions

Exclusions are the conditions that remain uncovered in a health insurance plan. Knowing exclusions is as essential as understanding the policy coverage. For instance, a maternity plan may have waiting periods for maternity care, pre-existing diseases, initial waiting periods, etc. It is important to be aware of these exclusions in order to avoid unwanted surprises during emergencies.

Waiting Period Clause

The waiting period is the tenure during which an insured cannot raise a claim. Finding maternity health insurance without waiting periods can be tough. With Care Joy Maternity Insurance Plan, you have to pass the following waiting periods:

• Maternity: There is a waiting period of 9 months from the policy purchase date to raise a maternity claim.
• Initial Waiting Period: Care Joy has an initial waiting period of 30 days from policy purchase date. In these 30 days, no claims can be raised.
• Named Ailments and Pre-existing Conditions: For named ailments, the waiting period is 24 months and for pre-existing diseases, the waiting tenure is 48 months.

Newborn Coverage

A maternity plan must cover both the mother and the child. A newborn may require medical attention, and expenses may be high. So, try to purchase a plan like Care Joy that covers newborns as well. It includes:

• Newborn birth defects are covered up to the limit as mentioned in policy documents
• Newborns are covered till 90 days from birth (up to the sub-limit)

The Premium Charges

You should try to choose maternity insurance that offers extensive coverage with affordable premium rates.  Pregnancy demands many other expenses like diet, new clothes for the mother and the baby, additions at home, hiring extra help, etc. So, maintaining a financial balance is a must.

Sub-limit Clause

Sub-limit clauses of a health plan must be properly understood. The sub-limit of coverage indicates the maximum amount you can avail yourself of. For instance, the ambulance charges may have a maximum limit cap. So, beyond that limit, you’ll have to pay the charges from your pocket. Different health plans may have different sub-limit clauses.

Compare Plans

Before you finalise a plan, comparing the available options can be quite helpful. It helps you spot a plan that can bring you maximum benefit. You can also compare plans online or by visiting a nearby branch of your chosen health insurer.

Benefits of Purchasing the Best Maternity Insurance

Health insurance plans for pregnancy provide the mother with the financial support for quality medical services. Maternity insurance is recommended for all expectant mothers since it is the protective shield for both the mother and the baby. Here is a list of benefits that you usually get with the best maternity insurance:

A Shield of Care for Your Baby

Bringing a new life to the world is as joyous as demanding. A newborn needs the utmost care and love. Having the best maternity insurance ensures your baby has the shield of care it needs.

A Financial Cushion

Owing to the rising medical expenses, having a health insurance plan acts as a financial cushion. It keeps you from draining your savings.

Mental Peace

Having a maternity insurance plan gives you peace of mind. You no longer have to arrange for maternity expenses anymore. 

Lets You Avail The Best Services

When you have access to mediclaim for pregnancy, you don't have to compromise with your and your baby's health. You can avail the best medical services without worrying about the expenses.

A Comprehensive Plan

The best maternity insurance covers much more than just hospitalisation expenses. For instance, Care Joy also provides coverage for the newborn, defects in the newborn, pre-existing and named ailments coverage for the mother, and so on.

Winding Up

Health insurance plans for pregnancy reduce the financial challenges that may arise due to rising medical inflation. They also offer the expectant mother much-needed mental relaxation. With a comprehensive health insurance plan like those offered by Care Health Insurance, mothers can avail themselves of the best medical services for themselves and their bundle of joy. 

The best maternity insurance provides comprehensive coverage for newborns as well. Hence, mediclaim for pregnancy can act as a pack of care for the mother and the baby. If you have family plans ahead, it's time for you to plan it with Care. Know all the details about the waiting period so you can make the most of your best health coverage for pregnancy.

>> Also Read: What is Maternity Coverage with Minimum Waiting Period?

Disclaimers: All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.