All about maternity cover :: Business Line

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Maternity insurance covers maternity-related expenses. Maternity was not covered until few years ago. Thanks to increased awareness and competition, it is now included in the health insurance plan.

Maternity coverage is provided as a rider on a main health insurance package. The cost depends on various factors such as age, limit of benefit amount, targeted population, number of deliveries covered, waiting period imposed, whether post-delivery complications are covered or not. Under some plans, you can pay extra premium for this coverage. Under others, this is eschewed in favour of a a waiting period and a cap on the expenses claimed under maternity coverage. Yet, other insurance companies cover it under OPD expenses. Here are the points to keep in mind when zeroing in on maternity coverage

First, you will not get maternity insurance after pregnancy as insurance providers take it as pre-existing condition. Even otherwise, you should check with your insurance providers regarding the waiting period.

Second, check with your employer whether maternity is already covered by their group insurance plan. Most companies cover employees under a group plan. This is the best option. But usually, in a majority of these corporate policies, pre and post-natal care expenses are not covered. Some corporates also opt for a cover called 'baby day one cover', which essentially covers any expense incurred on the treatment of a newborn.

Third, if you already have a health insurance plan, check if there is option to add on a maternity rider to it. Usually, insurance companies are more open and liberal towards allowing this rider if you have been insured with them for some time.

Fourth, for policies which offer cover after a waiting period, this period is around 10-48 months before maternity benefits kick in. In group insurance under company plan, the waiting period is nine months.

Fifth, the insurance cap for maternity insurance or the limit of benefit could vary between ₹20,000 and ₹1-1.5 lakh. The coverage can also vary with the type of delivery.

Finally, there are exclusions to maternity insurance. Special conditions could be a waiting period between two deliveries. It is also advisable to take maternity cover against unexpected health conditions or complications related to pregnancy.

The writer is Executive Director, Medical from Star Health and Allied Insurance