If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, then it’s important to know what maternity cover is available to you under your health insurance policy. Many policies offer some form of maternity cover, but the level of cover and the terms and conditions vary from policy to policy. In this blog post, we will discuss things that you need to know about maternity cover under your health insurance policy.
Let’s take a look at these essential things.
What Are Maternity Expenses?
Before buying it, it’s important to understand the expenses covered under maternity cover. Some of the expenses covered are- expenses arising due to medical treatments that are traceable to childbirth, such as caesarean section and complicated deliveries incurred during hospitalisation, and costs arising because of lawful medical termination of pregnancy during the policy term.
When Should you Take a Maternity Cover?
Most health insurance policies have a waiting period of at least three-four years before they start covering maternity expenses. So if you are planning on getting pregnant, then make sure to get a health insurance policy well in advance.
Additionally, some policies also have a maximum age limit for the mother-to-be. So if you are over a certain age (usually 35 years), then you might not be eligible for maternity cover under your health insurance policy.
What Benefits are Covered Under Maternity Policy?
Another important thing that you need to check before availing the maternity cover is what benefits are included in it. Every health insurance policy offers different benefits, and you need to be very clear about it.
Typically, policies cover medical expenses incurred up to the maternity benefit sum assured that is specified in the policy document. Furthermore, they can provide cover to the policyholder if they were covered for a specific duration under the policy. Mostly, policies require the policyholder to be continuously covered for at least 36 months to avail the maternity cover. Most policies cover pre-natal and post-natal expenses up to the amount specified in the policy document.
What Are The Key Exclusions Under Maternity Cover?
Typically, insurers will not cover any treatment arising from or traceable to pregnancy until the waiting period finishes. Most policies want their policyholders to have continuous coverage of at least 36 months before they can make a claim under maternity cover.
It is important to read the fine print of your health insurance policy to understand what is covered and what is not. If you are unsure, then always reach out to your health insurance provider for clarification.
The Bottom Line
Though every health insurance policy is different, most will offer maternity cover. It’s important to know what your policy covers so that you can plan accordingly. If you have any questions about your coverage, then be sure to contact your insurance provider.
