Maternity health insurance is a benefit that covers medical expenses related to childbirth, and associated care. It helps protect mothers and newborns by providing financial support during:
Delivery in hospital (Normal or C‑section)Medical Termination of Pregnancy Pre‑natal expenses—up to the limits mentioned in your policy Newborn in‑patient care—if included in your plan and within the stated period/limit
Pregnancy today often involves advanced medical care, repeated check-ups, and expensive diagnostic tests. Delivery costs in private hospitals have also increased significantly. Without a maternity health insurance plan, these expenses can put financial pressure on families.
Here’s why maternity insurance matters:
Hospital charges for delivery may range from moderate to very high amounts depending on the city, hospital type, and complications. A maternity health coverage benefit helps manage these expenses smoothly.
The maternity cover usually includes routine delivery expenses and may also cover care for the newborn in the first few days, if covered under the policy.
Pregnancy complications like hypertension, gestational diabetes, or premature delivery can require specialized treatment. With maternity health insurance, families remain financially protected.
Knowing that you have a financial safety net reduces stress, allowing the mother to focus on her health.
Coverage under a maternity health insurance plan depends on the insurer and the policy chosen. Universal Sompo offers Complete Health Insurance which includes maternity as a base benefit and it is also available as an optional add-on under A-Plus policy.
In general, the maternity health coverage in these policies under these add-ons includes several important benefits that help expecting parents manage expenses throughout pregnancy.
Both normal and C-section deliveries are covered as per the policy limits. This is helpful because delivery costs can vary based on the hospital, city, doctor’s fee, and type of room selected. Having financial protection during delivery can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
The maternity benefit covers the expenses related to unfortunate complications requiring medical termination or miscarriages. Such expenses can vary depending on procedures and type of hospitals selected.
During pregnancy, regular check-ups and diagnostic tests, such as blood work, urine tests, and ultrasound scans, are essential. These visits ensure the mother and baby remain healthy. Many maternity add-ons cover these routine prenatal expenses, making pregnancy care more affordable.
In Complete Health Insurance, newborn inpatient care is covered from day 1 up to 91 days (or till policy expiry) within the maternity limit.This is particularly useful if the baby needs observation, special care, or treatment immediately after birth. Regular retail policies do not cover newborn baby until 90 days after birth, hence this cover becomes very important during that critical period.
Like all benefits, maternity benefits also have specific exclusions apply. These exclusions are standard among most insurers.
A waiting period is needed so maternity cover stays fair and affordable for everyone. Maternity waiting periods can be anywhere between 9 months to 36 months depending on the product and plan features. Under certain products, the waiting period may be served by the spouse, subject to eligibility and applicable terms. Group Health Insurance by employers generally have a day 1 cover for maternity.
Items such as baby food, diapers, registration fees, and administrative charges are not covered.
IVF, IUI, and related fertility procedures are generally excluded from the scope of cover. Certain insurers may provide coverage under select products, subject to applicable limits and conditions.
Certain policies may offer maternity benefits only when both husband and wife of the family are covered under the same policy.
Understanding exclusions helps avoid claim-related disappointments later.
Since maternity benefits often have waiting periods, it is best to buy the plan before planning a family.
Under Universal Sompo Complete Health Insurance, you get maternity coverage as a part of the base cover and under A-Plus Health Insurance you must first buy a standard health insurance plan and then select the maternity optional cover.
Look at the average childbirth costs in your city. Choose limit that matches these expenses. Confirm the maternity limits, and sub limits, in the policy documents.
Provide complete and accurate personal and medical information to ensure seamless policy issuance and timely claim processing as per policy terms.
Always confirm the waiting period at the time of purchase for the maternity benefit as this may be different from the base product waiting period.
Before choosing a maternity health insurance plan, it is important to compare different features carefully. Each insurer offers different benefits, limits, and waiting periods, so a little research can help you select the right maternity health coverage for your needs.
The waiting period is one of the most critical factors. A shorter waiting period is always better, especially for couples who plan to start a family soon. Some plans may offer maternity health insurance with less waiting period, while others may have a longer one. Always check this before buying.
Look at the maximum amount the plan will pay for maternity expenses and the number of pregnancies covered under the plan. The limit for Normal and C-section deliveries may be different, as costs can vary widely based on the hospital and city.
Plans that include maternity cover usually have slightly higher premiums. Comparing the premium with the benefits offered helps you decide whether the add-on provides good value.
Check if the plan includes newborn treatments, vaccinations, or initial medical care after birth. This helps manage early medical expenses.
A wider hospital network ensures easier access to cashless treatment, especially during emergencies.
Choose an insurer known for simple, quick, and transparent claim settlement. This reduces stress during important moments.
A maternity insurance policy ensures that families do not face financial stress during one of life’s most important moments. Here’s how it helps:
Childbirth expenses can be high. Maternity insurance covers high medical costs, reducing financial burden.
Complications during pregnancy may lead to unplanned hospitalisation. The policy ensures such situations are covered.
Immediate newborn medical care can be expensive. Maternity cover helps parents manage these early medical costs.
Families feel confident choosing good hospitals and specialists since the plan supports them financially.
Before selecting a pregnancy health cover add-on, make sure you ask your insurer the right questions. This helps you understand the benefits clearly and choose a plan that matches your medical and financial needs.
Use the checklist below when comparing options:
Since maternity add-ons usually have different waiting periods, knowing this helps you plan better.
Delivery expenses vary widely, so it is important to know the maximum amount the insurer will cover for different type of deliveries and how many pregnancies do they cover.
Routine check-ups, tests, and follow-up visits can add up, so confirm if these costs are included.
Check whether the plan covers the baby’s medical expenses immediately after birth.
Some insurers provide vaccination coverage for the newborn, so verify this upfront.
Sub-limits may apply to type of procedures, affecting the total claim amount.
Understanding documentation helps ensure a smooth claim process.
These questions help you select the best health insurance for pregnancy with confidence.
Maternity health insurance is a smart financial tool for couples planning a family. It supports families through pregnancy, delivery, and newborn care, protecting them from rising medical expenses. Under Universal Sompo, maternity cover is covered under the base plan in Complete Health Insurance or as an optional coverage under A-Plus Health Insurance.
By understanding coverage, waiting periods, exclusions, and benefits, families can choose the right pregnancy health insurance and enjoy this special phase of life with confidence.