Pregnancy And Health Insurance: What You Must Know

You and your partner are overjoyed because you are expecting a baby You have already started thinking about baby names painted the nursery and even bought some baby clothes But then a thought crosses your mind how will you cover the costs of delivery doctor visits and everything else that comes with pregnancy You may have health insurance but does it cover pregnancy expenses It is an important question especially when medical bills can start piling up Lets find the answer to thisDoes health insurance cover maternity expensesYes most health insurance plans provide coverage for pregnancy but with certain terms and conditions If your standard plan excludes pregnancy you can opt for a maternity addon available at an additional premium over your standard health plan premiumLetrsquos understand what the insurer actually covers when it comes to pregnancy1 Delivery expensesA health insurance policy with a maternity addon covers Csections and normal deliveries The policy covers the procedures and includes medication costs doctorrsquos fees room rent and other associated expensesHowever it is essential to check with your insurer whether they cover consumable items such as surgical tape and similar items2 Pre and postnatal carePrenatal care includes medical expenses incurred during pregnancy such as ultrasounds doctor visits and medical screenings On the other hand postnatal care refers to medical expenses necessary to maintain the health of both the baby and the mother including followup checkups treatments and vaccinationsHowever it is important to check if the amount covered under the policy is capped for prenatal expenses3 Cashless treatmentMaternity insurance providers have partnerships with advanced healthcare facilities across India When undergoing a Csection or a normal delivery at such a facility you donrsquot need to pay anything except the deductible The insurer will directly settle the medical costs for the covered expenses with the hospital4 Newborn baby expensesWhen a baby is born hisher immune system is still developing making the infant susceptible to multiple diseases Even after taking all precautions if the baby contracts any ailment maternity cover extends coverage to the newborn from the hour of birth5 VaccinationDuring the initial years of the birth newborns are administered with several vaccinations to ensure they stay healthy Some of these vaccinations includeVaccinationSchedulePurposeBacillus CalmetteGuerin BCG VaccineAt birthTo protect against Tuberculosis1st dose of Hepatitis B VaccineAt birthProtection against Hepatitis B causing liver damageOral Polio Vaccine OPVAt birthProtection against poliomyelitis1st dose of DTP Vaccine6 weeksProtection against Pertussis Diphtheria and Tetanus2nd dose of Hepatitis B Vaccine6 weeks1st dose of Hib vaccine6 weeksProtects against meningitis and pneumonia1st dose of Inactivated Polio Vaccine IPV6 weeksProtection against polio1st dose of Rotavirus injection6 weeksProtection against Rotavirus known for causing diarrhoea1st dose of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine PCV6 weeksProtection against pneumonia and meningitis2nd and 3rd dose ofHibDTPIPVRotavirus VaccinePCV10 weeks and 14 weeks3rd dose of Hepatitis B Vaccine6 monthsMR Vaccine9 monthsFor Measles and Rubella1st dose of Hepatitis A Vaccine12 monthsFor Hepatitis AA health insurance plan offers coverage for the above vaccinations However checking for any terms and conditions associated with such coverage is essentialWhat does maternity insurance exclude1 Premature pregnancy terminationIf you plan to terminate a pregnancy within the first trimester the first 12 weeks the insurer wonrsquot cover associated expenses such as surgical procedures or medication for the abortion2 Ectopic pregnancyThis happens when a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus typically in the fallopian tubes This condition prevents the embryo from developing properly and can cause severe complicationsThe insurer does not cover treatment or medication costs if you are diagnosed with this condition3 InVitro Fertilisation IVFIVF is commonly chosen by couples facing infertility issues In this process an egg is fertilised by sperm outside the body in a lab The resulting embryo is then implanted into the womanrsquos uterus to achieve pregnancy However maternity health insurance does not cover this procedureAdditionally if you conceive after the age of 45 such pregnancies are typically subject to policy exclusionsWhat is the waiting period in maternity insuranceThe waiting period refers to a duration during which you cannot claim your health insurance benefits This duration varies based on the disease For maternity as it is a planned condition the standard plan includes a waiting period clause ranging from 2 to 6 yearsConclusionHealth insurance is crucial when planning for pregnancy However when investing in maternity insurance check the waiting period clause and review coverage limits for prenatal and postnatal care delivery and newborn expenses Ensure the policy covers both normal and Csection deliveries It is also important to check for exclusions like preexisting conditions or complications not covered under the plan to avoid surprisesDisclaimerThe information provided on the Website does not constitute investment advice financial advice trading advice or any other form of advice and you should not interpret any of the financial content as such Please conduct your own due diligence and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions Midday does not endorse or promote any such activities and you access them at your own risk fully understanding the monetary and legal consequences involved Midday shall not be held responsible for any losses you may incur as a result of using any such apps or websites

Pregnancy And Health Insurance: What You Must Know

Does health insurance cover maternity expenses?

Other Articles

Mid-Day Fast

Home / Buzz / Article / Pregnancy And Health Insurance: What You Must Know

Pregnancy And Health Insurance: What You Must Know

Does health insurance cover maternity expenses?

Other Articles

Mid-Day Fast