Kalpana Thakur, 31, gave birth to a beautiful baby boy last year but inspite of having a comprehensive health insurance policy, the insurer rejected her claim, forcing Kalpana to pay the bill of ₹3.5 lakh for the maternity home.
Kalpana overlooked the fine print, which revealed a waiting period of 2 years for coverage of pregnancy-related expenses. For expectant mothers in India, having comprehensive maternity insurance coverage is crucial to ensure financial security during pregnancy and childbirth. In this handbook, we'll delve into the significance of maternity insurance for new moms-to-be in India and the common mistakes a woman can make while contemplating motherhood.
Significance of Maternity Insurance
Pregnancy and childbirth are major life events often entailing substantial expenses. Data from the last two rounds of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) indicates a 26.5% increase in the average out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) for institutional delivery of a baby between 2015-16 and 2019-21. For many families, these expenses can pose a significant financial burden, especially if unexpected complications arise.
Maternity Insurance can provide expectant mothers peace of mind in regard to hospital expenses, childbirth and pre & post-natal care. From prenatal check-ups and diagnostic tests to hospitalisation for delivery and postpartum recovery, maternity insurance ensures that mothers-to-be have access to quality healthcare without worrying about the financial implications.
Inclusions of Maternity Insurance Plans
When selecting a maternity insurance plan in India, it's essential to consider several key features to ensure comprehensive coverage. These may include:
Hospitalisation costs
Pre- and post-natal expenses
Delivery charges
Newborn baby cover
Waiting period
Vaccination cover
Pre-existing conditions
Things To Watch Out For
Although there is increased awareness about health insurance, sadly the same cannot be said for maternity insurance. While deciding on a health insurance policy, people often overlook the importance of having a sound maternity cover as an add-on or even think of investing in a standalone maternity insurance plan early on. With numerous options available in the market, choosing the right one can be challenging. However, there are a few common mistakes one could avoid when investing in maternity insurance to enjoy a more comprehensive coverage.
Waiting until pregnancy to buy maternity insurance
It is a lesser-known fact that most insurance companies offer a waiting period of 9 months to 4 years in maternity insurance. Any claim you might make for pregnancy-related expenses during this time period will not be covered.
Not investing in maternity rider
Although advisable in terms of cost-saving, having a maternity rider in your base health insurance plan can be beneficial. The majority of health insurance policies fail to clearly outline the inclusions and exclusions of the maternity rider in their fine print.
Not getting coverage for your baby
While most maternity covers includes the mothers, they often overlook the baby coverage. It is important to make sure that your maternity insurance plan covers you as well as your baby.
Choosing insufficient coverage
Buying a low-cost plan for a lesser premium may seem like an attractive option at the moment but pregnancy could be unpredictable and having an extended coverage will prove to be worthwhile in the long run.
The Role of Insurance Technology in Maternity Insurance
The advent of insurance technology, or InsurTech, has brought significant advancements in the maternity insurance realm, revolutionising the way expectant mothers perceive, access and utilise insurance. From streamlining policy enrolment, and customising coverage options to digital claim processing, technology is continuing to evolve insurance for new mothers, giving them more control over their choices and making their upcoming motherhood journey smoother.
Conclusion
Maternity insurance is a valuable resource for expectant mothers in India, providing essential financial protection during pregnancy and childbirth. By understanding the importance of maternity insurance coverage and avoiding common mistakes while buying the coverage, mothers-to-be can focus on what matters most – the health and well-being of themselves and their babies. With comprehensive maternity insurance in place, expectant mothers in India can embark on this exciting journey with peace of mind, knowing that they are prepared for whatever comes their way.
Note: Kalpana Thakur's is a story inspired by true events and any resemblance to anyone dead or alive is a sheer coincidence.
