Suppose you are planning to purchase maternity insurance coverage. In that case, you must be aware of the basic plan details, inclusions and exclusions of the policy you are opting for. Sometimes it can be challenging to get all the possible details of a policy from the insurer’s website or brochures online. So, we put together this ultimate guide to tell you everything about a maternity insurance plan. Read on to learn what maternity insurance is, how to buy it, and how to raise a claim.


What Is Maternity Insurance Coverage?

Maternity insurance coverage gives you complete financial security during pregnancy as it is specifically designed for expecting mothers. The need for a dedicated maternity insurance plan is rising because it is considered an exclusion under a standard health insurance plan.

Most insurers permit those who fall within the 18 to 45 age bracket to purchase this plan. It’s also important to know that this insurance coverage ends at 45. And the insurer considers the initial years of the policy as a waiting period. You cannot claim pregnancy during the waiting period as it will be considered a pre-existing condition. The premium payment for maternity insurance is also extremely low compared to health insurance. You have to pay a premium to the policy through one-time annual payments.

The total coverage of the plan is widely extensive. It contains several day-care treatments which you can use for regular check-ups or consultations during any complications. The more the frequency of check-ups, the more protection you can get for the mother and the child. As per a WHO guideline, increasing the number of regular check-ups from 4 to 8 can reduce perinatal mortality by 8 per 1000 childbirths. And during the delivery, they provide hospitalization cover for almost 30 days before and 60 days after childbirth. This gives you a wide window to treat uncertain complications during pregnancy and after childbirth.

How To Purchase Maternity Insurance Coverage?

Most insurers in India have their coverage and inclusions of maternity insurance. You can buy insurance from any one of them online through their website or agent. JOY Maternity Insurance Plan from Care Health Insurance Limited is a good example of wide coverage providing maternity insurance. This plan has several benefits for both the mother and child through maternity care and newborn baby care. This plan has more than 540 daycare facilities so that you can obtain regular check-ups and consultations from doctors for any problems.

Prerequisites

Before purchasing maternity insurance coverage, you must keep a few things in mind. The foremost thing to do is compare the different policies and go through the terms and conditions before agreeing. The comparison is being made to prevent you from being duped by expensive insurance. Different insurers have different premium rates for maternity insurance based on the coverage provided. You must select a maternity plan that provides the best coverage for an affordable price.

Reading the documents is necessary to understand the inclusions and exclusions of your policy provided by the insurer. Some tough clauses, exclusions, liabilities, or hidden charges may affect you when you wish to raise a claim. So, it is good to understand the policy clearly to avoid unfavourable circumstances when you need approval for a maternity insurance claim.

Documents

Below is the list of documents required to obtain maternity insurance:

  • Policy application form
  • Photographs
  • Photo identification card
  • Proof of age
  • Proof of address
  • A negative pregnancy test
  • Bank account details for premium payment

Purchase

To continue purchasing maternity insurance coverage through the website, follow the below guidelines.

  • Open the official website
  • Create an account and log in using credentials
  • Fill in expected maturity return and affordable premium range
  • Compare and choose one plan
  • Add any extra add-ons
  • Fill in personal details
  • Submit scanned copies of documents
  • Proceed to the payment
  • Make payment and receive a receipt of payment
  • Wait for insurance approval from the insurer

The insurer will contact you soon to let you know how your application is progressing. If they point out any policy issues, fix them and submit a new application. If they approve your policy, you will receive the insurance documents via the contact information you’ve entered.

How to Raise a Claim in Maternity Insurance Coverage?

To raise a claim for maternity insurance coverage, you must wait until the waiting period is over. After that, you can raise a claim through several methods. You can do so through the helpline number the insurer provided in the policy papers, the insurer’s website, or by directly visiting a network hospital. The insurer will verify your claim and make arrangements for claim approval if everything is in order. They will make payments through fund transfer into your bank account, reimbursement, or cashless treatment at a network hospital.

The information at every stage of maternity insurance coverage will help you have a clear idea of the process. It will help you purchase maternity insurance when you plan to expand your family. Make sure you follow the measures mentioned here while buying a policy. It will always benefit you to know what type of policy you need to purchase.