C-section deliveries in India
Maternity health insurance
Health plans for c-section
Benefits of maternity insurance
Simran has over 4 years of experience in content marketing, insurance, and healthcare sectors. Her motto is to make health and term insurance simple for our readers has proven to make insurance lingos simple and easy to understand by our readers.
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Anchita has over 6 years of experience in content marketing, insurance, and healthcare sectors. Her motto to make health and term insurance simple for our readers has proven to make insurance lingos simple and easy to understand by our readers.
Updated on Jun 16, 2025 8 min read
Are Health Insurance Plans Adequately Addressing the Rise in C-section Deliveries?
Pregnancy is the most beautiful moment in anybody’s life. But, due to so many reasons and health complications, doctors are moving to c-section delivery. As per the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 21.5% of the births in India are now performed via c-section. There is a substantial rise from the 17.2% recorded in NFHS-4 (2015-16). This trend is particularly evident in private healthcare facilities, where almost half (47.4%) of all deliveries are C-sections, significantly surpassing the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended threshold of 10-15%.
While C-sections are life-saving in certain situations, the rising rates have sparked discussions around medical necessity, patient choice, and the associated financial implications. Consequently, health insurance plans in India are gradually evolving to address the increasing demand and costs associated with C-section deliveries.
The Growing Prevalence of C-section Deliveries
Data from various national health surveys and studies indicate a clear upward trend in C-section rates across India, both in urban and rural areas, and across public and private healthcare facilities. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon. These include:
Changing Lifestyles and Maternal Health:
Factors like advanced maternal age, increasing prevalence of lifestyle diseases such as gestational diabetes and hypertension, and a rise in multiple pregnancies can sometimes necessitate C-sections.Improved Medical Infrastructure and Accessibility:
With better access to surgical facilities and skilled medical professionals, more women are opting for or being advised to undergo C-sections.Patient Preferences:
In some instances, patient choice, driven by factors like convenience or fear of labour pain, plays a role.Healthcare Provider Practices:
Concerns have been raised about the potential influence of factors like scheduling convenience for doctors and hospital revenue policies on the rising C-section rates.
Whatever the underlying reasons, the increasing number of C-section deliveries has significant financial implications for families. The costs associated with a C-section, including surgical fees, anesthesia, extended hospital stays, and post-operative care, are typically higher than those for a normal vaginal delivery. This is where the role of health insurance becomes crucial.
Maternity Health Insurance for C-section Deliveries
Maternity health insurance is a specific type of health insurance designed to cover medical expenses related to pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period for both the mother and the newborn. Given the rising trend of C-section deliveries in India, understanding how these plans cover such procedures is crucial for expectant parents.
Recognising the increasing prevalence and financial burden of C-section deliveries, health insurance providers in India are adapting their maternity benefit offerings. Here’s how plans are evolving:
Broader Inclusion of Maternity Benefits:
Earlier, many basic health insurance plans either excluded maternity benefits or offered very limited coverage. Now, a growing number of comprehensive health insurance policies specifically include maternity coverage as an add-on or as part of the base plan. This ensures that policyholders opting for these plans can claim expenses related to both normal and C-section deliveries.Specific Coverage for C-sections:
While most maternity covers now include C-section deliveries, some plans are becoming more explicit about the extent of coverage. They might define sub-limits for different types of deliveries or specify the inclusion of pre and post-natal care related to a C-section.Addressing Waiting Periods:
Maternity benefits in health insurance plans typically come with a waiting period, usually ranging from 9 months to 4 years. Insurers are increasingly offering plans with shorter waiting periods to cater to the immediate needs of expectant parents. However, individuals must purchase these plans well in advance of pregnancy.Coverage for Medically Necessary C-sections:
Most health insurance policies cover C-sections deemed medically necessary by the attending physician due to complications during pregnancy or labour that pose a risk to the mother or the baby. This is a standard inclusion in most maternity benefit riders.Coverage for Elective C-sections:
Coverage for elective C-sections (those performed without a strict medical indication) can vary significantly between insurance providers. Some plans might cover them as part of their maternity benefit, while others might have specific clauses or limitations. It’s essential for policyholders to carefully review the terms and conditions of their policy to understand the coverage for elective C-sections.Inclusion of Pre and Post-natal Care:
Comprehensive maternity benefits are also expanding to include expenses related to pre-natal check-ups, diagnostic tests, and post-natal care for both the mother and the newborn. This holistic approach ensures better financial protection throughout the entire pregnancy journey, including scenarios where a C-section becomes necessary.Cashless Facilities and Reimbursement:
Insured individuals can often avail of cashless treatment at network hospitals for C-section deliveries, where the insurance company directly settles the bills. For non-network hospitals, the expenses can be claimed through the reimbursement process.
Health Plans that Cover C-section Delivery
| Maternity Health Plans | Entry Age for Maternity Cover (Min. - Max.) | Sum Insured | Minimum Waiting Period |
| Niva Bupa Aspire | 18 years- NA | 3 L - 1 Cr | 9 months - 2 years |
| Care Joy | 18 - 45 years | 3 L -5 L | 9 months - 3 years |
| Star Women Care | 18 - 35 years | 5 L - 1 Cr | 1 - 2 year/s |
| Star Assure | 18 - 45 years | 5 L - 2 Cr | 2 years |
| Aditya Birla Activ Fit | 18 - 45 years | 5 L - 1 Cr | 3 years |
| Future Generali PowHER | 18- 75 years | 5 L - 2 Cr | 1 year |
| Bajaj HERizon | 18- 80 years | 3 L - 2 Cr | 30 days |
Check out the details of the top 5 maternity health insurance plans here.
Navigating Health Insurance for Maternity Needs
If you are the one who is planning a family, it’s crucial to carefully evaluate health insurance plans with maternity benefits. Key considerations include:
- Scope of Coverage: Understand whether the plan covers both normal and C-section deliveries, and if there are any sub-limits.
- Waiting Period: Be aware of the waiting period before maternity benefits can be availed.
- Pre and Post-natal Care: Check if the plan includes coverage for these essential aspects.
- Network Hospitals: Review the list of network hospitals for cashless treatment options.
- Policy Exclusions: Understand any exclusions related to maternity benefits.
- Premium Costs: Compare the premiums of different plans offering maternity coverage.
Looking Ahead
As C-section rates continue to be a significant aspect of maternal healthcare in India, the evolution of health insurance plans to adequately cover the associated costs will remain crucial. Increased awareness among consumers, coupled with more tailored and comprehensive maternity benefit offerings from insurance providers, will play a vital role in ensuring financial security for families during this important life stage.
It is essential for prospective parents to proactively explore and choose health insurance plans that align with their family planning needs and provide robust coverage for all potential delivery scenarios, including the increasing possibility of a C-section.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Explore comprehensive maternity health insurance plans now to ensure you’re covered for both normal and C-section deliveries and prenatal and postnatal care. Visit Policyx.com
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C-section deliveries in India: FAQs
1. Is C-section delivery covered by health insurance in India?
Yes, most comprehensive maternity health insurance plans in India cover the costs associated with C-section deliveries, whether they are medically necessary or, in some cases, elective. However, the extent of coverage for elective C-sections can vary between policies.
2. Will health insurance cover a C-section if it is not medically necessary?
Coverage for elective C-sections (those performed without a strict medical reason) depends on the specific terms and conditions of your health insurance policy. Some plans may cover them as part of their maternity benefit, while others might have limitations or exclude them. It is essential to review your policy document to understand the coverage details.
3. Is there a waiting period to claim maternity benefits, including C-section delivery costs, in health insurance plans?
Yes, most maternity health insurance plans in India have a waiting period that typically ranges from 9 months to 4 years. You can usually claim maternity benefits, including expenses for a C-section, only after this waiting period has been completed. It’s crucial to purchase a policy well in advance of pregnancy.
4. Are the costs of prenatal and post-natal care related to a C-section covered by maternity insurance?
Yes, comprehensive maternity benefit plans are increasingly including coverage for pre-natal check-ups, diagnostic tests during pregnancy, and postnatal care for both the mother and the newborn, which would also apply in the case of a C-section delivery.
5. Are there any sub-limits on the coverage for C-section deliveries in maternity insurance plans?
Yes, some maternity health insurance policies may have specific sub-limits on the amount they will cover for maternity-related expenses, including C-section deliveries. It’s important to check the policy details to understand if any such sub-limits apply and ensure they are adequate for the potential costs.
6. Can I avail of cashless treatment for a C-section delivery with my health insurance?
Yes, if your insurance provider has a network of hospitals, you can typically avail of cashless treatment for a C-section delivery at a network hospital. The insurance company will directly settle the bills with the hospital up to the approved limit. For treatment at non-network hospitals, you can claim reimbursement later.
7. Which types of health insurance plans in India offer coverage for maternity, including C-section deliveries?
A growing number of comprehensive health insurance policies in India offer maternity benefits either as an add-on or as part of the base plan. There are also specific maternity insurance plans available. Some examples include Niva Bupa Aspire, Care Joy, Star Women Care, Star Assure, Aditya Birla Activ Fit, and Future Generali PowHER.
8. What factors should I consider when choosing a maternity health insurance plan for a potential C-section delivery?
Key factors to consider include the scope of coverage (for both normal and C-section deliveries), the waiting period, coverage for pre and post-natal care, the network of hospitals, any policy exclusions, and the premium costs.
9. With the rising rates of C-section deliveries in India, are health insurance plans adequately addressing the financial needs of new parents?
Health insurance plans in India are gradually evolving to address the increasing demand and costs associated with C-section deliveries by offering broader inclusion of maternity benefits, specific coverage details, and options for shorter waiting periods. However, it’s crucial for prospective parents to carefully evaluate and choose plans that offer sufficient coverage and align with their individual needs. Continuous adaptation by insurance providers and increased awareness among consumers are essential to fully address the financial implications of rising C-section rates.
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Written By: Simran Saxena
Simran has over 4 years of experience in content marketing, insurance, and healthcare sectors. Her motto is to make health and term insurance simple for our readers has proven to make insurance lingos simple and easy to understand by our readers.
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