Can I claim maternity benefits if I’m pregnant but not married?

As per the rules of IRDAI, anyone can buy a policy and claim their policy coverage.

Does a regular health plan cover pregnancy or maternity expenses?

Maternity plans are generally in-built features of a health insurance policy such as health insurance for women or it comes as separate plans. The maternity coverage depends upon the plan that you’re buying.

When is the best time to buy maternity insurance?

Since most of the maternity insurance plans in health policies come with a waiting period, it’s suggested that you buy 3-6 months before you’re planning a baby or, just after getting married. In this condition, you’ll have ample amount of time to plan your parenthood. planning a baby.

Does a maternity plan cover surrogacy conditions?

Since most of the maternity insurance plans in health policies come with a waiting period, it’s suggested that you buy 3-6 months before you’re planning a baby or, just after getting married. In this condition, you’ll have ample amount of time to plan your parenthood. planning a baby.

Which is the best maternity health insurance plan?

The best maternity plan is the one that gives you and your newborn complete coverage.

Can a husband and wife both claim maternity health insurance?

Yes, both husband and wife can claim maternity health insurance in India.

Does the maternity health insurance plan cover IVF?

Yes, Niva Bupa Aspire and Star Women Care plan offers maternity health insurance plans that cover the cost of IVF.

Which health insurance is best for pregnancy?

Health insurance plans like Care Joy, Future Generali PowHer, Star Women Care, and Niva Bupa Aspire are considered the best health insurance plans.

Is maternity insurance worth it?

Yes, if you are a young woman, or a man planning a family then a maternity health insurance plan is definitely worth it.

Can I buy a maternity health plan when I’m pregnant?

Most health plans for maternity care come with a specific waiting period because insurance companies treat this criteria as a pre-existing condition. You can buy the health plan while pregnant, according to the rules of IRDAI. But your policy cannot cover your maternity care expenses in such conditions.

Can I get maternity insurance while pregnant in India?

Most health plans for maternity care come with a specific waiting period because insurance companies treat this criteria as a pre-existing condition. You can buy the health plan while pregnant, according to the rules of IRDAI. But your policy cannot cover your maternity care expenses in such conditions.

What is the minimum waiting period for maternity health plans?

The waiting period for a maternity insurance policy usually ranges from 90 days to 3 years.

Can husband and wife both claim maternity insurance?

Yes, your spouse can claim maternity benefits on your behalf or for themselves. Given that they must have a new or an existing health insurance plan for pregnancy.

Which health insurance is best for pregnancy?

Health insurance plans like Care Joy, Future Generali PowHer, Star Women Care, and Niva Bupa Aspire are considered the best health insurance plans.

Is maternity insurance worth it?

Yes, if you are a young woman, or a man planning a family then a maternity health insurance plan is definitely worth it.

Written by Simran saxena

Published: 6 Sep 2024

Updated: 22 Jun 2026

10 min read

Expert Verified

IRDAI Licensed

Best Maternity Health Insurance Plans in India 2025

Parenthood is a beautiful moment for every couple. It is one of the most vital responsibilities of soon-to-be parents to have a comprehensive maternity health insurance plan. A maternity health insurance plan in India is a mature way to ensure an expecting couple’s physical, psychological, and financial well-being. Many health insurance plans for maternity allow you to enjoy this precious moment without worrying about finances related to delivery and healthcare of the newborn baby. Plans like Niva Bupa Aspire and Star Health Women Care also cover surrogacy.

This article will enlighten you on the types of maternity plans available in India, their benefits, and why you need them to be part of your parenthood journey.

Best Health Insurance Plans for Childbirth

Radhika recently discovered she was expecting and informed her husband, Akash. They both felt anxious as it wasn’t planned, and they hadn't completed their financial planning for it. Having good maternity health insurance could have saved them this worry. However, some health insurance plans can provide a secure parenthood experience with a short waiting period, such as the Care Joy Plan.

Advantages of Maternity Health Insurance Plans

Healthcare of the Mom-to-be
Well-being of the Baby
Delivery Procedures
Prenatal Care
Newborn Treatment
IVF
Surrogacy
Legal Adoption Process

What is Maternity Health Insurance and When Do You Need It?

While a doctor can guide you through the initial steps of parenthood, financial support is also crucial. Medical costs are rising day by day, which is where health insurance for pregnancy becomes essential. It provides coverage for both C-section and normal deliveries. You can use maternity health insurance for:

Pre and post-natal care expenses
Medical care costs for a newborn baby
Stem cell preservation
Expenses for pregnancy-related complications
Expenses for medically necessary pregnancy termination
Vaccination expenses for mother and baby
Cost of delivery (normal and C-section)

List of Top Maternity Health Insurance Plans

Plan Name	Sum Insured	Waiting Period	Network Hospital	View Plan
Care Joy Maternity Plan	Up to Rs 5 Lakh	9 months	22900+	View Plan
Star Women Care Plan	Up to Rs 1 Crore	24 months	14000+	View Plan
Niva Bupa Aspire Plan	Up to Rs 1 Crore	9 months	10000+	View Plan
Aditya Birla Activ Fit Plan	Up to Rs 1 Crore	36 months	10500+	View Plan
Star Assure Plan	Up to Rs 2 Crore	24 months	14000+	View Plan
Magma HDI OneHealth Plan	Up to Rs 1 Crore	36 Months	7200+	View Plan
Kotak Health Premier	Up to Rs 25 Lakh	24 months	7000+	View Plan
Niva Bupa Health Premia	Up to Rs 1 Lakh	24 months	10000+	View Plan
United India Family Medicare	Up to Rs 25 Lakh	24 months	14000+	View Plan
Future Generali Health Total Policy	Up to Rs 10 Lakh	48 months	6300+	View Plan

To know about the top 5 maternity insurance plans, click here.

Key Features of Maternity Health Insurance Plans

Comprehensive Coverage
An effective maternity health insurance policy covers expenses incurred during delivery and post-delivery. It also covers your newborn baby.
Pre and Post-natal Care
Prenatal care refers to medical attention before the baby's birth, while postnatal care is for after the birth. Maternity health insurance covers medical check-ups, ultrasounds, tests, medicines, and more. This coverage ensures a smooth journey during and after pregnancy.
Cashless Services
To ease financial hassle during this joyous but crucial time, maternity health insurance offers cashless facilities at network hospitals.
Claim-free Bonus
If no maternity claim is raised during the policy year, you may receive discounts on your next premiums.
Hassle-free Online Applications
Purchasing and claiming a maternity insurance plan online is easy and hassle-free, often completed in just a few clicks.
Tax Benefit
Maternity health insurance offers tax benefits under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Newborn Baby Cover
Maternity health insurance provides comprehensive coverage for the expecting mother and the newborn baby.
Single Private Room with AC
Childbirth is a beautiful moment that also requires privacy. Maternity health insurance often ensures the best possible accommodation, such as a single private room with air conditioning post-delivery.
Delivery Cost
Delivery procedures, especially C-sections due to complications, can be costly. Having insurance can cover these costs. By paying premiums on time and raising a claim, bills can be settled quickly.

Why Should You Buy Maternity Health Insurance?

While many medical emergencies are unpredictable, pregnancy care is often planned. This is why having medical insurance is important. Here are more reasons why you should consider getting maternity health insurance:

Provides Financial Backup
Maternity health insurance acts as a backup when needed. It can prevent you from draining your savings on maternity care, including surgery, prenatal, and postnatal healthcare.
Prepares you for any complicated situations
Childbirth can sometimes lead to complications. If the newborn needs urgent care or if the mother experiences premature birth complications, maternity cover in health insurance can be invaluable. Thus, maternity health insurance covers both planned and unplanned situations.
Extended Coverage for Your Newborn
Most maternity health insurance plans provide coverage for newborn babies. It typically covers the child for up to 90 days or more from the date of delivery. Expenses related to medicinal prescriptions, incubations, vaccinations, and complicated medical treatments are covered.
High-Quality Care at an Affordable Price
Maternity health insurance provides access to high-quality medical services at affordable prices, as most plans include a wide network of quality hospitals. It helps curb medical inflation costs and protects your savings, which can be used for other vital life events.
Comprehensive Coverage
Maternity care plans cover expenses related to hospitalizations, medications, delivery, operations, and ambulance services.
Cashless Facility at Network Hospital
Your insurer will directly settle all medical bills on your behalf. This allows you to be mentally free and concentrate on the joy of parenthood.

What is Covered in Maternity Health Insurance? - Inclusions

Delivery Cost

Maternity health insurance plans cover both normal and caesarean deliveries.

Prenatal and Postnatal Care

The insurance covers expenses related to medical services for care before and after the baby's birth.

Newborn Coverage

It provides medical care to the newborn child. All expenses are covered from day 1 up to 90 days.

Vaccinations

Expenses incurred for vaccinations will also be covered, for both the mother-to-be and the newborn baby.

Hospitalization Charges

Sometimes, due to complications, doctors recommend the mother and baby stay in the hospital for extra care. In such cases, the incurred healthcare expenses will also be covered.

Daycare Procedure

The insurance covers specialized medical procedures or care requiring 24 hours or less of hospitalization.

Ambulance Charges

Emergency ambulance charges are also included in your maternity health insurance policy.

Maternity Care

Care required 30 days before and 60 days after the baby's birth is covered by your health insurance policy.

IVF

Given the recent increase in demand for IVF, some insurers have launched new products that cover in-vitro fertilization costs.

Surrogacy

Many insurers now include surrogacy costs in their modern maternity policies.

What is Not Covered? - Exclusions

If the policyholder gets pregnant during the waiting period

Expenditure on tonics and vitamins

Any kind of diagnostic test or consultation charges

Any pregnancy-related cost during the waiting period

Things to Look for in a Maternity Insurance Plan

Check what expenses are covered under your maternity health insurance
Before purchasing maternity health insurance, carefully review all the coverage options offered by the plan.
Waiting Period
Maternity cover comes with a waiting period. Some maternity plans have a waiting period of 9 months, while others may have up to 48 months. Therefore, it's crucial to confirm the policy's waiting period before buying.
Coverage Limit
Each maternity plan has a different coverage limit, ranging from INR 25,000 to INR 1 crore. Choose the coverage that best suits your needs.
Check the Limit on Deliveries Covered
When opting for maternity health insurance, be aware that companies may restrict the number of deliveries covered. For example, some insurance companies only cover up to two deliveries under their maternity benefits. Always check the number of deliveries covered before purchasing the policy.
Check Whether the Plan Covers Newborn Baby or Not
Some maternity health insurance plans cover newborn babies from day 1 up to 90 days. However, this varies by plan, and some plans may not cover newborn babies. Always check the policy wording carefully before buying.
Premiums and Budget
It's essential to consider your budget before buying any insurance. Maternity health insurance typically comes with higher premiums but offers maximum coverage. Therefore, review the premiums you need to pay before choosing the right maternity health insurance policy.

Eligibility Criteria for Maternity Health Insurance

Aged between 18-45 years.
Indian Citizen.
Some insurers include only 2 deliveries in a lifetime.

How to Buy a Maternity Health Insurance Plan?

There are two ways to purchase a maternity health insurance policy. You can buy it directly from the insurer or contact PolicyX for assistance. Purchasing your policy through PolicyX is straightforward.

Here is a step-by-step guide for purchasing maternity health insurance directly from the company:

Step 1
Visit the insurer’s website.
Step 2
Check for the health insurance plans.
Step 3
Choose your plan wisely and click on ’Get Quotes’.
Step 4
Then you need to fill up the required details, such as age, DOB, address, and other required details.
Step 5
Verify the previously filled details and click on the ’Proceed’ button.
Step 6
Make the payment through UPI, Net banking, credit card, or debit card to buy the policy.

How to Claim Maternity Health Insurance?

Here are the steps to follow when raising a claim for maternity health insurance:

Step 1: Inform your insurer
Once admitted to the hospital, the first step is to inform your insurer about your hospitalization. Provide them with all hospitalization details.
Step 2: Fill in the claim form
Fill out and sign the claim form for settlement. Complete all required information and submit it to the TPA (Third-Party Administrator) at the hospital, or directly to the insurer.
Step 3: Submit requested documents
After submitting the claim form, you need to submit all required documents for verification. These documents include personal information such as address proofs, identity proofs, and policy documents.
Step 4: Submit the medical bills
In addition to the requested documents, you need to submit medical bills and all invoices related to hospitalization, consultation, and treatment. If you received treatment from a non-network hospital, these bills will be reimbursed by the insurer.
Step 5: Going through the enquiry of the claim
Your insurer may send an agent to verify the claim. Once this verification is complete, your claim is one step closer to acceptance.
Step 6: Receiving the claim amount
If the claim is approved, you’ll receive the claim amount either through cashless treatment at network hospitals or as reimbursement for non-network hospitals.

Documents Required for Maternity Insurance Claim Settlement:

The documents required for claiming your maternity healthcare coverage are listed below:

Filled out and signed claim form
Copy of policy documents
Doctor’s advice for hospital admission
Hospital discharge summary
KYC documents

Doctor’s fitness certificate
Consultation bills
Original hospital bill
Prescription and pharmacy bills
Other documents requested by the insurer

Summing It Up

Having good maternity health insurance can enhance your parenthood experience. You won't need to worry about expenses like hospital charges, delivery charges, medical emergencies for the baby, and other medical costs during pregnancy. Parenthood is a moment to celebrate, and securing it financially and mentally is crucial. Maternity health insurance provides this peace of mind. However, it's essential to keep your specific requirements and needs in mind when purchasing maternity health insurance.

In case of any questions or doubts, please reach out to us.