Welcoming a baby into the world is a special milestone, bringing joy, hope, and responsibility. While the physical and emotional aspects of pregnancy are crucial, the financial layer often takes a back seat. Unexpected medical bills can leave new parents scrambling with planning and budgeting. That’s the importance of investing in the right maternity insurance policy. However, comprehensive coverage isn’t just about the financial side of delivery; it also involves pre-natal and post-natal care.
This article explores the best ways to ensure a health insurance policy offers complete maternity coverage, including early pregnancy screenings and post-delivery follow-ups.
Importance of pre-natal and post-natal care in a maternity insurance policy?
While it may seem like a one-time event, pregnancy is a journey that spans several months and many medical appointments. A lot can happen between conception and delivery, and even more in the weeks following childbirth. This is why, when selecting a maternity insurance policy, it’s vital to ensure it includes comprehensive pre-natal and post-natal care.
Pre-natal care begins right when a woman discovers she’s pregnant. Timely medical attention is non-negotiable for tracking fetal development, detecting potential risks, and ensuring the mother’s health is maintained throughout the pregnancy. Therefore, comprehensive health insurance with maternity coverage should include routine doctor visits, ultrasound scans, blood and urine tests, and hospitalisation for complications.
Coverage for post-natal care is as important as that for delivery expenses. The period after childbirth (typically the first 6 to 8 weeks) is a sensitive phase for both mother and newborn. When looking for insurance, check if the plan includes coverage for the mother’s post-delivery checkups, infant checkups, vaccinations, lactation and nutrition counseling, and postpartum mental health support.
Tips for choosing maternity health insurance with coverage for pre- and post-natal care
These tips will help you secure the best health insurance policy with pre-natal and post-natal care.
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Opt for a standalone plan
Not all health insurance plans offer maternity benefits (not by default, at least). Many standard plans exclude pregnancy-related coverage unless you specifically choose one. It is best to explore plans that explicitly mention maternity insurance policy in their benefits.
Moreover, prioritise policies with both pre-natal and post-natal inclusions. Note, some insurance providers offer maternity riders that can be added to your existing health insurance policy. You might want to check if you already have basic coverage.
Check up on waiting period
Most maternity insurance policies come with a waiting period, typically ranging from 9 months to 4 years. This means you cannot claim maternity benefits immediately after buying the policy. Sounds daunting? You can avoid unpleasant surprises by confirming the exact waiting period with your insurer and buying the plan early.
Check for the scope of coverage
Just like a regular health insurance plan, the extent of coverage in maternity insurance varies. A well-suited maternity insurance policy ideally includes:
- Pre-natal coverage: Routine doctor consultations, ultrasound scans and diagnostic tests, pre-natal supplements and medications, and complications.
- Post-natal coverage: Follow-up consultations for both the mother and baby, lactation counselling, vaccinations and regular check-ups, post-partum mental health (if required), and post-partum complications.
Do read the fine print before making the purchase. Some plans may exclude one or more of these, and it is best to confirm it covers everything that you need.
Look for cashless hospitalisation
Buying a health insurance policy that comes with a wide cashless hospital network helps you rest assured about the claim process. Since pregnancy and delivery are unpredictable, you can avoid last-minute hassle and benefit from a cashless facility. When exploring plans, do check the list of network hospitals and confirm if your preferred maternity hospital is among them. Do not forget to understand the cashless claim process and documentation requirements.
Final thoughts
Pregnancy is a transformative and one of the most beautiful experiences in a woman’s life that deserves full-spectrum care. The right maternity insurance policy keeps you relaxed about the expenses associated with pre-natal and post-natal care by covering them comprehensively. Looking for the best plan? Start with a careful review of your existing health insurance policy. In case the maternity coverage is missing or does not seem sufficient, consider upgrading your plan. You can also invest in a standalone policy tailored to meet maternity needs. Remember, the key is to invest in it early, not just smartly.