Updated on 13 Dec 2025
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey for women, but it also brings many monetary obligations. In India, the cost of post-natal care, hospitalisation and delivery is increasing each year. Due to such reasons, having a maternity health insurance plan has become necessary for couples planning to start a family. A good policy can lower all the out-of-pocket costs and ensure that the child and mother get proper care without any financial stress.
Let’s find out more about maternity health insurance in this blog.
What is a maternity insurance plan in India?
The maternity insurance is a specialised health insurance plan that covers all the costs related to maternity care and childbirth. It normally includes the expenses of delivery (caesarean or normal), post-natal care, pre-hospitalisation check-ups and sometimes vaccination for the newborn. However, many maternity plans come with a waiting period of 2 to 4 years, so planning early is essential.
Maternity insurance can be purchased as a standalone plan or as an add-on to a standard health policy.
Key reasons to invest in maternity health insurance
Below are some crucial reasons why couples must consider a maternity health plan:
- Cashless option: Many insurance firms provide cashless hospitalisation in all their network hospitals, lowering all last-minute worries.
- Peace of mind: Couples can keep their focus on welcoming their newborn without worrying about the funds.
- Comprehensive coverage: Apart from delivering the baby, many policies also cover the medical care before and after the birth.
Inclusions and exclusions of maternity health insurance
There are some exclusions and inclusions in the maternity health insurance, and they are listed below:
Inclusions
- Caesarean and normal delivery costs.
- Post and pre-hospitalisation costs (normally 30 days before and 60 days after the delivery of the baby).
- Physician’s consultation and regular check-ups
- Newborn baby cover
- Charges for vaccination for the baby
Exclusions
- Expenses during the waiting period
- Procedures not recognised by medical authorities
- IVF or treatment for infertility
- Pre-existing conditions
Essential considerations before choosing a maternity health insurance policy
When picking a maternity policy, you should keep the following pointers in mind:
- Waiting period: Pick a policy early, as many insurance companies fix a waiting period of 2 to 4 years.
- Premium cost: Maternity policies are normally more costly, so you should compare different plans before purchasing.
- Cashless hospitals: Make sure your preferred clinic or hospital is within the insurer’s network.
- Newborn coverage: You must check if the plan covers infant care and vaccination.
Conclusion
The maternity health plan is a valuable investment for all those couples who wish to start a family. It will not just lower the monetary pressure but also guarantee top-tier care for the child and mother. Planning early will allow you to overcome the waiting periods and also receive plenty of advantages when needed.
While you make the effort to prepare for a safe delivery and healthy pregnancy, let us protect you in times of need. Receive customised advice and solutions on a health insurance policy for family with maternity cover by filling out the form available on this page.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.