Updated on - 10 Feb 2026
Having a baby is a blessing, but with the rising medical costs, it is getting quite expensive to bring a new life into this world. However, thanks to health insurance policies with maternity coverage, giving birth has become affordable even with growing inflation.
If you are planning to be a parent, you should understand the maternity coverage in health insurance policies. This will help you plan your finances better, avoid unexpected expenses, and ensure quality medical care for both mother and child.
Is maternity benefit covered in health insurance policies?
While standard health insurance policies usually exclude maternity benefits, many insurers now provide dedicated maternity add-ons to cover childbirth-related expenses.
What is maternity cover in health insurance?
Maternity cover is an add-on in health insurance that ensures expectant mothers can focus on their health and babies without shouldering the expenses associated with delivery. Here's what it typically covers:
- Delivery-associated costs: Covers the charges for C-sections and natural deliveries, hospital stays and room rent.
- Pre and postnatal care: Covers expenses for regular consultations with obstetricians or gynaecologists, diagnostic tests and screenings (such as ultrasounds and blood tests), prescribed medicines and prenatal vitamins, pre-hospitalisation care up to 30 days before delivery, post-hospitalisation care up to 60 days after discharge and follow-up consultations for both mother and baby.
- Newborn care: This includes coverage for newborns aged up to 90 days and vaccinations for babies aged up to one year.
- Pre- and post-hospitalisation costs: Cover pregnancy-related expenses for 30 days of hospitalisation and 60 days after discharge, including the costs of consultations before delivery, diagnostic tests and care after childbirth.
Is there a waiting period for maternity coverage?
Yes. The waiting period for maternity benefits is the time you must complete before coverage becomes active. It usually ranges from 9 months to 4 years, depending on the insurer. Purchasing the policy early provides timely maternity coverage.
Coverage limits and sub-limits for maternity expenses
Coverage limits and sub-limits in maternity health insurance define the maximum expenses the insurer will bear. Typically, insurers cap maternity cover between ₹25,000 and ₹1,00,000, depending on the plan.
Sub-limits may apply separately for normal delivery, C-section or newborn care, which means each has a fixed coverage ceiling. Since actual hospital expenses can exceed these limits, it is important to check them before selecting a plan to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
Inclusions and exclusions in maternity insurance policies
Check out the table below to learn what inclusions and exclusions are in maternity insurance coverage.
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Inclusions
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Exclusions
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Prenatal and postnatal consultations.
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Pre-existing pregnancy before policy purchase
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Diagnostic tests and ultrasounds
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Expenses beyond coverage limits or sub-limits
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Hospitalisation for delivery (normal or C-section)
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Fertility treatments, unless specifically covered
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Doctor, specialist and nursing fees.
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Non-medical costs like baby food or toiletries
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Newborn care for a limited period (e.g., 90 days).
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External congenital conditions.
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Medically necessary termination of pregnancy.
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Voluntary termination of pregnancy (except medically necessary)
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Treatment during the policy's waiting period
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Pregnancy beyond the delivery limit (often two children)
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Tax benefits of maternity health insurance
You can claim tax deductions on maternity health insurance premiums as per Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961. This helps reduce taxable income, making maternity insurance more affordable and encouraging families to secure financial protection during pregnancy.
Reasons to opt for maternity coverage
Maternity coverage has become an important part of health insurance for these reasons:
- Pregnancy and childbirth involve many expenses, such as tests, consultations, hospital stays and delivery charges. Maternity coverage helps reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
- From routine check-ups to postnatal assistance, insurance enables access to trusted doctors and hospitals without constant financial worries.
- If unexpected health issues arise during pregnancy or delivery, coverage takes care of advanced treatments and specialist care.
- With expenses managed, parents can focus on the experience of pregnancy and preparing for the baby.
- Cashless facilities, newborn coverage and tax benefits under Section 80D make maternity insurance a valuable addition.
Tips to choose the right health insurance with maternity coverage
These steps help you pick a suitable and affordable health insurance plan with maternity coverage.
- Look for plans with the shortest waiting period to start enjoying benefits early.
- Make sure the coverage amount covers delivery, prenatal, postnatal and newborn care costs.
- Pick the policy from an insurer with a wide network of cashless hospitals.
- Compare premiums to balance coverage and prices.
- Carefully read the policy wording to know the inclusions and exclusions.
- Look for additional benefits like newborn care or complication coverage.
Conclusion
Welcoming a baby is a special moment, but it comes with many responsibilities and expenses. Maternity benefits in health insurance make this journey simple by covering delivery charges, prenatal and postnatal care and even newborn expenses. Choosing the right health insurance with maternity coverage early helps you avoid waiting periods and manage costs without stress.
For expert advice on choosing the best maternity insurance coverage, fill out the form on this page.
FAQs
1. Can newborns be covered under maternity health insurance?
Yes, many policies cover newborn medical expenses and vaccinations for a limited period after birth.
2. Is maternity benefit cover available with all health insurance?
No, maternity benefit cover is not available with all health insurance; it is usually offered as an add-on or under specific plans.
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.