Should You Buy Maternity Health Insurance? Pros, Cons & Tips

Maternity Health Insurance: What it Covers? Maternity health insurance covers medical expenses related to pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care. It includes prenatal checkups, delivery (normal or cesarean), and postnatal treatment. Policies often have a waiting period before coverage begins. Some plans also cover the newborn for a limited time. Most have caps on claim amounts. Importantly, pregnancies that begin before purchasing the policy are usually not covered, nor are any cosmetic procedures related to childbirth.

Planning a baby? You might assume your health insurance has you covered. But here’s the catch: most policies don’t.

With normal deliveries costing around ₹50,000 and C-sections exceeding ₹2,00,000 in private hospitals, this can take a serious toll on savings. That’s where maternity health insurance comes in. But it’s not always the obvious choice. Whether you need it depends on your timeline, existing coverage, and financial planning.

In this blog, we unpack when it makes sense, what it covers, and how to know if it’s worth the high premium. We also touch on tax benefits and share Ditto’s expert take to help you make an informed choice.

What Is a Maternity Health Insurance Plan And Do You Need One?

Maternity health insurance covers costs related to pregnancy, including pre-natal check-ups, delivery (normal or C-section), post-natal care, and newborn expenses for up to 90 days. Some plans also cover complications and ambulance charges.

It’s worth considering if you plan to have a child in the next few years and don’t already have maternity coverage. Especially since childbirth in private hospitals can cost ₹50,000–₹2 lakh or more.

If you are not planning children or already have coverage through your employer, it may not be necessary. Most plans have a waiting period of 9 months to 4 years, so early purchase is important.

Should You Invest in a Maternity Health Insurance?

Here's a balanced look at the pros and cons of investing in a dedicated maternity health insurance plan:

Advantages (Pros)	Disadvantages (Cons)
Mitigates High Costs: Covers expenses from consultations to delivery (normal/C-section).	Long Waiting Periods: Most policies have waiting periods (9 months to 4 years), won’t cover if already pregnant.
Protects Savings: Reduces out-of-pocket expenses for maternity care.	Higher Premiums: Adding maternity benefits or buying a standalone plan increases your premium significantly.
Covers Complications: Provides financial support for unforeseen medical complications during pregnancy or childbirth.	Sub-limits: Many policies impose sub-limits on delivery expenses.
Ensures Quality Care: Allows access to top medical facilities and professionals without financial strain.	Limited Scope (for add-ons): A basic maternity add-on might not cover all pre-natal, post-natal, or newborn complications.
Includes Pre & Post-Natal Care: Covers a wide spectrum of care, from check-ups to initial newborn vaccinations.	Irrelevant After Childbirth: Maternity benefits are mostly exhausted after delivery and early newborn care is taken care of.
Newborn Baby Coverage: Many policies cover a baby’s early medical needs for a few weeks/months.	Better Alternatives (for some): If your corporate insurance covers maternity, you may not need this.
Tax Benefits: Premiums paid for maternity health insurance are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80D under the old tax regime.

Pro Tip: Given these factors, it becomes clear why the decision is personal. Maternity insurance can ease the financial burden of childbirth but only if planned well in advance and in the right context. If you already have a corporate policy with maternity coverage, it's usually smarter to rely on that. Otherwise, weigh the waiting period, costs, and limitations before deciding.

Looking for the right health insurance while planning a baby? Check out our guide on the best maternity insurance plans in India for expecting couples.

Best Maternity Health Insurance Plans in India 2025

Choosing a maternity health insurance plan involves more than just comparing premiums. You need to look at the waiting period, sub-limits on delivery expenses, overall coverage, and how the maternity benefit is structured, whether it's inbuilt or an add-on. 

Below is a detailed comparison of some of the most relevant maternity-inclusive plans in 2025 for a family of two (ages 25–30) with a ₹10 lakh sum insured.

Comparison of Top Maternity Health Insurance Plans (₹10L SI, Delhi)

Plan Name	Maternity Limit	Waiting Period	Premium (Age 25)	Premium (Age 30)	Key Highlights
Aditya Birla Activ Fit – Preferred	₹40K (Normal), ₹60K (C-Section)	3 years	₹16,249	₹17,680	Wellness-focused plan with good hospital network; ideal if planning in 3–4 years.
Niva Bupa Aspire – Titanium+	₹12K (with ₹500/month booster for up to 9 years)	9 months	₹16,197	₹16,681	Lowest waiting period (9 months); booster model offers better long-term value.
ICICI Lombard Elevate	₹1 lakh (10% of SI as maternity add-on)	2 years	₹63,537	₹63,864	Higher premium; maternity add-on gives flexibility but is priced accordingly.
Star Health – Super Star (Option A)	₹50,000 per delivery	2 years	₹28,656	₹29,846	Simple structure with decent maternity cover as add-on; cost-effective option.
Star Health – Super Star (Option B)	₹30,000 per delivery	1 year	₹33,769	₹34,959	Shortest wait period among add-ons; lower maternity limits.
Tata AIG Medicare Premier	₹50K (₹60K for girl child)	4 years	₹23,522	₹25,459	Unique feature: higher limit for girl child delivery; strong brand and service.

The “best” plan can vary based on your individual needs, so it’s critical to do personal research or, better yet, speak to one of Ditto’s IRDAI-certified experts and get solid insurance advice. Book a call today to enjoy the ultimate policy buying experience.

Pro Tip: While maternity health insurance can provide relief from delivery-related costs, it’s important to evaluate whether the premium, waiting period, and sub-limits align with your timeline and expectations. If you're planning a family soon, a plan with a shorter waiting period may be practical. When you're buying early and looking for long-term value, inbuilt options with broader coverage might work better.

Is Pregnancy Covered in Health Insurance? Understanding Coverage

Pregnancy isn't always covered under a standard health insurance policy. Most base plans exclude maternity-related expenses unless explicitly mentioned. However, many insurers offer maternity health insurance as an add-on or as part of a more comprehensive plan. The difference between these two options: standard plans and add-ons, is important to understand before choosing coverage.

Standard Health Policies vs. Maternity Health Insurance Add-ons

Understanding the distinction between standard health policies and dedicated maternity health insurance is crucial. Standard plans focus on general health issues. They often leave out planned events like childbirth.

Here's a table highlighting the key differences:

Feature	Standard Health Insurance Policy	Maternity Health Insurance Add-on / Specialized Plan
Primary Focus	General illness, accidents, hospitalization for diseases.	Pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical expenses.
Maternity Coverage	Generally Excluded. Very few basic plans offer it inherently.	Explicitly Included. This is the core benefit of pregnancy health insurance.
Premium Impact	Lower premium for basic coverage.	Higher premium due to added specific maternity benefits.
Waiting Period	Standard waiting periods for pre-existing and specific illnesses.	Standard waiting periods for PEDs and Specific illness also apply here along with maternity waiting period (typically 9 months to 4 years)
Newborn Coverage	Usually Excluded.New born child can be only added after 3 months (91days) subject to insurer’s underwriting and extra premiums.	Often Included for a defined period (e.g., 90 days) after birth.Can be added as a dependent member after this.
Scope of Coverage	Broad medical coverage for diverse conditions.	Focused on pregnancy, delivery, and initial post-birth care.
Purpose	General medical safety net.	Financial protection specifically for childbirth-related costs.

Key Sum-Up: Understanding Your Coverage Options

• Standard policies rarely cover pregnancy: Most basic health plans exclude maternity expenses, considering them planned.
• Maternity coverage requires specific action: You must purchase a dedicated plan or add a maternity rider to your existing policy.
• Premiums reflect added benefits: Expect to pay an additional premium for maternity health insurance due to its specialized coverage.
• Waiting periods are critical: Almost all maternity health insurance options have a significant waiting period. Plan well in advance to ensure coverage.

What Does a Maternity Health Insurance Policy Cover?

Once you secure maternity health insurance, it covers a comprehensive range of expenses. It extends beyond just the moment of delivery. These plans aim to provide financial support through various stages of pregnancy and beyond.

Key Inclusions: Delivery Costs, Pre & Post-Natal Expenses

A typical maternity health insurance policy provides coverage for the following key inclusions:

• Delivery Costs: This is the primary component. It covers expenses for both normal delivery and Caesarean section (C-section). This includes room charges, operation theatre costs, surgeon's fees, anaesthetist's fees, and nursing charges.
• Pre-Natal Expenses: The policy covers costs incurred before childbirth. This includes regular check-ups, doctor consultations, routine diagnostic tests (like blood tests, urine tests, ultrasounds), and prescribed medications throughout the pregnancy period.
• Post-Natal Expenses: This covers the mother's medical care after delivery. It includes post-delivery consultations, follow-up check-ups, and any necessary post-natal medication.
• Newborn Baby Coverage: Many policies extend coverage to the newborn baby for a limited period, 90 days from birth. This often includes initial vaccinations and any essential medical treatments if the baby requires hospitalization or specific care after birth.
• Ambulance Charges: Policies often reimburse or cover costs for emergency ambulance transportation to the hospital.
• Complications during Pregnancy: Some comprehensive maternity health insurance plans also cover expenses arising from complications during pregnancy or childbirth. This provides an essential safety net for unexpected medical situations.

Section at a Glance:

• Most standard health insurance plans do not cover pregnancy-related expenses.
• To get maternity coverage, you need a dedicated maternity policy or a maternity add-on to your existing health plan.
• These typically cover delivery costs, pre- and post-natal care, and newborn expenses (usually up to 90 days).
• A key factor is the waiting period, which can range from 9 months to 4 years.
• To benefit from the policy, you must buy it well before planning a pregnancy as last-minute purchases won’t help.

What Matters Most: While all these inclusions add value, delivery costs, coverage for complications, and newborn baby coverage are typically the most essential. Pre- and post-natal benefits and ambulance charges are useful additions that enhance the overall coverage, especially for those seeking comprehensive maternity care.

When Should You Opt for Maternity Health Insurance?

Timing is everything when it comes to maternity cover. Since most policies come with long waiting periods, deciding when to buy the plan can significantly impact its usefulness. 

Here's a detailed guide on when to consider opting for maternity health insurance:

1) As Soon As You Start Family Planning (Ideal Scenario):

• This is the most recommended time to purchase health insurance with maternity benefits.
• Most maternity covers have a waiting period ranging from 9 months to 4 years. Buying early ensures you fulfill this period before conception.
• It guarantees coverage for delivery and associated costs when you actually need it.
• Early purchase allows access to a wider range of policies and lower premiums, as age can influence pricing.

2) If Your Existing Policy Lacks Maternity Benefits:

• Review your current individual or family health insurance policy. If it doesn't include specific maternity benefits or if the existing coverage is too low, consider a dedicated health insurance with maternity benefits or an add-on.
• Before making the switch, evaluate the waiting period and do a quick cost-to-benefit analysis to ensure the higher premium justifies the additional coverage.

3) When Your Corporate Health Cover is Insufficient or Non-Existent:

• Many employees rely on their corporate health insurance. However, corporate plans might have sub-limits for maternity, or not cover certain aspects like pre/post-natal care extensively.
• If your employer-provided policy is absent, or its maternity benefits are minimal, secure your own maternity plan well in advance. This acts as your primary or supplemental cover.

4) To Cover Newborn Expenses:

• Many maternity health insurance policies offer initial coverage for the newborn (e.g., for the first 90 days), including vaccinations and any immediate medical needs.
• If this is a priority, ensure the policy you choose explicitly includes this benefit and purchase it with sufficient lead time.

5) To Avail Tax Benefits:

• Premiums paid for health insurance with maternity benefits are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80D (old tax regime). 
• While this is an added advantage, it shouldn’t be the primary reason to buy the policy. View it as a bonus benefit—available from the year of purchase, subject to policy terms.

Scenarios Where Maternity Health Insurance May Not Be Ideal

While maternity health insurance offers crucial financial protection, there are specific situations where a standalone policy might not be the most advantageous choice.

1) Not Ideal If You’re Already Pregnant (with very rare exceptions):

• Generally, health insurance with maternity benefits does not cover existing pregnancies. Insurers classify a current pregnancy as a pre-existing condition. Most policies come with substantial waiting periods, ranging from 9 months to 4 years, which means any pregnancy existing at the time of policy purchase will not be covered.
• The Exception: While extremely rare and often with specific conditions, a few insurers in India might offer limited maternity cover plans even if you are already pregnant. These are highly specialized policies, often requiring you to be within a specific trimester (for e.g., if you are in your Trimester 1, it may be possible) and may still have shorter, but existing, waiting periods (e.g., 3 months). These plans come with very high premiums or specific sub-limits. 

2) Not Required If Corporate Cover Is Sufficient:

• If your employer's group health insurance policy already includes comprehensive maternity cover then purchasing a separate individual maternity policy is not necessary. Corporate plans often come with the significant advantage of shorter or even zero waiting periods for maternity benefits. This makes them immediately accessible to employees.

Ditto's advice: We generally advise individuals to first explore and fully utilize the maternity health insurance benefits available through their corporate health cover. These are more cost-effective as the employer largely bears the premium, and their terms, particularly regarding waiting periods, are often more favorable than individual plans. If your corporate cover offers good maternity benefits, it's usually the most prudent choice.

Maternity Health Insurance: Waiting Periods Explained

Understanding the waiting period is perhaps the most critical aspect when considering "maternity cover" or "pregnancy health insurance." This is the time frame you must complete after purchasing the policy before you can make any claims related to pregnancy and childbirth. Any claim raised during this period will not be admissible. Insurers implement waiting periods to prevent individuals from buying a policy only when they are already pregnant or on the verge of conception, which would make the system unsustainable.

Here's a breakdown of the different types of waiting periods you may encounter:

Type of Waiting Period	Description	Typical Duration
Initial Waiting Period	This applies to almost all new health insurance policies. You cannot claim for any illness (except accidents) during this initial phase.	Usually 30 days .
Maternity Waiting Period	This is the specific period for pregnancy and childbirth-related expenses. It is the most significant waiting period for maternity cover.	Ranges from 9 months to 4 years.
Newborn Baby Coverage Activation	This is the specific waiting period after birth during which the newborn may not be fully covered, or only for very specific conditions. Some plans cover from day one, others after a short period.	Can be Day 1 (from birth), or a short period like 90 days (from birth). Always verify.
Pre-existing Disease (PED) Waiting Period	If you have any health conditions (like PCOS/PCOD, thyroid issues) before buying the policy, claims related to them activate after this period.	1 to 3 years.
Specific Illness Waiting Period	This applies to certain listed diseases or procedures (e.g., hernias, cataracts). It's generally a fixed period for these conditions.	Often 2 years.

Key Sum-Up: What You Must Know About Waiting Periods

• Plan Ahead is Paramount: Always purchase your Maternity cover well in advance of planning a family. This ensures you complete the waiting period before conception.
• No Immediate Coverage: You cannot get pregnancy health insurance to cover a current pregnancy. Insurers consider it a pre-existing condition, and waiting periods apply.
• Duration Varies: Maternity waiting periods differ significantly between insurers and policies. Always check the exact duration in your policy document.
• Corporate Plans May Differ: Group pregnancy health insurance from employers often features shorter or even zero waiting periods. This is a significant advantage if available.
• Newborn Coverage Varies: Verify when newborn coverage activates. Some policies offer Day 1 coverage, others have a short waiting period after birth.
• Reducing Waiting Periods: Some insurers offer options to reduce PED waiting periods with an additional premium (rider), but this is less common for the core maternity waiting period itself.

In short, waiting periods are the biggest catch with maternity insurance. Unless you plan well ahead, often by years, the policy might not serve its purpose when you need it.

Exclusions in Maternity Health Insurance

While Insurance for pregnancy provides essential financial protection for pregnancy and childbirth, it's equally important to understand what these policies do not cover. Knowing the exclusions helps manage your expectations and avoid unpleasant surprises during a critical time. Not every expense related to pregnancy or a newborn falls under your pregnancy health insurance.

Here’s a table outlining common exclusions in such policies:

Exclusion Category	Description
Waiting Period Claims	Any maternity-related expenses incurred during the policy's specific maternity waiting period (e.g., 9 months, 2 years, 4 years) are not covered. This is the most common reason for claim rejection.
Pre-existing Pregnancy	If you are already pregnant at the time of purchasing the Insurance for pregnancy, expenses related to that specific pregnancy are excluded. Pregnancy is usually treated as a pre-existing condition in this scenario.
Infertility Treatments	Most standard maternity health insurance policies do not cover infertility treatments such as IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation), IUI (Intrauterine Insemination), or surrogacy. These often require specialized riders or separate, dedicated fertility treatment plans.
Non-Medical Expenses	Policies do not cover non-medical costs. This includes items like diapers, baby food, toiletries, personal comfort items, or charges for visitor passes during hospitalization. These may be covered via add-ons.
Cosmetic Procedures	Any cosmetic procedures related to pregnancy or childbirth (e.g., tummy tucks, scar revisions for C-sections not medically necessary) are excluded.
Routine Outpatient Expenses (OPD)	Maternity policies usually cover hospitalization and related pre- and post-natal care. Routine OPD costs like consultations and tests are generally excluded unless the policy clearly includes OPD benefits.
Self-Inflicted Injury/Abuse	Costs arising from self-inflicted injuries or conditions resulting from substance abuse (alcohol/drugs) are excluded.
Specific Unrecognized Procedures	Treatments or procedures not recognized by standard medical authorities or those considered experimental are usually not covered. This also includes illegal procedures like gender determination tests.
Age Limits / Number of Deliveries	Some policies may have an upper age limit for maternity coverage (e.g., not covering pregnancies after age 45). Additionally, many policies have a limit on the number of deliveries covered (e.g., maximum two deliveries in a lifetime).
Sub-limits on Delivery Costs	While maternity is covered, many policies impose a sub-limit on the actual delivery expenses (e.g., ₹50,000 for normal delivery, ₹1,00,000 for C-section). Any costs beyond this sub-limit must be paid out-of-pocket, even if your overall sum insured is higher. This is a crucial detail for pregnancy health insurance.

Ditto’s advice: Read Your Policy Document Carefully. The most critical step in understanding your maternity health insurance is to thoroughly read the policy document before purchase. Pay close attention to the sections on 'Exclusions' and 'Specific Conditions.' Also important, verify the waiting period and any sub-limits on delivery costs. Do not assume full coverage; confirm exactly what your policy will and will not pay for, to avoid any financial surprises during your special journey.

Maternity Health Insurance Tax Benefit In India

Under Section 80D, the old tax regime, the premium you pay for your maternity health insurance policy (whether it's a standalone plan or a rider added to a base health policy) is eligible for a deduction from your taxable income. This deduction is available to individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs).

1) For Self, Spouse, and Dependent Children:

• If you (the policyholder) and all insured family members (spouse, dependent children) are below 60 years of age, you can claim a deduction of up to ₹25,000 in a financial year.
• If you or any insured family member (self, spouse, dependent children) is a senior citizen (60 years or above), this deduction limit increases to ₹50,000 in a financial year.

2) For Parents (in addition to your family cover):

• You can claim an additional deduction for premiums paid towards health insurance for your parents.
• If your parents are below 60 years of age, you can claim up to ₹25,000.
• If your parents are senior citizens (60 years or above), this additional deduction limit increases up to ₹50,000.

3) Overall Limits:

• The maximum deduction you can claim under Section 80D is ₹50,000 if you (and your family) are below 60 and your parents are also below 60 (₹25,000 + ₹25,000).
• It can go up to ₹75,000 if you (and your family) are below 60, and your parents are senior citizens (₹25,000 + ₹50,000).
• The maximum deduction can reach ₹1,00,000 if both you (and your family) and your parents are senior citizens (₹50,000 + ₹50,000).

4) Preventive Health Check-ups:

• You can also claim a deduction of up to ₹5,000 for expenses incurred on preventive health check-ups.
• This ₹5,000 limit is included within the overall limits mentioned above (₹25,000 or ₹50,000).

Payment Mode: To claim the deduction, you must pay the maternity health insurance premium through any mode other than cash (cheque, net banking, debit/credit card). Only preventive health check-up expenses can be paid in cash.

Ditto’s Take on Getting a Pregnancy Health Insurance

While maternity coverage may seem like a must-have for couples planning a family, it's important to understand how insurers approach this benefit and why it often ends up being less cost-effective than expected:

• Maternity is a "guaranteed claim" in most cases. Unlike other medical risks that may or may not occur, pregnancy and childbirth are predictable events for policyholders actively planning a family.
• Insurers know that if someone opts for maternity cover, they are almost certain to file a claim once the waiting period is over. This certainty of claim significantly increases the insurer’s risk exposure.
• This drastically increases the insurer’s claim liability and, as a result, affects how they price these policies. The premiums are set higher, claim limits are often capped, and many exclusions are applied, all to manage that predictable risk.

Ditto’s Take:

Maternity health insurance might sound like a smart addition but it’s important to do the math. In many cases, the total premium paid over several years plus out-of-pocket costs (due to sub-limits and exclusions) can actually outweigh the financial benefit you get from the policy.

Unless you are getting maternity coverage through a corporate health plan, which often comes with shorter or zero waiting periods and higher coverage limits, it may not be worth buying a policy solely for this benefit.

Instead, treat maternity cover as a nice-to-have, not a must-have. If your existing comprehensive plan includes it, great. But it shouldn't be the only reason to purchase or switch to a new policy.

Also read: Lowest Waiting Period for Maternity Insurance Plans

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Key Takeaways

• Standard health insurance doesn't cover pregnancy. You need to buy a separate maternity plan or add it as a rider.
• It covers delivery costs, pre-natal and post-natal care, and sometimes, newborn baby expenses for the first 90 days.
• Most policies have a waiting period of 9 months to 4 years—so buying early is essential.
• Premiums are higher for maternity-inclusive plans and often come with sub-limits on claim amounts.
• Corporate health insurance (if it includes maternity) is often more cost-effective and comes with shorter or no waiting periods.
• You won’t get coverage if you’re already pregnant or planning a child in the near term.
• You can claim tax benefits under Section 80D for premiums paid on maternity-inclusive policies.
• Always read the fine print. Especially on exclusions like IVF, complications, or OPD visits.

Still confused about whether you need maternity health insurance?Book a free 1:1 call with a Ditto advisor. We will help you understand your options and make the best decision based on your health, timeline, and financial plan.👉 Talk to an expert now

FAQs on Maternity Health Insurance