Best Health Insurance for Pregnancy or Maternity in India
Pregnancy and motherhood are life-changing experiences for women in India, bringing a mix of emotions and financial concerns. With healthcare expenses soaring, especially in cities, access to quality medical care during pregnancy and delivery has never been more crucial.
Maternity insurance sales have surged by 80% annually. Interestingly, 78% of these policies are bought by men, highlighting a growing trend of proactive financial planning for maternity care. (Source: The Economic Times)
With this arising need and the availability of different plans, which is the best health insurance plan for pregnancy? How to judge whether a maternity plan works for you? Read this article to find out.
Top Health Insurance Plans for Maternity in India
| Feature | Aditya Birla Activ Fit Preferred | Care Joy Maternity Insurance | Niva Bupa Health Premia | Niva Bupa Aspire | Star Women Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Maternity Coverage (Normal & C-Section) |
Yes After 36 months wait. Sub-limits (by SI): • ₹5–15L SI: up to ₹40k (normal) / ₹60k (C-Sec) • ≥₹20L SI: up to ₹50k (normal) / ₹70k (C-Sec) |
Yes – Covers normal & c-section after waiting period • Joy “Today”: 9-month wait • Joy “Tomorrow”: 24-month wait |
Yes – Subject to a 24-month waiting period for maternity benefits (Sub-limit depends on plan variant: Silver, Gold, or Platinum) |
Yes – Maternity benefit typically after a 2-year waiting period (Exact sub-limits depend on chosen SI) |
Yes – Covers both normal & c-section, after 24 months waiting (Sub-limits as per chosen SI variant) |
| 2. Pre & Post Natal Care Coverage | Yes, covered within maternity sub-limit | Yes, included under the maternity sum insured (doctor consultations, check-ups) within policy sub-limits. | Yes, pre/post natal check-ups covered within the overall maternity sub-limit (varies by variant). | Yes, included under maternity coverage for check-ups, scans, etc., subject to sub-limits. | Yes, part of maternity cover (ante-natal and post-natal up to specified limits) |
| 3. New Born Baby Coverage | Yes, up to first 90 days if mother is insured (part of maternity benefit) | Yes, from day 1 up to 90 days (then can be added as regular insured) |
Yes, from day 1 (after maternity claim), then covered as regular insured on renewal | Yes, from day 1 within the maternity sub-limit, can continue on renewal | Yes, from day 1 till policy expiry, then add to next renewal |
| 4. Instant Cover | No (36-month maternity wait) | No – Maternity coverage has 9 or 24-month waiting period; 30 days for other hospitalization coverage. | No – 24-month waiting for maternity; 30 days for general illnesses. | No – Maternity coverage after 2-year wait; 30-day initial wait for other ailments. | No – 24-month maternity waiting; 30-day initial wait for non-accident claims. |
| 5. Coverage for Complications | Yes, pregnancy-related complications within the maternity sub-limit | Yes, complications arising from maternity/pregnancy included within maternity sum insured. | Yes, complications of pregnancy are covered within the maternity sub-limit. | Yes, complications in pregnancy/delivery are covered under the maternity sub-limit. | Yes, pregnancy-related complications covered under the maternity section (up to sub-limits). |
| 6. Cashless Facility | Yes (10,000+ hospitals) | Yes – Care Insurance has an extensive network (~16,500+ hospitals). | Yes – Niva Bupa has ~8,000+ network hospitals for cashless treatment. | Yes – Same Niva Bupa network (~8,000+). | Yes – Star Health has ~14,000+ network hospitals across India. |
| 7. Pre/Post Hospitalization | 30 / 60 days (for covered events, incl. maternity after wait) | 30 days pre / 60 days post for all covered hospitalization, including maternity. | 30 days pre / 60 days post hospitalization for all covered claims (maternity included, if waiting period is over). | Typically 30 days pre / 60 days post (or as specified in policy) for covered claims (including maternity after waiting). | 30 days pre / 60 days post for hospitalization (applies to maternity as well, after the waiting period). |
| 8. Premium Range (Approx. Annual) | ₹12k–₹18k (30-year couple, ₹10L Floater) |
For 30-year-old couple, SI ~₹3–5L: ~₹10,000–₹15,000 (Depending on “Today” or “Tomorrow” option) |
For a 30-year-old couple, SI ~₹10L: ~₹18,000–₹25,000 (maternity sub-limits differ by variant) |
For a 30-year-old couple, SI ~₹5–10L: ~₹12,000–₹20,000 (maternity coverage included after 2-year wait) |
For a 30-year-old woman, SI ~₹5–10L: ~₹11,000–₹20,000 |
| 9. Coverage for OPD/Medication | Limited wellness/fitness OPD (Not specific to maternity) |
Generally No OPD coverage (focus on inpatient maternity). | Higher variants (Gold/Platinum) have some OPD cover; can be used for prenatal consultations, subject to sub-limits. | Typically limited or no OPD coverage, unless specifically stated in the policy version. | Yes – Some OPD allowance for women-specific health check-ups in certain sum insured tiers. |
| 10. Maternity Waiting Period | 36 months | 9 months (Joy “Today”) 24 months (Joy “Tomorrow”) |
24 months | 24 months | 24 months |
| 12. Claim Settlement % (Overall) | ~90–94% | ~93–95% | ~89–90% | ~89–90% | ~90–95% |
| 13. Unique Benefits | • Sub-limits up to ₹50k/₹70k (normal/C-sec) at higher SI • HealthReturns™/Wellness rewards |
• 9-month waiting in “Joy Today” (uncommon in most maternity plans) • Covers baby from day 1 • Lower SI options (3L–5L) for budget maternity |
• Global coverage (in Platinum variant) • Refill benefit if sum insured is exhausted • Vaccination cover for newborn |
• Tailored for younger families with moderate SIs • Maternity, newborn coverage after 2 years • Potential discount for “Aspire-only” programs |
• Designed exclusively for women • Covers fertility treatment complications in some variants • Comprehensive coverage for maternal needs |
| 14. Is Portability Available | Yes (IRDAI norms) | Yes, can port from/to similar maternity/health policies | Yes, follows IRDAI portability norms | Yes, if you meet IRDAI conditions for continuous coverage | Yes, Star Health allows portability under IRDAI rules |
| 15. Sum Insured (in ₹) | ₹5L – ₹1Cr | From ₹3L to ₹15L typically (check “Joy Today/Tomorrow” variants) | From ₹5L to ₹3Cr (Silver/Gold/Platinum) | Typically from ₹5L up to ₹25L (some variants may go higher) | From ₹5L up to ₹1Cr (depending on choice) |
| 16. Entry Age | 18–65 years | 18–65 years (adult). Maternity coverage typically aimed at 18–45 range. | 18–65 years for adults. | 18–65 years for adults. | 18–75 years for adult women (policy focuses on women of childbearing age; can vary) |
| 17. Policy Type (Individual / Floater) | Family Floater (maternity only if spouse is covered), or Individual (but no maternity on solo) | Family Floater or Individual (commonly taken for spouse + self for maternity) |
Individual or Family Floater | Individual or Family Floater | Individual coverage (woman-centric). Spouse & children can be added under select options. |
| 18. Policy Tenure | 1 / 2 / 3 years (renewable) | 3-year policy commonly sold, or 1–2 years (renewable) | 1, 2, or 3 years (renewable) | 1, 2, or 3 years (renewable) | 1, 2, or 3 years (renewable) |
| 19. Refill / Restoration Benefits | Yes (for non-maternity claims) | Typically No refill for Joy Maternity. | Yes, refill/reload up to 100% once in a policy year if base SI is exhausted (non-maternity claims only). | Some sub-variants may offer a top-up or partial reload, but not standard for maternity. | Some coverage restoration (automatic) if base SI is exhausted (usually for other illnesses, not for maternity). |
| 20. No Claim Bonus | Yes (up to 50-100% for claim-free years) | Yes, from 25% up to 150% over time | Yes, up to 100% in 5 years (depends on variant). | Yes, typically a % increment for every claim-free year (maternity claim usage can affect eligibility). | Yes, progressive increase in sum insured each claim-free year (varies by sum insured chosen). |
*Please read the disclaimer at the end of this page before purchasing this policy.*
Our Top 3 Recommended Maternity Insurance Plans
Among the best 5 health insurances for pregnancy available in India, we have selected our top three recommended plans based on their features, coverage, and other benefits.
Aditya Birla Activ Fit Preferred
The Aditya Birla Activ Fit Preferred plan is a comprehensive health insurance policy designed for young and active individuals. It also includes maternity coverage, making it valuable for expectant parents. Below are the features that make these plans stand out:
Why It Stands Out
Holistic Health Benefits: This plan goes beyond coverage by rewarding you for staying fit through wellness perks, fitness incentives (like HealthReturns™), and dedicated support for managing chronic conditions.
Maternity Coverage with Defined Limits: This health insurance plan for pregnancy covers both normal and C-section delivery within defined sub-limits (e.g., ₹40k/₹60k or ₹50k/₹70k, depending on your chosen sum insured).
Family-Friendly Maternity Benefits: If you’re planning to start a family, choosing the family floater option ensures maternity benefits apply, making it a practical choice for couples.
Potential Limitations
36-Month Waiting Period: Maternity coverage only begins after a 3-year wait, which is longer than some competing plans.
Strict Sub-Limits: Reimbursement caps for maternity expenses could result in out-of-pocket costs if the actual medical bill exceeds these set limits.
Care Joy Maternity (Religare/Care Insurance)
The Care Joy Maternity plan is a health insurance policy designed to cover maternity-related expenses, including prenatal and postnatal care, delivery costs, and newborn baby care, with coverage options of ₹3 lakh and ₹5 lakh.
Why It Stands Out
Shortest Maternity Wait (Joy “Today”): The best part of this health insurance for pregnancy is that it offers a 9-month waiting period for maternity, which is one of the shortest in the market.
Newborn Coverage from Day 1: Automatically covers the baby for up to 90 days post-birth, which is convenient for immediate protection.
Budget-Friendly Sums Insured: This insurance policy for pregnancy is available in lower sum-insured options (e.g., ₹3–₹5 lakh), making it relatively cost-effective for couples seeking essential maternity coverage.
Potential Limitations
Two Variants with Different Waiting Periods: Joy “Tomorrow” has a 24-month waiting period, so you must select the right variant for immediate or near-term maternity needs.
Sub-Limits: Like many maternity plans, reimbursements for normal delivery and C-sections are capped, which may leave a gap if hospital costs exceed these limits.
Niva Bupa Aspire
The Niva Bupa Aspire plan is a health insurance policy tailored for young families but it also offers coverage for maternity care. Here are some standout features of this insurance policy for maternity coverage:
Why It Stands Out
Dedicated Coverage for Young Families: Specifically crafted to cater to younger customers or those with moderate sum-insured requirements, combining core health needs with maternity.
24-Month Maternity Waiting Period: Sits in the mid-range for waiting periods—shorter than some that require 36 months, but longer than plans with a 9-month option.
Cashless Hospitalisation Network: This health insurance plan for pregnancy has an extensive hospital network (8,000+), ensuring a good footprint for hassle-free claims.
Potential Limitations
Moderate Sub-Limits & Waiting: Maternity coverage has sub-limits and a 2-year wait, so it’s not immediately available.
Limited Higher SI Options: While it goes up to around ₹25 lakh in some variants, those seeking very large covers (like ₹1 crore or more) may need to explore other plans in Niva Bupa’s portfolio.
What is Maternity Insurance?
A good health insurance plan for pregnancy in India covers the needs of pregnant women and future mothers. Maternity insurance ensures that all pregnancy-related expenses are covered, including C-section and normal delivery costs, newborn baby expenses, pre and post-natal care, hospital stays, medical tests related to pregnancy, medicine costs, and other pregnancy-related expenses.
In short, a health insurance policy for pregnancy in India ensures that all baby-related costs are covered, whether you are already pregnant or planning to conceive.
Who Should Buy a Maternity Health Insurance Plan?
If you fall under any of the following categories, you should consider buying a maternity health insurance plan to reduce your medical expenses during this period:
Why Maternity Health Insurance is Important for Pregnant Women?
While welcoming a new life into the world is a joyful feeling, it also comes with significant expenses. Maternity care is expensive and below are some reasons why you should plan to buy a good health insurance policy for your pregnancy:
When to Buy a Maternity Health Insurance Plan?
Most maternity insurance policies have a waiting period of 9 months to 4 years, so you need to plan ahead and purchase coverage well before conception to avail of the benefits.
Features of Maternity Insurance Plans in India
When taking a good maternity plan in India, look for the below features to ensure everything necessary is covered during your pregnancy to reduce financial burden:
What is Covered in Maternity Health Insurance Plans?
Several maternity care health insurance plans in India cover different aspects of pregnancy. Below is a list of all the common things covered in a maternity plan:
Normal and C-section delivery expenses
Pre and post-natal care expenses
Newborn baby expenses
In-patient hospitalisation expenses
Newborn vaccination care
Stem cell preservation
Pregnancy complications
IVF treatment
Surrogacy
Medically necessary termination expenses
*Note that these are common expenses that may be covered in a health insurance plan. Verify with your insurer before proceeding.*
What is Not Covered in Maternity Health Insurance Plans?
Different policies have different coverage conditions. Below are some common expenses that may not be included in your maternity plan:
*Note that these are common expenses that may be covered in a health insurance plan. Verify with your insurer before proceeding.*
How to Choose the Best Maternity Health Insurance Plan
A specific health insurance plan meant to cover pregnancy-related costs can be of great help to couples wanting to start a family. With such insurance policies, you can reduce your financial load to an extent. But with so many options available in India, which is the best plan?
Below are some factors to consider when choosing the best maternity health insurance plan:
Assess Network Hospitals
Check the Sum Insured and Limits
Newborn Baby Coverage and Vaccination Benefits
Look for Family Floater Plans if Necessary
Disclaimer:
