Can You Buy Maternity Insurance While Already Pregnant?

Motherhood represents one of life’s most remarkable journeys. It is often considered a transformative journey because a woman goes through many changes during this time, both mentally and physically. This critical journey comes with its fair share of challenges and expensive medical bills. To protect yourself from such expensive medical bills, you can invest in insurance for pregnant women. However, one important question arises when buying pregnancy insurance: what is the ideal time to purchase it? Can you buy it while already pregnant? 

This article will answer all your questions. Continue reading to know more. 

Understanding Maternity Insurance

Maternity health insurance is a specialised insurance policy designed to support you throughout this significant phase of your life. This type of coverage addresses all medical expenses associated with pregnancy and childbirth. It generally includes costs for prenatal and postnatal appointments, diagnostic tests, delivery, and care for the newborn. Insurance for pregnant women is highly recommended, as it also offers protection against life-threatening conditions such as preterm labour and gestational diabetes, helping to alleviate your concerns.

Given the high medical costs associated with pregnancy, especially in a dynamic country like India where healthcare is expensive, maternity insurance can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses, making this journey financially manageable. Additionally, if you are unsure about purchasing separate insurance for pregnancy, you can choose family health insurance plans. Yes, some insurers now provide maternity benefits with their family health insurance. 

What Does Maternity Health Insurance Include?

When pregnant or planning to grow your family, consider pregnancy insurance as your lifesaver. It offers a variety of benefits that can ease your pregnancy journey. Here’s a list of the benefits:

Prenatal Care

Prenatal care is received before the childbirth. It includes health check-ups and screenings that are extremely imperative in monitoring your and the baby’s health throughout this journey. Pregnancy insurance covers prenatal care and relieves your financial burden; without it, you would have had to pay significant out-of-pocket expenses. 

Postnatal Care

After delivery, postnatal care is essential. This includes checkups, medications, and sometimes physical therapy or counselling to enhance overall health outcomes Insurance for pregnant women prioritise not only prenatal care but also places significant importance on postnatal care, supporting your journey to a healthy life.

Delivery Costs

Due to advancements in the healthcare industry, medical expenses are rising day by day. This can put a significant financial strain on you if you have a limited budget. This is where maternity health insurance offers you support by covering your delivery expenses, be it vaginal or caesarean section. Such insurance policies also include hospital room charges, doctor’s fees, anaesthesia, and more. 

Newborn Care

Insurance for pregnant women also provides coverage for the newborn, including hospital stays, vaccinations, and initial paediatric consultations. 

Emergency Assistance

Complications during pregnancy or delivery can lead to high medical costs. Pregnancy insurance covers unexpected situations like premature birth, a high-risk pregnancy, or any other medical complications. 

What are Things You Must Keep in Mind When Purchasing Maternity Insurance?

There is a wide variety of insurance plans available in the market. Each plan varies depending on the type of insurer. Hence, when buying maternity insurance, you must consider the factors mentioned below to make a sound decision:

Coverage Limits

Check inclusions and exclusions of the insurance plan to avoid any sort of confusion at the time of making claims. Ensure that the insurer offers extensive coverage, including prenatal care, childbirth, operations, prescription drugs, and other treatment-related expenses. 

Waiting Period

Insurance policies include a waiting period for pre-existing diseases. The waiting period is the time period during which you are not allowed to make any claims. Check the terms and conditions to understand any waiting periods associated with pregnancy and choose the plan accordingly.

Costs

There are a variety of costs associated with insurance policies, including premiums, deductibles, and co-payments. Conduct thorough research and then select the one that provides comprehensive coverage at affordable premiums and fits your budget. 

Insurer’s Reputation

You should investigate the insurer’s reputation by examining their claim settlement ratio. This ratio represents the insurer’s successful number of claims settled in a given financial year, reflecting its financial position in the market.  

Can You Buy Maternity Insurance While Already Pregnant?

Yes, it is possible to purchase insurance while pregnant; however, it is important to note that the benefits may not be as comprehensive. Most insurance policies include a waiting period, meaning that if you are diagnosed with a medical condition immediately after purchasing the policy, you will be unable to make a claim and have to bear the expenses alone. This can lead to significant stress and can have an impact on your and the baby’s health. 

Wrapping Up

Pregnancy is indeed an existing journey; however, it also comes with a variety of costs that can put a significant financial strain if faced alone. Insurance for pregnant women is a valuable tool that helps in preparing for the financial demands of pregnancy and childbirth.

While it’s best to purchase insurance before conceiving, it may still be possible to find some level of coverage even if you’re already pregnant. It’s important to carefully consider waiting periods, coverage options, and exclusions before making a decision.

If you are looking for a reliable insurance provider, Niva Bupa stands out in this category. They offer a wide range of benefits, from prenatal care to hospitalisation. Niva Bupa ensures you focus on your recovery rather than worrying about the expenses.