Why Women Should Consider Health Insurance with Maternity Benefits

As physically cumbersome as it is, a pregnancy is something to celebrate as it heralds the coming of a new generation. Almost universally a pregnancy is an occasion of joy for everyone concerned, but more so for the would-be mother. However, only a woman can understand the trials and tribulations that the pregnant woman has to go through before her bundle of joy arrives. Health needs special care during, and immediately after, the pregnancy. There will be expected and a lot of unexpected expenses. There is the uncertainty of not knowing whether it is going to be a normal delivery or a caesarian delivery, which will entail heavier expenses. All this has to be anticipated and provided for. The best way to do it is to get a medical insurance policy with maternity cover. Maternity insurance policy is provided by most insurance companies, and the young couple should be wise enough to include it in their regular medical insurance policy.

Benefits and scope of coverage

The benefits of taking a medical insurance policy with maternity cover are that the pre- and post-hospitalization expenses are covered, which can be a great buffer for your finances. There are certain aspects of maternity insurance which tend to differ from one company to another. These include the period before and after hospitalization for delivery – some companies may cover up to 60 days but some may cover only 30 days. Some post-delivery complications may be covered by some companies, but not by others. Companies may also have differing rules for coverage of normal versus cesarean delivery. Ancillary charges related to room rent, nursing expenses, surgeon’s expenses, etc. may also vary from one insurance provider to another. So, it is better to carefully study the terms and conditions of the policy that you are planning to buy.

 

Be prepared to pay higher premiums

 

Unlike in other insurance policies, where the insurance company’s liability kicks in only upon the happening of an uncertain event, such as an accident which may never happen, in a pregnancy a delivery is certain to happen and therefore the liability of the insurance company is certain. This is why the insurance provider is sure to charge a higher premium for a maternity insurance policy. Besides, insurance companies may not provide maternity coverage beyond the age of 45, there may be strict limits to the sum covered and certain unusual types of pregnancies may be totally excluded from the purview of the maternity insurance policy.

 

Group insurance and maternity coverage

Medical insurance for maternity may or may not be a part of a group insurance policy of which you may be a member. If you are a part of your organization’s group insurance policy, you need to find out whether it provides for coverage of maternity expenses, so that you can plan out your own personal policy accordingly. There is no point in paying extra premium from your own pocket if your company’s policy already covers it. On the other hand, if your group insurance plan does not provide coverage for maternity expenses, you need to buy a maternity insurance policy that will cover at least all anticipated expenses.