Introduction
When it comes to starting a family, financial planning is as important as emotional readiness. In India, maternity expenses can range from ₹40,000 to ₹2,00,000 depending on the hospital and city. Having a health insurance plan with maternity cover can significantly reduce the financial burden on expecting couples. However, not all health insurance plans offer this feature by default.
In this article, we will explore the best health insurance plans with maternity coverage in India, what to look for in such plans, key features, benefits, exclusions, and more. This guide is tailored for 2025 and optimized for the most searched terms.
What is Maternity Cover in Health Insurance?
Maternity cover is an add-on or in-built feature in health insurance plans that covers expenses related to pregnancy, childbirth (normal or cesarean), pre- and post-natal care, and sometimes even the newborn baby for a certain duration.
Why is Maternity Insurance Important?
| Feature | With Maternity Insurance | Without Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Delivery | Covered up to sum insured | ₹40,000 to ₹2,00,000 |
| Pre/Post-natal Checkups | Covered | ₹5,000 to ₹25,000 |
| Newborn Care | Covered for 90 days or more | Extra cost |
| Financial Stress | Minimal | High |
| Quality of Care | Private hospitals covered | Limited options |
Maternity expenses are mostly planned, so waiting periods apply — usually 9 to 48 months. It’s wise to buy such plans early in your marriage or before planning children.
Key Features to Look for in Maternity Health Insurance
- Waiting Period – Shorter the better (usually 2–4 years)
- Coverage Limit – Many plans cap maternity claims to ₹25,000–₹1 lakh
- Newborn Baby Cover – At least 90 days post-birth cover
- Pre & Post-natal Expenses – Should include diagnostic tests, consultations
- Hospital Network – Cashless hospitals near your location
- Ambulance Charges – Should be included
- No Claim Bonus (NCB) – Useful for enhancing cover over time
Best Health Insurance Plans with Maternity Cover in India (2025)
Here’s a curated list of the top maternity health insurance plans in India as of 2025:
1. Niva Bupa Health Premia
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maternity Cover | Up to ₹1 lakh (Platinum Plan) |
| Waiting Period | 24 months |
| Newborn Cover | Up to 90 days |
| Pre/Post-natal | Included |
| Premium (approx.) | ₹25,000/year (individual, age 30) |
✅ Short waiting period
✅ High maternity sum insured
✅ International maternity cover (Platinum variant)
2. Care Joy Maternity Plan
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maternity Cover | ₹35,000 (normal), ₹50,000 (C-section) |
| Waiting Period | 9 months (shortest in India) |
| Newborn Cover | Up to 90 days |
| Entry Age | 18 to 45 years |
| Premium (approx.) | ₹18,000/year (individual, age 30) |
✅ Best for early planners
✅ Affordable premium
✅ Suitable for nuclear families
3. Star Health Wedding Gift Plan
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maternity Cover | ₹25,000 to ₹1 lakh |
| Waiting Period | 36 months |
| Newborn Cover | Included till renewal |
| Pre/Post-natal | Yes |
| Premium (approx.) | ₹22,000/year |
✅ Specially designed for newlyweds
✅ Includes post-natal complications
✅ Covers congenital conditions
4. HDFC ERGO Health Suraksha with Maternity Rider
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maternity Cover | Add-on rider up to ₹75,000 |
| Waiting Period | 36–48 months |
| Newborn Cover | Up to 90 days |
| Cashless Hospitals | 13,000+ |
| Premium (approx.) | ₹24,000/year (with rider) |
✅ Rider flexibility
✅ High network of hospitals
✅ Covers vaccination for newborns
5. Religare Joy Today Plan
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maternity Cover | ₹35,000–₹50,000 |
| Waiting Period | 9 months |
| Hospitalization | Cashless facility |
| Plan Types | Joy Today & Joy Tomorrow |
| Premium (approx.) | ₹19,000/year |
✅ 9-month waiting is ideal for newly married couples
✅ Comes with newborn baby cover
✅ Affordable premium
Comparison Table: Top Maternity Health Insurance Plans 2025
| Plan Name | Waiting Period | Maternity Cover | Newborn Cover | Premium (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Niva Bupa Health Premia | 24 months | Up to ₹1 lakh | 90 days | ₹25,000 |
| Care Joy | 9 months | ₹35k–₹50k | 90 days | ₹18,000 |
| Star Wedding Gift | 36 months | ₹25k–₹1 lakh | Yes | ₹22,000 |
| HDFC ERGO Suraksha | 36–48 months | Up to ₹75k | 90 days | ₹24,000 |
| Religare Joy Today | 9 months | ₹35k–₹50k | Yes | ₹19,000 |
Tips to Choose the Best Maternity Insurance
- Plan Early: Choose a plan 1–2 years before planning a baby.
- Check Limits: Some plans restrict maternity claims; go for higher limits.
- Family Floater vs. Individual: Floater works well for couples, individual may be better for higher cover.
- Hospital Network: Make sure top maternity hospitals are in the insurer’s network.
- Read Exclusions: Avoid surprises later. Some plans don’t cover IVF or fertility treatments.
What is Not Covered Under Maternity Insurance?
| Not Covered | Description |
|---|---|
| IVF/Fertility | Most plans don’t cover infertility treatments |
| Voluntary Termination | Abortion unless medically necessary |
| OPD Costs | Unless mentioned, outpatient is not covered |
| Congenital Defects | Not covered after 90-day newborn period |
| Pre-Existing Pregnancy | If pregnant before policy start, claims not allowed |
Tax Benefits on Maternity Health Insurance
Under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, premiums paid towards health insurance with maternity benefits are eligible for tax deduction:
- Individual/Couple: Up to ₹25,000/year
- For senior citizen parents: Additional ₹50,000/year
This makes it not only a health safeguard but also a smart tax-saving investment.
Final Thoughts
Health insurance with maternity cover is no longer a luxury but a necessity, especially in urban India where childbirth and postnatal care can be expensive. Planning ahead is key – since most plans come with a waiting period, buying a plan early gives you peace of mind and financial stability.
Whether you’re newly married or planning for a child in a couple of years, selecting the right health insurance plan can save you lakhs in hospital bills and ensure that the arrival of your little one is joyful—not stressful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I buy maternity insurance if I am already pregnant?
Most insurance companies do not cover existing pregnancies. You must purchase the plan before conception.
2. Which is the best maternity plan with the shortest waiting period?
Care Joy Plan and Religare Joy Today offer maternity cover with just 9 months of waiting period.
3. Are cesarean deliveries covered?
Yes, most plans cover both normal and cesarean deliveries.
4. Does the maternity cover include baby vaccinations?
Some plans (like HDFC ERGO) offer newborn vaccinations for the first year.
5. Can I include maternity cover in a family floater policy?
Yes, but coverage limits and waiting periods apply as per policy terms.