Friends, if you’re planning a family or preparing for the arrival of a new life, health insurance with maternity coverage is a must-have! Medical costs are rising in India, and the costs of delivery, prenatal checkups, and newborn care are skyrocketing.
A good policy can save you financial stress and may even provide tax benefits. I’ve compared the top plans based on their coverage, waiting periods, and premiums – so you can make the right choice. Let’s understand, which plan is best for you!
Why is maternity insurance important?
Maternity coverage isn’t available with standard health insurance – it has a waiting period, usually 2-4 years. It covers everything from prenatal care (before pregnancy), delivery (normal or C-section), postnatal care, and newborn vaccinations.
In India, a normal delivery can cost anywhere from ₹50,000 to ₹1.5 lakh, and a C-section can cost up to ₹2-3 lakh! A good plan covers all of these, plus complications like ectopic pregnancy. Here are the top 5 plans popular in 2025.
Top 5 Maternity Health Insurance Plans in India
1. Star Health Comprehensive Insurance
This plan is perfect for families. Maternity coverage up to ₹1 lakh (newborn care up to 90 days after delivery). Waiting period 24 months. Premium ₹15,000-₹25,000 annually (for family of 4). No room rent capping, and cashless hospitals are Rs 10,000+.
2. HDFC Ergo My Health Suraksha
Budget-friendly option with ₹50,000-₹1 lakh maternity cover. Includes coverage up to IVF (up to ₹2 lakh extra). Waiting period 3 years. Premium ₹12,000-₹20,000. Fast settlement from AI-based claims processing.
3. Niva Bupa ReAssure 2.0
Women-focused plan with ₹1-2 lakh maternity benefits. Covers pre/post hospitalization (60/90 days). Waiting period 24 months. Premium ₹18,000-₹30,000. Booster benefit – The sum insured is doubled in every claim-free year.
4. Aditya Birla Active Health Platinum
Comprehensive cover up to ₹3 lakh for maternity (including embryo freezing). No sub-limits on delivery. Waiting period 36 months. Premium ₹20,000-₹35,000. Wellness rewards like gym discounts included.
5. Care Supreme
Affordable with ₹1 lakh maternity cover. Includes OPD for vaccinations. Waiting period 24 months. Premium ₹10,000-₹18,000. Unlimited restore benefit – The sum insured is reset after the claim.
These plans are IRDAI-approved, and you can check the premiums according to your city.
| Features | Star Health | HDFC Ergo | Niva Bupa | Aditya Birla | Care Supreme |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maternity Cover (₹) | 1 Lakh | 50,000-1 Lakh | 1-2 Lakh | 3 Lakh | 1 Lakh |
| Waiting Period (Months) | 24 | 36 | 24 | 36 | 24 |
| Premium (Family, ₹) | 15,000-25,000 | 12,000-20,000 | 18,000-30,000 | 20,000-35,000 | 10,000-18,000 |
| Additional Benefits | Newborn Care | IVF Cover | Booster | Wellness Rewards | Unlimited Restore |
| Cashless Hospitals | 10,000+ | 12,000+ | 9,000+ | 11,000+ | 8,500+ |
Key Factors to Consider Before Buying
Coverage Amount: A minimum of ₹1 lakh is required, but if it’s a high-risk pregnancy, consider ₹2-3 lakh.
Waiting Period: The shorter the better – but look for an affordable premium.
Exclusions: Pre-existing conditions, elective abortions, or surrogacy are not covered in most plans.
Network Hospitals: Choose a plan with 8,000+ hospitals for cashless treatment.
Premium Calculation: Varies depending on age, family size, and city. Use online calculators.
And yes, you also get a tax deduction under Section 80D – up to ₹25,000.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Financial security during pregnancy and delivery.
- Newborn expenses are covered in the first year.
- Tax savings and cashless treatment provide stress-free coverage.
- Family floater plans cover everyone at once.
Cons:
- Immediate coverage is not available due to the waiting period.
- Premiums can be a bit high.
- Some plans have C-section sublimits.
- Pre-existing illnesses are excluded.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best health insurance for maternity, start with Star Health Comprehensive or Care Supreme – they’re value for money. Compare them based on your needs and talk to your insurer.
These plans can be a game-changer when planning your pregnancy! Let us know in the comments which plan you’d try, or if you have any doubts, ask. Stay healthy!
