When planning a family, one of the biggest financial considerations is maternity expenses. From hospitalization costs to newborn care, the expenses can run into lakhs. This is where health insurance plans with maternity cover come in handy. They ensure financial security during pregnancy and childbirth, while also providing coverage for the newborn.
In this detailed guide, we will explore the best health insurance plans with maternity cover in India, key features, waiting periods, benefits, and tips to choose the right policy.
Why Maternity Health Insurance is Important?
Rising medical costs in India make it crucial to have maternity coverage. Here’s why:
- High Delivery Costs – A normal delivery can cost between ₹40,000–₹80,000, while a C-section may go beyond ₹1.5 lakhs.
- Pre- and Post-natal Expenses – Consultation, medicines, and diagnostic tests add significantly to the bill.
- Newborn Cover – Some policies also cover vaccinations and neonatal care.
- Financial Security – With insurance, families can focus on health rather than worrying about bills.
Key Features of Maternity Health Insurance Plans
Before choosing a policy, it’s important to understand the features that make maternity health insurance beneficial:
- Waiting Period: Usually 2–4 years before maternity benefits can be claimed.
- Coverage: Normal delivery, C-section, pre- and post-hospitalization, newborn cover, and sometimes vaccination.
- Cashless Hospitalization: Available at network hospitals.
- Sum Insured Options: Vary from ₹3 lakhs to ₹25 lakhs depending on the plan.
Top 7 Best Health Insurance Plans with Maternity Cover in India 2025
Here’s a comparison of some of the most popular options:
1. Star Health Wedding Gift Insurance
- Coverage for maternity (normal & C-section)
- Covers pre- and post-natal expenses
- Newborn covered from birth
- Waiting Period: 36 months
2. Niva Bupa Heartbeat Family Floater
- Maternity and newborn cover included
- Vaccination expenses up to first year
- Wide hospital network
- Waiting Period: 24 months
3. Care Health Joy Plan
- Maternity benefit up to ₹1 lakh (varies with plan type)
- Covers pre- and post-hospitalization
- Newborn cover from day one
- Waiting Period: 24–36 months
4. ICICI Lombard Health Booster
- Optional maternity add-on
- Covers delivery & newborn expenses
- Tax benefits under Section 80D
- Waiting Period: 36 months
5. HDFC ERGO Health Suraksha Gold
- Covers normal & C-section delivery
- Vaccination expenses up to 90 days
- High sum insured options
- Waiting Period: 36 months
6. SBI Health Insurance Arogya Premier
- Maternity cover with newborn protection
- Extensive hospital network across India
- Cashless hospitalization benefit
- Waiting Period: 9 months (comparatively lower)
7. ManipalCigna ProHealth Insurance
- Maternity benefits with newborn coverage
- Wide coverage up to ₹15 lakhs
- Flexible policy terms
- Waiting Period: 24–36 months
Comparative Table: Best Maternity Health Insurance Plans 2025
| Insurance Provider | Waiting Period | Coverage (₹) | Newborn Cover | Unique Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Health Wedding Gift | 36 months | Up to 5 lakhs | Yes | Dedicated maternity plan |
| Niva Bupa Heartbeat | 24 months | Up to 15 lakhs | Yes | Vaccination cover |
| Care Health Joy | 24–36 months | Up to 1 lakh (maternity) | Yes | Affordable premium |
| ICICI Lombard Health Booster | 36 months | Add-on based | Yes | Flexible rider option |
| HDFC ERGO Suraksha Gold | 36 months | High sum insured | Yes | Vaccination expenses |
| SBI Arogya Premier | 9 months | Up to 30 lakhs | Yes | Shortest waiting period |
| ManipalCigna ProHealth | 24–36 months | Up to 15 lakhs | Yes | Customizable plan |
Factors to Consider Before Buying Maternity Health Insurance
- Waiting Period – Choose a plan that aligns with your family planning timeline.
- Coverage Amount – Ensure sufficient coverage for delivery and newborn care.
- Premium Costs – Compare affordability with benefits.
- Network Hospitals – Check if your preferred hospital is included.
- Additional Benefits – Look for vaccination coverage, cashless facilities, etc.
Average Cost of Maternity without Insurance vs With Insurance
| Expense Category | Without Insurance (₹) | With Insurance (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Delivery | 50,000–80,000 | Minimal (after deductible) |
| C-Section Delivery | 1,00,000–1,50,000+ | Covered up to limit |
| Pre-natal checkups/tests | 20,000–30,000 | Covered |
| Post-natal care | 10,000–15,000 | Covered |
| Vaccination (1st year) | 20,000–25,000 | Covered (some plans) |
Tax Benefits on Maternity Health Insurance
Premiums paid for maternity health insurance are eligible for tax deduction under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act.
- Up to ₹25,000 deduction for individuals
- Up to ₹50,000 deduction for senior citizens (if parents are covered)
Tips to Maximize Benefits of Maternity Health Insurance
- Buy Early – To avoid the waiting period problem, purchase before planning a family.
- Check Sub-limits – Some insurers cap maternity coverage; choose accordingly.
- Combine with Family Floater – Useful when covering spouse and children under one plan.
- Opt for Higher Sum Insured – Helps cover both maternity and other medical needs.
FAQs on Maternity Health Insurance
Q1. Can I buy maternity health insurance after pregnancy?
No, maternity cover cannot be availed once pregnancy is detected. You need to buy beforehand.
Q2. Which plan has the shortest waiting period?
SBI Arogya Premier offers maternity benefits with just 9 months waiting period.
Q3. Does maternity insurance cover IVF or infertility treatments?
Most plans do not cover IVF or infertility treatments. They only cover delivery and related expenses.
Q4. Are vaccinations covered under maternity health plans?
Yes, some plans like Niva Bupa and HDFC ERGO cover vaccination expenses for up to one year.
Q5. Can I avail tax benefits on maternity insurance premium?
Yes, under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act.
Conclusion
Choosing the best health insurance plan with maternity cover in India is an essential step for couples planning a family. With rising medical costs, a comprehensive maternity plan not only ensures financial security but also guarantees quality healthcare for both mother and child.
If you’re planning to expand your family in the next few years, buy a maternity health insurance plan early to bypass long waiting periods and secure maximum benefits.