Getting insurance for pregnancy ensures that expenses for maternity causes are covered, including delivery costs, prenatal care, and complications. So, to secure coverage, you must choose a maternity insurance plan that fits your needs, check the waiting period, and apply early to maximise benefits.
Steps to Buy Maternity Insurance
Buying maternity insurance is a simple and convenient process. Follow these steps to secure the right plan for you:
Step 1: Visit the Insurer’s Website
Start by visiting the official website of a trusted insurance provider. Most insurers have dedicated sections for health and maternity plans.
Step 2: Search for Maternity Insurance Plans
Look for maternity insurance policies under the health insurance category. Compare different plans based on coverage, waiting period, sum insured, and benefits such as new-born coverage and pre- & post-natal expenses.
Step 3: Choose a Plan That Meets Your Needs
Choose a plan that aligns with your medical requirements. Take factors like hospitalisation costs, delivery charges, and coverage for pregnancy-related complications into consideration. You must also read the policy terms carefully before proceeding.
Step 4: Enter Your Details to Get a Quote
Fill in the necessary details, such as your age, medical history, and policy preferences. The insurer will generate a premium quote based on the information provided.
Step 5: Pay the Premium Online
Once satisfied with the plan, proceed to make the payment through net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI. Ensure all details are correct before finalising the transaction.
Step 6: Receive Your Policy via Email and Phone
After successful payment, you will receive a confirmation email and an SMS with your policy details. Download the policy document for future reference.
What is The Right Time to Get Pregnancy Insurance?
The best time to get pregnancy insurance is before you start planning a family. Most maternity insurance plans come with a waiting period, typically ranging from 9 months to 6 years. This means you need to purchase the policy well in advance to enjoy full benefits when you conceive.
If you are newly married or thinking about having a baby in the next few years, consider getting maternity coverage early. Buying the policy sooner ensures that by the time you need it, the waiting period has already passed, and you can claim expenses without any delays.
Another crucial time to consider pregnancy insurance is if your employer does not provide sufficient maternity benefits. In that case, purchasing a separate plan can help bridge the gap and ensure you receive comprehensive support.
Even if you are not planning a baby immediately, having maternity insurance in place provides financial security. It covers hospital bills, doctor consultations, prenatal care, and delivery costs, reducing the financial burden when the time comes.
Process of Claiming Maternity Insurance
When the time comes, you can make the maternity insurance claim following these simple steps:
Notify Your Insurance Provider
Inform your insurance company about your pregnancy and the expected delivery date as soon as possible. This helps in ensuring a smooth claim process and avoids any last-minute complications.
Check Policy Details
Carefully review your policy to understand the maternity coverage, including the sum insured, waiting period, and any exclusions. Being aware of these details will help you plan your hospitalisation and avoid unexpected expenses.
Pre-Authorisation for Cashless Claims
If you are opting for a cashless claim, you need to submit a pre-authorisation form through the hospital's TPA desk. This step is essential to get prior approval from the insurer, ensuring that your medical expenses are directly settled with the hospital.
Hospitalisation & Cashless Facility
Get admitted to a network hospital to avail of the cashless claim facility without any upfront payment. If you choose a non-network hospital, you can still avail of the "Cashless Anywhere" facility. However, you must inform the insurer at least 48 hours before a planned hospitalisation and within 24 hours in case of an emergency to be eligible for cashless treatment.
Reimbursement Claim (If Cashless Isn’t Available)
If cashless treatment is not an option, you will need to pay the hospital bills upfront. Ensure that you collect all necessary medical documents and submit the claim with the documents to the insurer for reimbursement.
Having solid pregnancy insurance early can ensure financial safety for pregnancy-related expenses. Choose a plan that fits your needs, understand the waiting period, and follow the claim process carefully. Plan ahead to enjoy hassle-free coverage when you need it most.
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