Planning a baby is one of the biggest milestones in life — emotionally and financially. While many prepare for parenting, few realize how expensive childbirth and related medical care can be.
A normal delivery in a private hospital can cost between ₹70,000 to ₹1.5 lakh, and a C-section can cost even more. Add to that pre-natal checkups, post-natal care, and potential NICU charges — it’s clear why having health insurance with maternity cover is essential.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 5 health insurance plans in India (2025) that offer maternity benefits, along with key features, waiting periods, and why you should plan early.
✅ Why You Need Maternity Insurance Early
Most maternity health insurance plans come with a waiting period of 9 to 36 months — meaning you cannot claim maternity-related expenses until this period is over.
That’s why it’s smart to buy at least 1–2 years before planning a child.
🏆 Top 5 Maternity Cover Health Insurance Plans (2025)
1. Niva Bupa (Max Bupa) – Health Premia Plan
Waiting Period: 24 months
Maternity Cover: ₹40,000 to ₹1 lakh (depending on sum insured)
Newborn Baby Cover: Up to sum insured (from day 1)
Why it’s great:
- Covers maternity + newborn hospitalization
- Option for vaccination expenses
- Worldwide emergency cover
- Direct claim settlement (no TPA)
Sum Insured Options: ₹5 lakh to ₹3 crore
Bonus: Health checkups + loyalty perks
Ideal For: Couples who want a premium plan with full newborn protection and digital experience.
2. Care Joy – Maternity Focused Health Plan
Insurer: Care Health Insurance
Waiting Period: 9 months (shortest in India)
Maternity Cover: ₹35,000 (normal), ₹50,000 (C-section)
Newborn Baby Cover: ₹30,000 – ₹50,000
Why it’s great:
- Shortest waiting period among maternity plans
- Fixed coverage based on plan (Joy Today or Joy Tomorrow)
- Pre & post-natal expenses included
- Easy online purchase
Sum Insured Options: ₹3 lakh & ₹5 lakh
Drawback: No room rent upgrade, limited features
Ideal For: Couples planning a baby within 1 year.
3. Aditya Birla Activ Health Platinum – Enhanced Plan
Waiting Period: 24–36 months
Maternity Cover: ₹25,000 to ₹1 lakh (based on sum insured)
Newborn Baby Cover: Available with add-ons
Why it’s great:
- Offers HealthReturns (cashback on staying fit)
- Covers 586 daycare procedures
- Optional wellness rewards
- Long-term renewal benefits
Sum Insured: ₹5–₹50 lakh
USP: Gym & fitness activity tracking discounts
Ideal For: Young couples who are health-conscious and want to start early.
4. Star Health Wedding Gift Insurance / Family Health Optima
Waiting Period: 36 months
Maternity Cover: Up to ₹40,000 for normal delivery, ₹60,000 for C-section
Newborn Baby Cover: Covered till 90 days, renewable thereafter
Why it’s great:
- Specialized for newlyweds
- High maternity coverage
- Available in Family Health Optima plan
- Good for hospitalization & complications
Sum Insured: ₹3–₹25 lakh
Bonus: AYUSH treatment, annual health checkup
Ideal For: Married couples not planning immediately but want to secure the future.
5. Religare (Care Health) – Care Supreme / Care Classic
Waiting Period: 24–36 months
Maternity Cover: Up to ₹1 lakh based on sum insured
Newborn Cover: Automatic inclusion up to 90 days
Why it’s great:
- Covers infertility treatments as add-on
- Includes vaccinations for newborn
- Available with AYUSH coverage
- Network of 10,000+ hospitals
Sum Insured: ₹5–₹50 lakh
USP: Global second opinion on complications
Ideal For: Couples with higher budgets and need comprehensive support.
🧮 Comparison Table – Maternity Insurance Plans 2025
| Insurer | Waiting Period | Maternity Cover | Newborn Cover | Sum Insured Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Niva Bupa Premia | 24 months | ₹1 lakh | Yes (from day 1) | ₹5L – ₹3 Cr |
| Care Joy | 9 months | ₹50,000 (C-sec) | Up to ₹50,000 | ₹3L, ₹5L |
| Aditya Birla Platinum | 24–36 months | ₹25K – ₹1 lakh | Optional (add-on) | ₹5L – ₹50L |
| Star Health Optima | 36 months | ₹60,000 | Yes (till 90 days) | ₹3L – ₹25L |
| Care Supreme | 24–36 months | ₹1 lakh | Yes (included) | ₹5L – ₹50L |
📋 What Does Maternity Insurance Typically Cover?
| Included | Excluded |
|---|---|
| Hospitalization (delivery) | Pregnancy within waiting period |
| C-section and normal delivery charges | IVF and infertility (unless add-on) |
| Pre-natal and post-natal checkups | Voluntary terminations (abortions) |
| Newborn care (up to 90 days) | Diagnostic tests not related to pregnancy |
| Vaccination for child (in select plans) | OPD unless mentioned |
📢 Important Things to Remember
- 🕒 Start early: Even the shortest plan has a 9-month wait
- 📜 Read policy terms carefully — some plans only cover 1 delivery
- 💰 Maternity + Newborn combo plans provide more complete protection
- 🏥 Choose insurers with large hospital networks for better cashless experience
- 📆 Annual vs Multi-year policies may impact your total cost
✅ Bonus: Tax Benefits
Under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act:
- You can claim up to ₹25,000 per year for premium paid (₹50,000 if parents included)
- Maternity benefit premium is also eligible if included in your health plan
💡 Final Advice
If you’re newly married or planning to start a family in the next 1–3 years, buying health insurance with maternity cover today is one of the smartest financial moves you can make.
Waiting until you’re already expecting means:
- You won’t be covered
- You’ll bear the entire cost out of pocket
- You’ll miss out on tax benefits and newborn coverage
Don’t delay — buy a maternity-friendly plan now and let it support you when the time comes.
📝 Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Please verify all terms directly with the insurance provider. Coverage, waiting period, and benefits may vary based on the chosen plan, city, and underwriting.