Know about Group Health Insurance Maternity Cover

What is Group Health Insurance Maternity Cover?

Group health insurance maternity cover, also known as a mediclaim policy with maternity cover, covers medical expenses related to pregnancy and childbirth. This includes hospitalisation costs, doctor consultations, lab tests, and post-delivery care. Both normal and cesarean deliveries are covered, along with limited newborn baby care for up to 30 days.

This benefit is often included under employer-provided group medical insurance in UAE and helps reduce the financial burden on employees during pregnancy. However, it is up to the employer to choose whether to include maternity cover in the group health insurance policy.

Maternity Coverage Features in Group Insurance

Here are some features of mediclaim policy for pregnancy you should be familiar with —

• No Waiting Period: Unlike individual policies, there is usually no waiting period for maternity benefits in group health insurance*
• Normal and C-section Deliveries: Covers costs for both types of deliveries — C-sections typically incur higher expenses
• Hospitalisation and Medical Charges: Includes room rent, nursing charges, doctor consultations, and postnatal care (effective from the date of delivery till discharge)
• Newborn Baby Cover: Coverage is usually offered for up to 30 days from birth in normal delivery cases and may exceed in case of any complication
• Add-on for Dependents: Employees can add their spouse under the policy with prior intimation

*Take a Note: It’s important to notify your HR about the pregnancy prior to the policy inception or else the premiums can be higher. 

Who Can Benefit?

• Female Employees: Can avail of maternity benefits for themselves
• Male Employees: Can extend the cover to their spouse under the group plan

Take a Note: The coverage depends on the insurance provider you opt for. It’s best to have a chat with your HR to get more detailed information about your policy.

Coverage Under Group Mediclaim Policy with Pregnancy Cover

Here are some standard inclusions of group medical insurance with maternity cover —

1. Pre & Post-Natal Treatments: Check-ups, diagnostics, and medication during pregnancy
2. Delivery Expenses: Both normal and cesarean delivery procedures
3. Newborn Baby Care: Vaccinations and essential treatment for the baby post-delivery
4. Lawful Termination of Pregnancy: Covered in case of medical necessity
5. Inpatient & Outpatient Services: Includes hospital stay and consultations with obstetricians
6. Vaccination Costs: Both for the newborn and mother
7. Emergency C-Sections or Complications: Subject to policy terms

Note: Most insurers provide maternity benefits only for women between the ages of 18 to 45 years.

Excluded Maternity Expenses Under Group Health Insurance

Here are certain exclusions that group health insurance maternity cover doesn’t offer you —

• Consultation Fees not Related to Hospitalisation
• Surrogate or Vicarious Pregnancy
• Fertility or Hormonal Treatments
• Birth Control Procedures
• Pregnancy Complications from Substance Abuse
• Non-allopathic Treatments
• Termination within 12 weeks (unless medically necessary)
• Expenses beyond the insured limit

Important Notes for Maternity Cover in Group Medical Insurance

Here are some points related to group health plans that must be considered by employers —

• Maternity cover is optional under group plans — its inclusion depends on the employer’s discretion
• Coverage usually applies only for the first 30 days of the birth — after that you’ll need to purchase a new policy
• All pre-existing maternity conditions must be disclosed while endorsing the policy

Wrapping Up — Mediclaim Policy with Pregnancy Cover

Group health insurance maternity cover is an essential benefit that promotes employee well-being and financial security during one of life’s most significant events. With rising medical costs in the UAE, offering a mediclaim policy with maternity cover is a smart move for companies to attract and retain talent. Ensure your policy includes this provision and understand its terms clearly to maximise its benefits.

FAQs on Group Health Insurance Maternity Cover