Maternity cover
The part of a health policy that pays pregnancy and delivery costs, usually after a waiting period and up to a set limit.
Maternity cover pays for pregnancy and delivery costs under a health policy. It often isn’t included by default: maternity is a standard exclusion insurers may apply. Where it is offered, expect a waiting period and a cap below the full sum insured. Our lesson on planning for a baby shows what to check.
Questions people ask
Does every health policy cover maternity?
No. Maternity is one of the standard exclusions insurers are allowed to apply, so many individual policies don't cover it unless the plan or an add-on includes it. Read the maternity section of the policy wording to be sure.
Why does maternity cover have a waiting period?
Because pregnancy is a planned, foreseeable expense, insurers usually require the policy to have run for a set period before maternity claims are paid. The length varies by policy, so look for it in your policy wording before you plan.
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