Maternal Health Challenges and Maternity Insurance in India

India has witnessed improvements in maternal health, reflected by a reduction in the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) from 130 per 1 lakh live births in 2014-16 to 97 per 1 lakh live births in 2018-20. However, significant challenges remain with around 25,000 maternal deaths annually due to pregnancy-related causes and almost 50% of pregnancies classified as "high-risk".

High-Risk Pregnancies

• 49.4% of women surveyed had one or more high-risk factors during pregnancy.
• 16% of these women had multiple risk factors.

Evolution of Maternity Insurance

Maternity insurance is evolving beyond covering hospital bills to include a holistic range of care addressing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of pregnancy.

• Insurance policies now offer reduced waiting periods, from the traditional 2-4 years to as low as three months.
• Coverage includes pre- and post-natal care as well as newborn care.

These enhancements make maternity insurance more accessible to expecting couples, enabling them to secure financial protection sooner.

Holistic Support System

• Offers prenatal screenings and personalized consultations with obstetricians, nutritionists, and mental health professionals.
• Includes prenatal yoga sessions and curated trimester-wise content.
• Provides supportive community circles for sharing experiences and knowledge.

Regional Disparities and Challenges

Despite progress, India's MMR still surpasses the UN Sustainable Development Goal target of 70 per 1 lakh live births. Challenges such as regional disparities in wealth, education, and healthcare access exacerbate the situation. Many mothers lack continuous guidance, wellness practices, and emotional support.

Impact of Urban Lifestyles

• Increasing stress and delayed pregnancies are reshaping maternity trends, with more women becoming mothers in their late 20s and 30s, often associated with higher medical risks.
• Childbirth costs are rising, with cesarean deliveries costing ₹1.5-₹3 lakh in metros, not inclusive of postnatal care.

Benefits of Wellness-Driven Maternity Cover

• Helps manage the financial burden of medical bills and reduces complications through preventive care.
• Aligns with the trend of seeking holistic, long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes.
• Addresses medical inflation, which is about 14% annually in India, one of the highest in Asia.

Conclusion

While India has made significant advancements in maternal health, with nearly half of all pregnancies considered high risk, the need for comprehensive wellness-centered maternity insurance remains critical. Combining financial protection with wellness support empowers women, enhancing strength, resilience, and confidence as they navigate motherhood.