Though a woman is excited to find out that she is pregnant, the initial excitement diminishes on realizing the financial burden on child birth. There is no maternity insurance coverage for pregnant women and as such they face the risk of inadequate care before the birth of the child. They should find out their own resources and in case there are any complications in the pregnancy the cost escalates. This type of insurance is just like the normal life insurance the only difference being that it can be availed of only by a woman. Pregnancy is not considered a risk in many countries and so there is no insurance cover provided. However there are maternity benefits available under several group covers. So if one is a working woman one can have maternity insurance. Even if a person ahs a maternity insurance the premiums are quite high and in some cases maternity is not covered.

Coverage of maternity insurance

Under the group cover the maternity insurance covers expenses related to hospitalization, surgery and pre and post medical expenses for two months from the date when the complication arises. The maternity insurance do not cover check-ups every month and pregnancy termination in the first 12 weeks. Moreover there is a waiting period of 9 months before maternity insurance can be availed. There are several programs that are funded by the government and some are discounted.

Federally run maternity insurance programs

There are maternity programs that are run by the state and are funded by the federal government. Some insurance programs provide assistance for families and individuals with low income. There may be several other programs provided by the state government for pregnant women. This can be found out in the health department of every state. There are several federal agencies that provide insurance to women, children below 5 years and infants. Nutritious food and supplementary diets are provided by some agencies.

Discounted insurance programs

Apart from the federally sponsored maternity insurance programs there are several alternative discounted health insurance programs. Advice can be taken from healthcare provider on the discounts provided and there are some discounts that are provided if one pays cash. Deductibles, monthly fees and premiums should be taken into consideration while applying for this discounted program. With the help of some discounted programs one can avail of a discount of more than 60% on laboratory work, doctor’s visit, hospital stay and sonogram. However there is a very low monthly fee and the benefits can be availed after finding out about pregnancy.

Another maternity discount plan can be availed which can save 50% of money. It includes expenses related to ancillary services, hospital and physician. There are no waiting periods, claim forms, deductibles and annual limits.