Health insurance during pregnancy: What you should know before choosing.

Everything you need to know about health insurance during pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a special moment in the lives of many families, but it also involves significant medical expenses. Consultations, exams, ultrasounds, hospitalization, and childbirth can represent a high cost, especially in the private sector. So, how does health insurance with pregnancy coverage work? 

Does health insurance cover pregnancy?

Not all insurance policies automatically include coverage for pregnancy. Many basic plans may cover medical appointments and general exams, but exclude expenses related to childbirth and hospitalization. Therefore, it is essential to analyze the policy conditions before signing up.

Insurance with maternity coverage typically includes:  

• Prenatal consultations with obstetrician and other specialists;  

• Diagnostic tests, such as clinical analysis and ultrasounds;

• Hospitalization and hospital expenses during childbirth.

• Possibility of coverage for cesarean section when necessary;  

• Postpartum support, such as monitoring the newborn. 

How does the waiting period work?  

The waiting period is one of the most important aspects to consider when choosing health insurance for pregnancy. In many cases, insurers impose a period that can vary between 9 and 12 months before allowing the use of maternity coverage.

This means that if you are already pregnant when contracting the insurance, expenses related to pregnancy and childbirth may not be covered. The ideal is to plan ahead and take out insurance covering pregnancy before attempting to conceive.

Read more: Want to hire an insurance policy and came across the waiting period? Find out what it is

Health insurance vs. National Health Service (NHS): Which is the best option?  

In Portugal, the National Health Service (NHS) provides free consultations, exams, and childbirth. However, many women choose the private sector due to shorter waiting times, access to specific doctors, and greater comfort during childbirth.

Health insurance can be advantageous for those who wish to:

• Faster and more flexible queries; 

• Choose obstetrician and hospital;  

• Private room during hospitalization.

• I give birth in the private sector with insurance support.

However, it is essential to analyze the maximum reimbursement ceilings, as some insurers may cover only part of the costs, leaving the rest to the patient.

Find out here: Conventional network or reimbursement: What to choose in health insurance?

How to choose the best health insurance for pregnancy?

To find the best option, consider the following points:

• Coverage for consultations, exams, and hospitalization.

• Inclusion of childbirth in the policy and reimbursement limits.

• Grace period and the need for advanced planning;  

• Network of hospitals and clinics associated with the insurance.

• Possibility to add the baby to the policy after birth.  

Health insurance can be a great ally during pregnancy, providing greater peace of mind and access to quality medical care. However, it is essential to analyze all conditions before hiring to avoid surprises.  

Read more: Health insurance: Coverage, exclusions, and advantages.

If you are thinking of getting pregnant, get informed in advance to choose an insurance that suits your needs and expectations. Contact Poupança no Minuto so that our insurance mediators find the ideal solution for you! The process is free of charge, contact us now!