Private Health Insurance and Pregnancy

There are many reasons for wanting access to private health care during pregnancy and childbirth. Although you’re entitled to NHS treatment, If any complications arise, such as needing a C-section, you’ll want to ensure you have access to the best possible health care.

Some forms of treatment may not be available on the NHS, or you may want the treatment immediately, without being placed on an NHS waiting list. A private hospital and medical team often offers extra comfort and more attentive care.

Setting up the right health insurance policy ahead of time can save you thousands of pounds which you’d otherwise have to cash out if you need private postnatal treatment, giving birth, or for special postnatal care.

Can I get private health insurance for pregnancy and childbirth?

Private health insurance can offer financial support during pregnancy, childbirth, and in some cases postnatal care should you face any unexpected medical conditions.

In most cases, even at the highest levels of insurance, pregnancy and childbirth is not covered unless there is a problem.

However, if you have any problems and need medical intervention, this could be covered by your private health insurance.

For example, if you need an operation related to pregnancy or need to see an osteopath for pregnancy-related health problems – your insurer could make a payout.

What about after my pregnancy?

Private antenatal care will ensure you are well looked after, monitored, and cared for with sufficient pain relief if you are in any pain. Many women report an excellent experience with private postnatal care.

However, most health insurers won’t offer cover for antenatal appointments unless you have a special health condition or emergency.

If you’d like more information on antenatal care, it’s best to speak to an insurance advisor.

You can get help in finding the best pregnancy health insurance by using one of the insurance advisors we work with.

How does it work?

Having private health insurance will often give you a greater choice of treatments and facilities. It also means being able to skip potentially long NHS waiting lists.

With health insurance, you will pay an agreed monthly fee for your policy. This enables you to budget for your medical needs in advance, rather than being hit with unexpected health costs which could leave you thousands of pounds out of pocket.

Your health insurance will pay out a lump sum should you need any of the treatment your policy covers.

Each insurer sets their own charges and terms, so getting health insurance when planning a family is only worthwhile if you can find a policy that includes cover for everything you may need.

What does it cover?

Many health insurance policies can cover the cost of private health care needed for emergencies or complications related to maternity.

Some insurers will cover you for complications that may arise from pregnancy or childbirth if you’ve taken out cover with the insurer for a specific period of time ahead of making a claim.

Pregnancy-related emergencies covered by insurers include…

It’s worth paying careful attention to which conditions are on the providers’ coverage list, as you won’t be covered for any childbirth-related complications not included in the policy.

Contact us if you’d like expert advice on getting private health insurance for childbirth.

What’s not covered?

While there’s plenty that private medical insurance will cover for pregnant women, there are also a few things that most policies would exclude.

See below for more information.

How do I get private health insurance in the UK which covers pregnancy?

To select your top provider for UK private health insurance during and after pregnancy, you’ll first need to work out what health conditions, potential complications, and types of treatment you want to have covered.

Search the market to look into a range of providers and compare what they offer in their policies.

Here are a few tips for comparing quotes and policy offers:

You’ll need to provide the insurer with your full medical history by filling out a declaration when you apply for health insurance.

Contact us to speak to an insurance advisor who can help you find cover for any specific needs or pregnancy-related conditions you’d like to get health insurance for.

Can I get cover if I’m currently pregnant?

Timing is important when taking out insurance: it is possible to get health insurance when you are already pregnant, but in many cases you’ll need to have secured the policy in advance of being pregnant to be eligible for a payout.

A financial advisor will understand the details of policy timing, can do an in-depth comparison of insurance cover, or help you change insurance provider to get health cover that includes pregnancy.

How much does it cost?

The cost of your monthly premiums will vary depending on the private health insurance provider and how extensive your cover is. Finding your best price is a matter of selecting the cheapest policy that includes the cover you need.

Some policies will include limits on how much they pay out in a year, or per condition, or type of treatment needed.

Each insurer will have their own set of rules on which medical conditions and treatment they cover and how much they charge in premiums.

It’s worth speaking to an expert advisor to ensure you only pay for policies you need and which will pay out if you make an insurance claim.

How long do I have to wait until I can claim on insurance?

Most insurers will require you to hold a policy for a set period before you are eligible to claim for pregnancy-related complications.

This is the waiting period, or minimum amount of time you need to have had cover for before making a claim.

A waiting period of 10 months is not uncommon, but the exact period will vary from one provider to the next.

This is more or less an industry-standard policy, and it means it’s worth investigating your insurance options well in advance if you’re planning a family.

Speak to an expert advisor

Adding up the costs of private care for maternity can be daunting, with estimates for private hospital childbirth ranging from £15,000 to £30,000.

But private health insurance helps families get the funds needed to pay for private care for any medical emergencies.

An insurance expert can help you understand the details of the policy and what is or isn’t covered so you’ll have the peace of knowing you’ll get quality health care when you need it most.

Contact us on 0808 189 0463 or make an enquiry and we’ll put you through to an experienced private health insurance advisor.