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

All you need to know about health insurance during pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a special moment in the lives of many families, but it also involves a significant amount of 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 contracting.

The insurance policies with maternity coverage usually include:  

• Prenatal consultations with obstetricians 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 newborn follow-up.

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 you purchase the insurance, expenses related to pregnancy and childbirth may not be covered. The ideal is to plan in advance and purchase insurance with pregnancy coverage before starting any conception attempts.

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

In Portugal, the National Health Service (NHS) provides consultations, exams, and childbirth for free. However, many women opt for 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 want to:

• Faster and more flexible consultations;  

• Choice of obstetrician and hospital.

• Private room during hospitalization.

• I leave the private sector with support from the insurer.

However, it is essential to analyze the maximum reimbursement limits, as some insurers may only cover a portion of the costs, leaving the rest to be paid by the patient.

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 refund limits.

• Waiting period and need for advanced planning.

• Network of hospitals and clinics associated with insurance.

• Possibility of adding 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.  

If you are thinking of getting pregnant, inform yourself in advance to choose an insurance policy that suits your needs and expectations. Contact Poupança no Minuto at https://www.poupancanominuto.com/contacto?utm_source=poupanca-no-minuto&utm_medium=artigo&utm_campaign=851-poupanca-no-minuto for our insurance mediators to find the ideal solution for you! The process is free of charge, contact us now!