Welcoming a child is a significant milestone in any family’s journey. As exciting as this chapter is, it also brings with it a fair share of responsibilities—especially when it comes to planning for healthcare costs. Health insurance is now mandatory in the UAE, but as with any type of insurance, the smallest requirement might not be enough to cover all the expenses you’ll meet during pregnancy and childbirth.
In 2025, the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, with maternity insurance UAE policies offering more comprehensive protection. The rise in healthcare costs, combined with the increased use of advanced medical technology and specialized maternal care, makes it crucial to secure a plan that covers every step of the journey.
Key benefits of comprehensive maternity health insurance
- Prenatal care
This covers essential doctor consultations, ultrasound scans, lab tests, and screenings. These are critical for checking the health of both the mother and the developing baby. Routine tests such as blood tests, genetic screenings, and anomaly scans can help detect potential issues early, allowing for prompt interventions.
- Delivery costs
This can be an expensive event, with the cost of childbirth in private hospitals reaching thousands of dirhams. A comprehensive plan ensures that both natural childbirth and C-sections are covered, along with the hospital stay. It provides coverage whether you opt for a private hospital or a government facility. Also, these policies offer higher sum insured options.
- Hospitalization and room types
Depending on the insurance policy, you may have the choice to choose between private rooms or standard ward accommodations. Some comprehensive policies may cover the cost of private rooms, giving you more comfort and privacy during your hospital stay.
- Postnatal and newborn care
After childbirth, the mother and baby will need continued medical care. Postnatal care often includes follow-up consultations and treatments for postpartum complications. Many comprehensive plans also extend coverage for newborns for up to 30 days after birth, ensuring essential vaccinations and health check-ups are covered.
- Specialised care for high-risk pregnancies
A comprehensive maternity plan can include coverage for these high-risk pregnancies, offering specialized care for conditions such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preeclampsia.
How to choose the right maternity health insurance plan
Consider the following key factors:
- Coverage scope
Does the plan cover all aspects of maternity care—from prenatal to postnatal? Ensure that essential services like specialist consultations, ultrasounds, C-sections, and newborn care are included.
- Premium and affordability
Comprehensive maternity insurance plans tend to have higher premiums than basic plans, but they provide greater value by covering a wider range of services. Compare the premiums of different plans and ensure that the coverage aligns with your healthcare needs and budget.
- Hospital network
Check if the plan offers access to a reputable network of hospitals and clinics. Having a broad network is essential especially if you have a preferred hospital or doctor.
- Waiting periods
Be aware of the waiting periods associated with maternity benefits. If you are planning for a baby soon, this is a critical factor to consider.
- Claim process
You need to choose insurance brokers that offer a smooth and transparent claims process. This ensures that when its essential, you will be able to access support without delays or unnecessary hassle.
Common gaps in basic maternity coverage
While basic maternity health insurance plans are widely available, they come with limitations that could leave you exposed to significant out-of-pocket expenses. Some include:
- Exclusions on non-essential treatments
Elective procedures, such as cosmetic surgeries or some alternative therapies after delivery, are usually not covered by basic policies.
- Limited newborn coverage
While many basic plans cover newborns for up to 30 days, this may not be sufficient if your baby needs extended care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or further medical attention.
- Waiting period
Most maternity plans come with a waiting period, often ranging from six to twelve months before the benefits become active. If you are already pregnant or planning to conceive soon, this could mean that you will not be eligible for maternity coverage right away.
- Out-of-network care
If you choose a hospital or doctor outside of the insurer’s network, you may have to pay higher costs or receive limited reimbursement for services.
These gaps highlight the importance of reviewing the details of your insurance policy carefully before deciding. Comprehensive policies are designed to cover a broader range of scenarios, providing better financial protection and fewer surprises.
Government support and public healthcare services
In addition to private medical insurance plans, the UAE government provides a safety net through public healthcare services. Government hospitals offer affordable maternity care, and their services are often available to those with basic maternity insurance UAE plans. These services can complement your private coverage, especially if you meet limitations with your private policy.
Government-supported maternity packages include a variety of services, such as prenatal consultations, ultrasound scans, lab tests, and postnatal care for both mother and newborn.
Plan for your family
Choosing the best maternity insurance in UAE is about more than just meeting the legal requirements. It’s about ensuring that both you and your baby receive the best possible care at every stage of the pregnancy journey. By getting multiple health insurance quotes and selecting the best comprehensive plan, you can ensure that you’re fully protected, without the worry of unexpected medical expenses.
Did you find this helpful? Check out our other helpful articles on our website.
Read Also
- Why comprehensive health insurance with maternity is beneficial in the UAE
Welcoming a child is a significant milestone in any family’s journey. As exciting as this chapter is, it also brings with it a fair share of responsibilities—especially when it comes to planning for healthcare costs. Health insurance is now mandatory in the UAE, but as with any type of insurance, the smallest requirement might not… Read more: Why comprehensive health insurance with maternity is beneficial in the UAE - Modern Approaches to Adolescent Mental Health Treatment for Lasting RecoveryWith increasing numbers of teens experiencing emotional and behavioral health concerns, adolescent mental health treatment has become more essential than ever. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma and mood instability are on the rise, and effective support must evolve with these growing needs. Today’s treatment models blend evidence-based therapy with flexible access and holistic care, giving… Read more: Modern Approaches to Adolescent Mental Health Treatment for Lasting Recovery
- How to Find a 5-Star Dentist Near YouChoosing a dentist is more than just finding someone who can clean your teeth. It’s about selecting a trusted partner in your long-term oral health. A 5-star dentist not only provides excellent clinical care but also delivers a positive patient experience, from the moment you walk in until the moment you leave. Whether you’re new… Read more: How to Find a 5-Star Dentist Near You
- Your Easy-Peasy Guide to Brewing Amazing MatchaHey there! So, you’ve heard all the buzz about matcha – that vibrant green powder that’s not just pretty but packed with good stuff? It can seem a little fancy and intimidating at first, but trust me, making a delicious cup at home is simpler than you think. Forget complicated ceremonies for now; let’s just… Read more: Your Easy-Peasy Guide to Brewing Amazing Matcha
- Embracing Holistic Wellness: Insights from a Lansing, MI Health CenterReframing Health: Moving Beyond Symptom Management Treating only symptoms often offers quick relief, yet long-term results stay out of reach. When care zeroes in on isolated complaints, the bigger picture, such as stress, behavior, or lifestyle, often gets missed. Research shows that whole-person care, which looks at physical, emotional, and environmental factors, yields better outcomes… Read more: Embracing Holistic Wellness: Insights from a Lansing, MI Health Center
- VO₂ Max Testing Explained: What It Is & Why It Matters for Your HealthVO₂ max sounds like a term reserved for elite athletes, but it’s among the most accurate measures of your lifetime and general condition. Moreover, it goes beyond performance. Monitoring your VO₂ max will help you to ascertain your body’s capacity to control stress, its oxygen consumption efficiency, and your internal ageing process. If you have… Read more: VO₂ Max Testing Explained: What It Is & Why It Matters for Your Health
- So, what exactly is matcha?Think of matcha as green tea turned up to eleven! Instead of steeping leaves and tossing them out, matcha is made by grinding whole green tea leaves into this super-fine, vibrant green powder. You whisk it right into hot water (or milk!), meaning you’re drinking the entire leaf. That’s why folks say you get way… Read more: So, what exactly is matcha?
- How to Tell When It’s Time for Professional Senior Care SupportCaring for an aging loved one is a journey filled with love, patience, and difficult decisions. One of the toughest choices families face is knowing when it’s time to seek extra help. In this article, trusted Los Angeles caregivers for seniors explore the signs that it might be time to bring in professional support, not… Read more: How to Tell When It’s Time for Professional Senior Care Support
