Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, where he focuses on helping people compare health plans for life abroad. He emphasizes clear information, neutral analysis, and practical decision support.
Top Picks for Maternity Coverage
After evaluating maternity benefits across international health insurers, here are our recommendations:
Best Maternity Coverage
Bupa Global
Highest maternity limits ($75,000), 10-month waiting period, excellent hospital network for delivery.
Best Overall Value
Cigna Global
Strong maternity ($50,000), good network, slightly more affordable than Bupa with excellent service.
Best Mid-Range Option
Allianz Care
Good maternity coverage ($30,000), strong European network, more affordable premiums.
Best US Network
Aetna International
Good maternity ($40,000), strong US hospital network if delivering in America.
How Maternity Coverage Works
Maternity coverage in international health insurance is different from what you might expect:
The Waiting Period
Every insurer has a maternity waiting period—typically 10-12 months. This means:
- You must be covered for 10-12 months before pregnancy costs are covered
- Pregnancy that begins before waiting period ends is NOT covered
- You cannot add maternity coverage while pregnant
- Plan ahead—get coverage well before trying to conceive
This is critical: If you're already pregnant or planning to conceive soon, it's too late for maternity coverage through international health insurance.
Maternity Limits vs Main Coverage
Maternity has a separate sub-limit within your policy:
- Maternity limit: Covers normal pregnancy and delivery ($10,000-75,000)
- Main coverage: Covers complications (much higher limits, often $1M+)
This matters because complications (emergency C-section, NICU stay, etc.) typically fall under main coverage, not the maternity sub-limit.
What's Covered
| Coverage Item | Typically Covered | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Prenatal visits | Yes | Regular checkups, ultrasounds, tests |
| Hospital delivery | Yes | Subject to maternity limit |
| C-section | Yes | When medically necessary |
| Midwife/birthing center | Varies | Check specific plan |
| Complications | Yes | Usually under main coverage, not maternity limit |
| NICU if needed | Yes | Baby covered under complications/newborn |
| Postnatal care | Yes | Mother follow-up visits |
| Newborn care | Yes | Must add baby to policy |
Plan Ahead for Maternity
Get coverage at least 12 months before you plan to conceive.
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Maternity Coverage Comparison
| Provider | Maternity Limit | Waiting Period | Complications | Newborn Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bupa Global | Up to $75,000 | 10 months | Full coverage | From birth |
| Cigna Global | Up to $50,000 | 10-12 months | Full coverage | From birth |
| Allianz Care | Up to $30,000 | 10-12 months | Full coverage | From birth |
| Aetna International | Up to $40,000 | 12 months | Full coverage | From birth |
| IMG Global | $5,000-10,000 | 12 months | Varies | From birth |
* Limits and waiting periods may vary by specific plan tier. Verify current terms when applying.
Detailed Reviews
Bupa Global — Highest Maternity Limits
Bupa Global offers the highest maternity coverage limits in the industry—up to $75,000.
What works well:
- Highest maternity limits ($75,000)
- 10-month waiting period (shortest common period)
- Excellent worldwide hospital network
- Complications covered under main benefits
- Newborn covered from birth
- Strong coverage for high-risk pregnancies
Considerations: Premium pricing. Higher limits in top-tier plans only. Best if you're in an expensive healthcare location.
Read our full Bupa Global review
Cigna Global — Best Overall Value
Cigna Global offers strong maternity coverage with good value and excellent service.
What works well:
- Good maternity limits (up to $50,000)
- 10-12 month waiting period
- Large global network
- Excellent claims and customer service
- Good support throughout pregnancy
- Telemedicine for prenatal questions
Considerations: Limits lower than Bupa. Still premium pricing. US coverage adds significant cost.
Read our full Cigna Global review
Allianz Care — Mid-Range Option
Allianz Care provides solid maternity coverage at more moderate price points.
What works well:
- Good maternity coverage ($30,000)
- Strong network in Europe
- More affordable than Bupa/Cigna
- Complications covered under main benefits
- Multiple plan tiers available
Considerations: Lower maternity limits. May not be enough in expensive locations. Network weaker outside Europe.
Read our full Allianz Care review
IMG Global — Budget Option
IMG offers maternity coverage at lower price points, though with significant limitations.
What works well:
- Lower premiums than competitors
- Maternity coverage available
- Good catastrophic coverage for complications
Considerations: Low maternity limits ($5,000-10,000). May not cover full delivery costs in many locations. Best only if budget is extremely tight.
Read our full IMG Global review
Timing Your Coverage
The most important thing about maternity coverage is timing:
The Timeline
- 12+ months before conception: Get coverage now
- 10-12 months: Waiting period passes
- After waiting period: Pregnancy costs will be covered
- During pregnancy: Prenatal care covered
- Delivery: Hospital and delivery covered
- After birth: Add baby to policy within 30-60 days
If You're Already Pregnant
If you're already pregnant, your options are limited:
- International health insurance will NOT cover the current pregnancy
- Look into local insurance or public healthcare in your country
- Consider returning to your home country for delivery
- Budget for out-of-pocket costs
- Get international insurance now so future pregnancies are covered
If You're Planning to Conceive Soon
If pregnancy is 6-12 months away:
- Get coverage immediately—waiting period starts when you enroll
- Choose a plan with 10-month waiting period if possible
- Don't try to conceive until after waiting period
- Consider the higher-limit plans (Bupa, Cigna)
Start Your Waiting Period Now
Every month you wait is a month longer before coverage kicks in.
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What to Expect During Pregnancy Abroad
Prenatal Care
Once your waiting period is complete and you're pregnant:
- Regular OB/GYN visits covered
- Ultrasounds and prenatal tests covered
- Lab work covered
- May need to use in-network providers for direct billing
Choosing Where to Deliver
Consider these factors:
- Hospital quality in your location
- Your insurer's network hospitals
- Language considerations
- Citizenship implications for your baby
- Support system availability
Adding Your Newborn
After birth, you typically have 30-60 days to add baby to your policy:
- Baby covered from birth if added in time
- No medical underwriting for newborn
- Conditions present at birth usually covered
- Premiums increase when baby is added
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get maternity coverage if I'm already pregnant?
No. International health insurers require 10-12 months of coverage before maternity benefits apply. If you're already pregnant, that pregnancy won't be covered. Get coverage now so future pregnancies are covered.
What's the difference between maternity limits and complications coverage?
Maternity limits ($10K-75K) cover normal pregnancy and delivery. Complications (emergency C-section, NICU, high-risk situations) typically fall under your main medical coverage, which has much higher limits ($1M+).
Is a C-section covered?
Medically necessary C-sections are covered. An elective C-section may be covered under maternity limits or may require pre-approval. Check your specific policy terms.
What about home births or birthing centers?
Coverage varies by insurer and plan. Some cover midwife-assisted births and birthing centers, others only cover hospital delivery. Verify before choosing your birth plan.
Is my baby covered immediately after birth?
Yes, if you add them to your policy within the required timeframe (usually 30-60 days). The baby is covered from birth for conditions that develop, including conditions present at birth.
How much does maternity cost out-of-pocket in different countries?
Varies enormously: $2,000-5,000 in Thailand or Mexico, $10,000-20,000 in Europe, $15,000-40,000+ in the US. This is why adequate maternity coverage matters—and why $10,000 limits may not be enough.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Coverage details, limits, and waiting periods change frequently. We are not insurance brokers. Always verify current terms directly with insurers before purchasing.
