I'm a mum-to-be. Is it critical to get maternity insurance plans? Understand that PolicyPal provides maternity insurance plans too, any recommendations?

Maternity insurance is not compulsory, but it is gaining demand for a simple reason - insurability interest. Above all, I personally believe that the best gift that a mother can give to the child is good health - nothing else matters above that.

However, with an infinite amount of unknown variables, a maternity insurance policy gives your child the right to buy insurance coverage in the future. This is alongside with your pregnancy complications benefits and so forth.

Looking at the future cost of living alongside with other needs, insurance coverage is almost a necessity at some point in our lives. Therefore, I feel that you should get a maternity insurance if you can afford it. After all, insurability is priceless and I'm a living example of this plight.

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Hi anon,

Maternity insurance provides coverage for risks such as preganncy complications and congenital illnesses, all of which have a low (but not zero) chance of occuring.

Thus, this peace of mind knowing that any such events will be covered is one of the key reasons to get a maternity plan (standalone ones).

However, as plans evolve over time, we have seen the emergence of bundled plans whereby a maternity plan is bundled with another plan that provides protection or some savings elements. In my view, one of the most relevant type of plan in this aspect are maternity plans that are bundled with transferrable whole of life CI coverage to the newborn without the need for further medical underwriting.

This allows the newborn to have CI coverage from young. What's the point of having this, you may ask? Surely a newborn has no need for income replacement? However, we often take things for granted and one of the biggest things that we take for granted is health. Thus, if over time, a child develops conditions such as SLE or polycystic kidney disease, he/she might no longer insurable for life. Having critical illness coverage right from the start will ensure that the child has something to fall back on later on in life.

This should however, be something that is considered only if it fits the budget, as the premiums are payable for 10 to 20 years. Many insurers have such plans, so speak to an independent financial advisor to understand more about your options.