India’s maternity healthcare ecosystem is witnessing a significant transformation, with more women opting for formal, institutional care than ever before. According to data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, institutional deliveries accounted for 97.3% of all births in 2023–24, reflecting a sustained shift towards hospital-based maternal care.
Furthermore, government data presented in 2025 revealed that caesarean section (C-section) deliveries constituted more than 27% of all reported births in India during 2024–25. This trend further highlights the growing reliance on medically intensive maternity care across the country.
Care Health Insurance Reports Sharp Rise in Women’s Health Claims
Against this backdrop, Care Health Insurance has reported a substantial increase in women’s health insurance claims, both in terms of volume and cost intensity.
According to the company’s findings, women’s health insurance claims increased by 37% from FY25 to FY26. Notably, women in the 20–40 age group continued to drive this growth, with claims from this segment rising by 25% during the same period.
At the same time, maternity-related claims have become increasingly cost-intensive, indicating higher spending per case.
Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities Account for Majority of Maternity Claims
As per the press release, the report also highlighted the growing contribution of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to maternity healthcare utilisation. These cities accounted for nearly 60% of all maternity claims reported to the company, underlining the expanding reach of institutional healthcare services beyond metropolitan centres.
Moreover, the findings suggest that women across smaller cities are increasingly seeking formal maternal healthcare support and insurance-backed treatment.
Pregnancies Among Women Above 35 Show Higher Cost Intensity
The maternal age profile in India is also evolving. In FY26, women aged above 35 years accounted for 12% of total maternity claim volumes, marking an increase compared to previous years.
However, this segment contributed nearly 18% of the overall maternity claim amount, indicating significantly higher treatment costs associated with later-age pregnancies. Consequently, insurers are witnessing rising financial exposure linked to high-risk and medically complex pregnancies.
Faster Hospital Discharges Have Not Reduced Treatment Costs
While hospitals are improving efficiency in maternal care, treatment costs continue to rise. The proportion of women discharged within five days for maternal care increased from 75% in FY24 to 82% in FY26.
Despite shorter hospital stays, the company observed a steady increase in cost intensity for maternal treatment. This trend indicates that faster discharge timelines are not necessarily translating into lower healthcare expenses.
Nutritional Gaps Continue to Affect Women’s Health
The findings also align with broader public health trends in India. Although a majority of women now access formal antenatal care services, nutritional challenges remain a major concern.
Public health data shows that three out of four women in India continue to have inadequate dietary iron intake. As a result, long-term health vulnerabilities linked to anaemia and nutritional deficiencies persist beyond pregnancy and childbirth.
Expert Highlights Growing Financial Exposure in Maternal Healthcare
Commenting on the findings, Manish Dodeja, Executive Director and Chief Business Officer, Care Health Insurance, said, “Women’s health insurance claims are no longer following a linear growth pattern; they are expanding in both scale and intensity. We are seeing a clear shift in the maternity landscape, with costs rising steadily. While care pathways are becoming more efficient, the financial exposure associated with maternal healthcare is increasing.”
He further added, “This is not just a utilisation trend; it reflects a broader shift in how women are accessing and experiencing healthcare today. Therefore, individuals should periodically reassess their insurance coverage to ensure it remains aligned with evolving healthcare needs.”
Need for Adequate Insurance Coverage Becomes More Critical
As maternal healthcare in India continues to formalise and healthcare utilisation increases, the need for timely and adequate health insurance coverage is becoming increasingly important. Comprehensive insurance protection can help families manage rising maternity-related expenses while ensuring continuity of care for women across different stages of life.