Top maternal health schemes in India you can apply for online
Introduction
Pregnancy is a sensitive period requiring strong medical support. Many pregnant women in India face large medical expenses, especially delivery expenses, maternity expenses, and post natal care. To reduce this burden, the Indian government and private insurers offer health insurance plans and schemes providing maternity cover and financial security. This article lists the top maternal health schemes in India you can apply for online, detailing eligibility, key features, and how they support newborn baby expenses and delivery costs.
Key government maternal health schemes you can apply for (online or digitally assisted)
Below are major central and state schemes focused on mothers and newborns. Many allow online registration or digital submission of forms.
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)
What it is
A central government maternity benefit scheme run by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It provides direct cash incentives to women for maternal benefit and to improve child health.
Key features / benefits
A total of ₹5,000 is given in instalments (for first living child) under earlier rules.
Under updated versions, there are additional incentives for a girl child, increasing the amount for the second child if a girl.
The scheme supports institutional delivery, pre-natal care, and child health incentives.
The cash is transferred via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) to the bank account of the beneficiary.
How to apply / online process
You can apply via PMMVY portal.
The nearest Anganwadi Centre (AWC) or ASHA worker can assist in digital submission.
Fill Form 1A with Aadhaar, bank account, mobile, pregnancy details, LMP (last menstrual period).
After verification, you will receive instalments based on fulfillment of conditions.
Strengths & limitations
Strength: It gives financial support specifically targeting pregnant women for maternity benefit.
Limitation: It does not directly cover medical bills or hospitalization costs or delivery expenses.
Also, only for first or second child (with girl child incentive) in many states.
Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)
What it is?
Under the National Health Mission, JSY is a safe motherhood intervention that gives cash incentives to pregnant women who opt for institutional delivery.
Key features / benefits
Encourages women to deliver in government or accredited health facilities.
Incentive amounts differ by state, and whether the state is a Low Performing State (LPS) or not.
It covers delivery expenses indirectly by offsetting them via cash.
It is aimed at reducing maternal mortality and neonatal mortality.
Strengths & limitations
Strength: Promotes institutional delivery and reduces risk.
Limitation: It does not directly cover medical insurance or full hospitalization costs.
It is more of a cash reimbursement/incentive than an insurance plan.
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)
What it is?
A scheme by MoHFW to ensure free antenatal care on the 9th of every month for all pregnant women.
Key features / benefits
On the 9th of each month, government and partner private doctors provide free checkups, diagnostic tests, and follow-ups.
Aims at early detection of high-risk pregnancies, ensure safe care.
The programme has a mobile app for registration and volunteer coordination.
How to apply / registration
There is no heavy application; attendance is spontaneous on the 9th.
Doctors in the government facilities or registered private sector provide services.
The PMSMA app is used by health professionals and volunteers; pregnant women may check service location via app.
Strengths & limitations
Strength: Free antenatal care, early risk detection.
Limitation: It does not provide cash incentives, hospitalization cover, or delivery cost support.
Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK)
What it is?
A scheme that ensures free services to pregnant women and infants in public health institutions. Under JSSK, pregnancy related medical expenses, delivery expenses, and newborn baby expenses are offered free.
Key features / benefits
Covers transportation, drugs, diagnostic tests, food, hospital stay, normal delivery, C-section at government facilities.
Also includes newborn care, immunization, free medical tests.
Eligibility criteria
All pregnant women delivering in public health institutions.
The newborn baby born in such institutions.
How to access
At point of care, the hospital does not charge the eligible woman; services are free.
No separate online application; selecting public hospital triggers benefits.
Strengths & limitations
Strength: Very comprehensive free medical coverage for public health facility users.
Limitation: Only valid at public institutions; private hospital users may not get full benefit.
No direct cash benefit or maternity insurance cover.
Maternity benefit under Employee State Insurance Scheme (ESIC)
What it is?
ESIC provides maternity benefit to insured women working in formal sector under Employees’ State Insurance Act.
Key features / benefits
Paid leave for up to 26 weeks (in total) for two surviving children.
Benefits include medical care, pre- and postnatal care, and vaccination of the child.
Eligibility criteria
Woman must be an ESIC-insured employee.
Must satisfy minimum contribution period.
How to avail
Through ESIC office and using ESIC health facility.
Claims and benefit forms are filed with ESI authorities.
Strengths & limitations
Strength: As part of medical insurance, it offers extended protection including hospitalization costs for employees.
Limitation: Not applicable to informal sector or non-insured women.
It is distinct from private maternity insurance plan but works like a statutory benefit.
Comparison: Government Schemes vs Private Maternity Insurance
| Feature | Government Schemes | Private Maternity Insurance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application | Many allow online or digital assistance (e.g. PMMVY portal) | Online purchase and claim portals | |
| Benefit type | Cash incentive / free services | Coverage of medical bills, hospitalization, delivery, newborn care | |
| Waiting period | Usually none for government schemes (for benefit) | Waiting periods exist (from months to years) | |
| Coverage | Limited to conditions and targets | More comprehensive but costlier and restricted by policy terms | |
| Accessibility | For low income / unorganized sectors | For those who can pay premiums and meet eligibility | |
| State-wise variation | Yes | Premiums and plans vary by state and insurer | |
| Focus | Safe delivery, institutional deliveries, maternal health behavior change | Financial protection from medical expenses |
From decision perspective: If your income is modest, start with government schemes you are eligible for. Then consider adding a maternity insurance plan to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses.
How to choose the right scheme / plan for you
When evaluating top maternal health schemes in India you can apply for online, and comparing with maternity health insurance, follow:
- Check your eligibility criteria for schemes and private plans
- Estimate your expected medical expenses (delivery, tests, hospital stay)
- Check coverage limits vs sum insured
- Check waiting periods in private plans
- Check claim process and online convenience
- Combine schemes (government + private insurance) for best cover
- Choose empaneled hospital networks to reduce friction
- Ensure you follow scheme conditions (e.g. ante natal checkups, vaccinations) to get full benefit
FAQs
Can I apply for these maternal health schemes online from anywhere in India?
For central schemes like PMMVY, yes, via the official portal (digital submission). But actual verification may involve local Anganwadi/Health centres.
For state schemes, check your state’s women and child welfare or health portal.
Does private maternity insurance start covering medical expenses immediately?
No. Most policies impose a waiting period (often 9 months to 3 years) before maternity benefits can be claimed.
Are pregnancy related medical expenses beyond delivery (tests, scans) covered?
In government schemes, many tests and care are free under JSSK or PMSMA when using public facilities.
In private maternity insurance, policies usually cover pre- and postnatal tests, but ensure they are listed in services provided.
Does newborn baby expenses like vaccination or neonatal care get covered?
Under JSSK, newborn care and vaccination in public facility are free.
Some private maternity insurance plans include limited newborn coverage; check policy terms.
Can I hold both a government maternity scheme and private maternity insurance?
Yes. These are not mutually exclusive. You can claim government scheme while also using private maternity health insurance plan for medical bills.
Conclusion
India offers several maternal health schemes accessible online or through local health centers. Central programs like PMMVY, JSY, PMSMA, and JSSK provide cash incentives, free antenatal care, and promote institutional deliveries. While these schemes reduce maternity and delivery expenses, private maternity health insurance offers additional financial protection. Combining government schemes with private insurance ensures comprehensive coverage and peace of mind for expectant mothers.
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ARN: Zuno/Blog/DM/Top maternal health schemes in India you can apply for online/10/25/19
Disclaimer
The content on Top maternal health schemes in India you can apply for online is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical concerns. The authors are not licensed medical professionals, and Zuno General Insurance Limited assumes no liability for any actions taken based on the information provided. By using this site, you agree that Top maternal health schemes in India you can apply for online is not responsible for any consequences arising from reliance on its content.
