Having a baby in India? Hospital, midwife, delivery and IVF costs.

Having a baby is one of the most exciting times of your life. But there are many aspects that can feel daunting, especially if you’re an expat living abroad. You’ll have to navigate foreign healthcare systems, maternity leave rules, and medical expenses. However, if you’re living in India you shouldn’t worry. There are more than 50 babies being born every minute in India and the country has a lot of options for new parents at relatively low costs.

This article covers what you need to know about the costs associated with having a baby in India, including those for fertility treatments and regular medical expenses.

How much does in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) cost in India?

Approximately 1 in 8 couples worldwide have trouble conceiving. The first test tube baby was born in 1978. Since then, there have been many medical advancements that make infertility treatments, like in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), a viable alternative for couples. Some couples travel abroad to have these procedure done at lower costs - a practice known as ‘medical tourism.’

Can a non-resident or visitor on a tourist or other visa go through IVF or fertility treatment? Is medical tourism a thing in India?

The Indian medical tourism industry was recently estimated to be worth around 3 billion USD, and it’s growing more popular each year. Many Indian doctors train in Western countries, and there’s a growing international quality standard in Indian hospitals. The Indian Ministry of Tourism offers medical visas for non-residents, visitors, and tourists intending to travel to India for medical treatment. They’re valid for a year.

Average costs related to IVF in India

In India, the local currency is the Indian rupee. Sometimes written as INR on the currency exchange market or Rs in everyday life. To check how much rupees are worth in comparison to your local currency, you can use a currency converter online to find out.

Is there any type of financial assistance or health insurance that will cover part or all of the IVF procedure in India?

One program in India that may help couples finance IVF treatments is the Bhartiya Mahila Bank and New India Assurance scheme. Check with your insurance, healthcare providers, or IVF treatment centre for other financial assistance. Depending on your private insurance, you may have more options.

For more information on IVF and fertility treatments in India

The following websites can help you learn more about IVF in India:

• Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
• World Fertility Services
• Delhi IVF Research Center

How much does having a baby cost in India with or without insurance?

India has a universal healthcare system, but there’s a discrepancy over the quality of care in different centres. Public facilities offer universal costs, but private facilities are generally preferred by international tourists. Health insurance will generally cover up to 50,000 Rs of the costs associated with giving birth.

A birth in a private hospital in India might cost:

• For a regular birth: 15,000 - 75,000 Rs
• For a c-section: 25,000 - 200,000 Rs

Can a non-resident or visitor on a tourist or other visa deliver a baby in India? Is birth tourism a thing in India?

If you’re in India as a visitor or tourist near the time you’re due to have your baby, you are allowed to have the baby in an Indian hospital. Birth tourism isn’t really a popular thing in India though, since your baby won’t have birthright citizenship just for being born there.

Average costs of delivering a baby in India

Having a baby in a public hospital will not cost you. Many couples choose to have their baby in a private hospital. Maternity insurance plans generally cover up to 30,000 - 50,000 Rs worth of expenses for the birth.

What’s the average stay in an Indian hospital like after having a baby?

If all goes according to plan, the average mother doesn’t have to stay too long in hospital after labour and delivery. If you’ve undergone a complicated procedure, the doctors, nurses and midwives will make sure that you and baby are healthy before releasing you from the hospital. For a normal birth, plan to stay for just a few days at most.

Average hospital stay for new moms in India

The average stay for moms in hospital after giving birth in India is 3 days. If the mother had a Caesarian delivery, the hospital stay after birth is at least 48 hours, but generally more.

Items moms need to bring to the hospital when delivering a baby

Moms should pack a maternity bag to bring with them to the hospital. This should consist of extra clothes and comfort items for you and your newborn. Hats, onesies, socks, a stuffed animal, and newborn diapers are recommended, as well as clothes to labour in and toiletries for mom.

What documents do I need to have a baby in India?

If you’re having your baby at the hospital you should bring your proof of insurance. When the birth is over you need the following paperwork to register your baby at the local government office:

• Parents’ passports and/or visas (if applicable)
• Parents’ birth certificates
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)

How do I register my baby in India?

Registering your baby’s birth differs by state in India. Most hospitals issue a form as proof of the birth, which you can take to your local registrar’s office. As a foreign national, you should contact your local consulate or embassy to register your baby’s birth at home.

If I am not an Indian national but have a baby in India, will my child have to choose between nationalities or will they get Indian citizenship?

Anyone born in India after December 2004 is eligible for citizenship if both parents are Indian citizens, or if one is a citizen and the other is a legal migrant. India doesn’t generally recognise dual citizenships, so if your baby is eligible for Indian citizenship, they’ll probably need to choose between nationalities.

How long is maternity leave in India? What about paternity leave?

Prenatal and postnatal care in India is up to most Western country standards. India has paid maternity leave up to 26 weeks for women working at companies with more than 10 employees. They’re less progressive when it comes to paternity leave - there is none for now. A proposed bill in Parliament is considering granting 15 days paternity leave.

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From infertility treatments to the delivery room, India has many options for new parents. If you’re seeking to have a baby in India or your little one is on his or her way, this article will help you navigate the healthcare system and costs associated with this exciting process.

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