Private health insurance plans that cover pregnancy and childbirth, as well as birth defects of the baby, are commonly available within international health cover plans but not so in local UK base insurances. These plans are often referred to as maternity or pregnancy coverage. Here are some key points to consider when looking for private health insurance that includes these features:

 

1. Maternity Coverage: Look for private health insurance plans that explicitly offer maternity coverage. Maternity coverage typically includes prenatal care, hospital stays for childbirth, and postnatal care for both the mother and the newborn.
    

2. Coverage for Birth Defects: In addition to maternity coverage, ensure that the plan includes coverage for birth defects and congenital conditions of the baby. This coverage may help cover medical expenses associated with diagnosing and treating birth defects.
    

3. Waiting Periods: Be aware of waiting periods associated with maternity coverage. Some insurance plans have waiting periods before you can access maternity benefits and this ranges from 12 to 18 months, so it's essential to plan ahead and enrol in a policy well before you plan to conceive.
    

4. Network Hospitals: With the International type of covers you can use any private medical facility, and the same would apply from pregnancy check-ups, however it is always recommended to speak to the relevant insurance claims team before committing to treatment.
    

5. Cost and Premiums: The cost of cover would depend on the age of the insured person, and as a guide, a person aged 35 would typically be £4400 per year (GBP). This would include full cover for medical issues that require hospitalization, full cover for specialists and diagnostics, private GP’s, pregnancy and child birth cover and all the above can be in or out of the UK.