Bringing a child into the world should be a joyful experience, and not a financial burden. But for many families in India, the costs of delivery and hospital care can feel extremely stressful. That’s where the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) steps in. It is a government scheme made to support safe motherhood, JSY provides much-needed financial help during delivery. In this blog, we’ll explain how JSY works, who it’s for, and how it can work with your health insurance to give you better peace of mind during pregnancy.
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Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): How This Scheme Adds to Your Health Insurance During Pregnancy
JSY is a government scheme that was launched in 2005 as part of efforts to make motherhood safer. It falls under the National Health Mission (NHM) and is aimed at supporting pregnant women from below-poverty-line households, especially in states and districts where fewer women give birth in hospitals. The main goal is to encourage more women to deliver in government or approved health facilities, instead of at home, where they might have no access to proper medical care if something goes wrong.
Eligibility depends on income, caste, and the area where you reside:
Pregnant women receive a direct cash benefit, ranging from ₹600 to ₹1,400, for delivering in a government hospital or an approved private facility. The exact amount depends on whether the woman lives in a rural or urban area, and whether the state is classified as High or Low Performing under the scheme.
In many states, JSY also includes additional financial support to help cover transportation expenses to and from the health facility, especially useful in rural or remote areas where access is a challenge.
While the scheme primarily focuses on delivery, it also encourages pregnant women to attend antenatal check-ups and postnatal visits, which are extremely important for the health of both mother and baby. Some incentives are linked to completing these care visits.
approved Social Health Activists (ASHAs) are given ₹600 for every delivery that they assist. Their role includes helping the mother register, arranging transport, encouraging check-ups, and ensuring she delivers at an approved facility. This incentive is meant to strengthen community-based maternal care.
If the woman delivers at a government hospital under JSY, most of the basic medical expenses for a normal delivery are typically covered by the facility, in addition to the cash benefit given to the mother.
The cash incentive is usually transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account after delivery and verification, which minimises paperwork and delays.
It’s important to understand that JSY is not a replacement for health insurance, but it can complement it.
| Feature | JSY | Health Insurance |
| Type | Government welfare scheme | Financial protection product |
| Coverage | Cash incentive for institutional delivery | Covers hospitalisation, tests, and complications |
| Eligibility | Limited to BPL, SC/ST, or high-risk states | Open to all, subject to certain terms |
| Enrollment | Done through local health workers | Done through insurer or aggregator |
| Payment | Fixed incentive | Depends on hospital bills |
While JSY can ease immediate delivery-related costs, there are some things it does not cover.
That’s where a maternity insurance rider (add-ons) or health insurance plan steps in.
Register early at an Anganwadi Centre or public health facility.
Deliver at a government or approved hospital.
The cash incentive is usually transferred to your bank account after verification.
Janani Suraksha Yojana is a life-changing program that ensures no woman has to risk childbirth without support, especially in rural and underserved communities. But if you’re eligible for health insurance, use it alongside JSY for full coverage. Whether you're planning a pregnancy or just exploring your options, make sure you're backed by both government support and a reliable health insurance plan.
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Reviewed by Dr. Harshita Dahiya 
Acko Technology & Services Private Limited
#36/5, Hustlehub One East, Somasandrapalya, 27th Main Rd, Sector 2, HSR Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560102
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