Having a Baby in 2026? 3 Smart Ways to Save (or Make!) Money When You Give Birth
Thinking About Having a Baby? Start Preparing During Open Enrollment
If you’re planning on having a baby in 2026, now is the perfect time to prepare, not just emotionally, but financially. Fall open enrollment season is when you can make crucial changes to your employer benefits, like health insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, and short-term disability insurance.
The right benefit choices this fall could mean the difference between:
Paying $300 or $30,000 in hospital bills, and
Having no paid time off or several months of paid leave
If you want to save money while having a baby and ensure financial stability during parental leave, these three open enrollment benefits are essential.
How Health Insurance Made a $9,000 Difference When Having a Baby
When I had my first daughter, we were on a really solid health insurance plan, low deductible, great coverage, and a reasonable out-of-pocket maximum. Our total hospital bill after insurance was less than $1,000.
But when I had my second daughter, we had switched to a “cheaper” plan with lower monthly premiums. That plan came with a much higher deductible and a higher out-of-pocket maximum. The result? Our hospital bill was over $10,000.
That $9,000 difference came down entirely to the details of our health insurance plan. At the time, we thought we were saving money by paying less each month, but in reality, we paid thousands more when it mattered most.
That experience completely changed how I think about benefits, especially for anyone who’s planning on having a baby soon. Your plan’s deductible, out-of-pocket max, and coverage level can make or break your postpartum finances.
1. Choose the Right Health Insurance Before Having a Baby
When you’re preparing for having a baby, your health insurance plan plays a major role in how much you’ll pay for childbirth.
During open enrollment, take a close look at:
Monthly Premium: What you pay each month for your plan
Deductible: How much you pay out-of-pocket before insurance coverage starts
Out-of-Pocket Maximum: The most you’ll spend in a year
Cost-Sharing Percentage: How you and your insurance split medical costs
A higher monthly premium may be worth it if it means a lower deductible and better hospital coverage.
Pro Tip: If you know you’ll be having a baby soon, it’s often smarter to choose a plan that minimizes your deductible and out-of-pocket costs.
2. Add Hospital Indemnity Insurance to Ease Costs When Having a Baby
Hospital indemnity insurance is an underrated benefit that can help cover unexpected expenses when having a baby. It pays cash directly to you when you’re admitted to the hospital, which happens automatically during childbirth.
You can use that cash to cover:
Extra hospital costs not covered by insurance
Meals, parking, or childcare
Everyday expenses while you’re on maternity leave
This coverage is usually low-cost and available through your employer. If you’re planning on having a hospital birth, hospital indemnity insurance is one of the easiest ways to save money while having a baby.
3. Enroll in Short-Term Disability Insurance for Paid Maternity Leave
Another key step before having a baby is opting into short-term disability insurance (STD). This coverage provides wage replacement while you’re recovering from childbirth, typically 6 weeks for a vaginal delivery or 8 weeks for a C-section.
But here’s the catch: you have to enroll before you get pregnant. Once you’re pregnant, it’s considered a pre-existing condition, and most insurers won’t cover you.
When choosing your plan, review:
The percentage of income replacement (often 50–100%)
The waiting period before benefits start
The maximum benefit period
This is one of the best ways to ensure you’ll get paid time off after having a baby, without draining your savings.
Don’t Miss Open Enrollment If You’re Planning on Having a Baby
Open enrollment usually happens between September and December, depending on your employer. It’s your once-a-year chance to make benefit changes that directly affect your financial well-being when having a baby.
Before the deadline passes:
—Compare your health insurance options
—Add hospital indemnity coverage if available
—Enroll in short-term disability insurance
Taking action now could save you thousands and give you peace of mind when it matters most.
Bonus: Free Guide to Paid Parental Leave & Benefits
Want to learn more about how to get paid during maternity leave and protect your job while having a baby?
Download Hello Bundle’s [Ultimate Parental Leave Benefits Guide] , it’s completely free and full of expert advice for expecting parents.
