Navigating ESIC: Can I Choose a Private Hospital and Still Get Maternity Leave?

I have a few queries:

1. I am under West Bengal ESIC. My question is, if I want to admit to a private hospital for my inconvenience and I don't want any money or maternity benefit from ESIC, then what will be the procedure?

2. Will I still get maternity paid leave from ESIC even if I do not admit to an ESIC hospital?

Please reply.

Utilizing ESIC Leave

Utilizing the ESIC leave or not is your choice, but you may not receive any benefit from ESIC if you do not report and obtain the necessary certificates from them. Since you are covered under the ESIC scheme, you are not eligible for the benefits under the Maternity Benefit Act. I suggest submitting all related documents to ESIC and obtaining the ESIC leave so that you will get the financial benefit, as well as having ESIC (Maternity) leave recorded in your office records.

Treatment and Reimbursement

You can choose the treatment part, but ESIC is not going to reimburse the treatment expenses unless they refer.

Regards,
Kamesh333

No, basically I have made up my mind from the first trimester that I have to make all the arrangements on my own, and I am not going to seek any reimbursement for that. What I want is only paid maternity leave, which is utmost necessary for me. I just don't know how I could obtain it.

You may seek treatment at the ESIC's hospital. In such a case, you have to inform your local dispensary doctor. The doctor will issue you a medical certificate with leave approval. However, doing so will nullify your chance to receive cash benefits for medical treatment from ESIC. Nevertheless, you will be eligible for cash benefits for your absenteeism/leave for up to six months from ESIC if you meet the eligibility criteria.