The important criterion is that the insured should receive treatment only at an ESI hospital from the very beginning; otherwise, she can't claim maternity benefits through ESI. However, due to a lack of proper delivery facilities, if the ESI doctor refers the insured to a private doctor, then treatment can be obtained at a private hospital. ESI will pay the insured's full salary based on the salary on which monthly ESI payments were contributed by the employer. Also, to be eligible to claim benefits through ESI, the insured should have worked for a minimum number of workdays as stipulated by ESI authorities in the previous contribution period. The eligibility for maternity leave days will be the same as per the Maternity Benefit Act (182 days).