Maternity insurance coverage to be widened

China is planning to improve its maternity insurance system and expand coverage, according to a draft law recently reviewed by Chinese legislators.

The draft law on healthcare security was submitted for a second reading at a session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the country's top legislature, which concluded on Thursday.

The draft stipulates that individuals covered by maternity insurance are entitled to benefits for childbirth-related medical expenses as well as maternity allowances. Nonworking spouses would also have their childbirth-related medical costs covered.