When you're looking at your employer’s health plan versus a standalone PPO, the first thing to do is check out the premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket limits. This is super important because maternity care in the U.S. can really add up.

Next, look into the practical side of things: Are your favorite OB-GYNs in the plan? Are the top hospitals covered? And is it easy to get to specialists? Thankfully, a lot of insurance companies have online tools that help estimate your costs, so make sure to use those. It’ll help you figure out your total yearly expenses and pick the best, most budget-friendly option for your family.