Does Health Insurance Cover Surrogacy?

Becoming a parent is a dream for most adults; unfortunately, however, it isn’t a possibility for everyone. There are a number of reasons why pregnancy isn’t possible for some people; fertility problems and health complications can prevent the ability to conceive a child. For male same-sex couples who want to have a baby, carrying a child isn’t possible, either.

There are options available for individuals who do wish to become parents and are unable to conceive naturally. Surrogacy is one such option.

What is Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is a form of assisted reproduction. With this method, individuals who wish to become parents seek the assistance of a surrogate, a woman who will carry and deliver their child. This method allows hopeful parents who would otherwise not be able to become parents to realize their dream of having a family.

Through this process, the surrogate is impregnated via in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Through IVF, embryos are created and implanted into the womb of a surrogate. In some cases, the genetic materials of the intended parents will be used, such as the sperm, the eggs, or both; in other cases, the intended parents will rely on the genetic materials that have been donated. In either situation, though the surrogate carries and births the intended parents’ baby or babies, she is not genetically related to them; unless however, the eggs of the surrogate are used.

Surrogacy has afforded countless people the opportunity to have a family when they otherwise would not be able to. Heterosexual couples who suffer from infertility, women who are unable to carry their own babies for health-related reasons, hopeful parents who have a genetic defect that they do not wish to pass onto their children, same-sex couples, and single men have all realized their dream of becoming parents thanks to surrogacy.

Healthcare Requirements for Surrogacy

Like any pregnant women, surrogates require proper prenatal care in order to ensure the health and safety of the baby. Additionally, in order for the surrogate to become pregnant, healthcare services are needed. And, of course, medical care will be needed for labor and delivery. If there are any unforeseen complications, the surrogate and unborn child will also need healthcare.

The intended parents and the surrogate will need to discuss the details regarding the healthcare that is required for in-vitro fertilization, prenatal care, and labor and delivery.

Does Health Insurance Cover Surrogacy?

The costs that are related to healthcare for surrogacy can be exorbitant. The surrogate may use her own health insurance to cover the costs; however, typically, the intended parents are financially responsible. If you are considering surrogacy, you are likely wondering if your healthcare plan will cover the process.

As with most things related to health insurance coverage, whether or not your policy includes coverage for surrogacy depends on your specific carrier and plan. Some policies will cover part of surrogacy, but not all of it; for example, only part of in-vitro fertilization may be covered, and prenatal care for the surrogate, as well as labor and delivery, may not be covered.

To find out if your health insurance carrier covers surrogacy, it’s important to contact them to find out the specifics of your policy. Ask for a written letter that highlights the details related to surrogacy, and what, if anything, is covered by your plan. You will be responsible for paying any expenses that are not covered by your policy out of your own pocket. Additionally, it’s important to note that even if your plan does offer coverage, there will be certain costs that you will need to cover; your deductible, for example ,and co-pays, for example. It’s very unlikely that a health insurance company will cover all of the costs that are related to surrogacy.

Options Available for Surrogacy Insurance

If your health insurance plan does not provide coverage for surrogacy, take comfort in knowing that there are options available. There are insurance policies that are designed specifically for surrogacy; however, they do tend to be expensive, as the premiums are often high, as are the deductibles. Nevertheless, surrogacy insurance can help to offset the exorbitant costs that are associated with in-vitro fertilization, prenatal care, and labor and delivery so that you are not responsible for paying all of these expenses out of your own pocket. If you are considering surrogacy insurance, speak to a reputable agent that specializes in this type of coverage to find out what your options are.

In some cases, if the surrogate has health insurance herself, all or part of the surrogacy process may be covered by her plan. If she does not have insurance, she may be able to invest in a plan that does offer coverage.

If you are considering surrogacy, it’s important to consider the costs and know what options are available to you to assist with the expenses before moving forward.