Short answer, yes. Long answer, it depends.
A surrogacy journey is both beautiful and very heavily involved, as one would imagine, involving medical professionals, fertility clinics, surrogacy agencies, and more.
This begs the question, “what will my insurance cover?”
While surrogacy insurance and some health insurance plans may help cover surrogacy costs and medical expenses, the level of insurance coverage varies depending on the insurance provider and the specific plan.
For example, under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, health insurance is mandatory and includes obstetric care. This doesn’t always mean that all insurance policies will cover surrogate pregnancies or infertility treatments.
Some insurance companies exclude coverage for services related to gestational surrogacy, including IVF expenses. Even in surrogacy-friendly states like Florida, finding surrogacy insurance coverage can be challenging, and many health insurance policies explicitly exclude costs related to the surrogacy process.
Not to worry! We’ll provide you with the support and resources you need to navigate these challenges. At Creative Love, we specialize in helping intended parents and gestational surrogates find the right insurance coverage for their surrogacy journey.
Surrogacy Insurance Coverage Options
The good news is that there are insurance providers that offer policies specifically designed to cover surrogacy journeys.
If you’re an intended parent or considering becoming a gestational carrier, our team can review your current insurance policy or help you find a new plan that will cover costs related to the surrogacy process, such as:
- IVF treatments
- Maternity costs
- Agency fees
- Medical complications
- Medical fees for both the surrogate and the developing baby
We stay up-to-date with the latest changes in surrogacy insurance coverage to ensure that our clients are always protected. Whether you’re using your own insurance or exploring new insurance plans, we’ll guide you toward the best options for your situation.
Does Health Insurance Cover Surrogacy?
Not all health insurance policies will cover surrogacy.
Be sure to thoroughly review your plan to determine whether your plan covers the specific aspects of gestational surrogacy, such as fertility benefits, IVF costs, and related expenses.
From our experience, many intended parents find that their own health insurance doesn’t extend to cover the surrogate’s medical insurance. In these cases, purchasing a separate surrogacy insurance policy is necessary.
If you’re unsure whether your health insurance covers surrogacy, be sure to reach out to our expert team at Creative Love for guidance.
What About Surrogates’ Insurance Coverage?
In most cases, surrogate mothers will need to have their own health insurance that covers the pregnancy. However, not all surrogate’s insurance plans automatically cover a surrogate pregnancy. Intended parents are often required to ensure the surrogate’s insurance is adequate or to purchase additional coverage.
Some insurance companies now offer policies designed specifically for gestational surrogates. These policies may include coverage for medical costs related to the pregnancy and any medical complications that arise.
We always recommend that both the surrogate and the intended parents review the surrogate’s insurance policy to ensure it covers all necessary expenses.
International Intended Parents and Surrogacy Insurance
For international intended parents, the insurance process can seem a bit overwhelming, but it does not have to be!
Many ACA medical plans or U.S.-based insurance providers may not extend their coverage to foreign intended parents. Thus, be sure to work with a surrogacy professional who can help you find insurance options that cover the full cost of surrogacy.
What to Consider When Choosing Surrogacy Insurance
When choosing an insurance plan for your surrogacy journey, you should consider:
- Medical fees for the gestational surrogate
- Coverage for IVF expenses and other fertility treatments
- Policies covering potential medical complications like preterm birth or other risks associated with surrogacy pregnancies
- Whether the insurance provider covers costs for both the surrogate and the intended parent
- If you need additional insurance for the surrogate mother’s health insurance
Some insurance professionals even specialize in finding surrogacy insurance tailored to individual needs, ensuring that all costs are covered.
Final Thoughts
So, does insurance cover surrogacy?
Well, the answer really depends on your specific insurance policy and insurance provider.
While some insurance plans offer comprehensive coverage for surrogacy-related expenses, others may not cover the entire process.
At Creative Love, we’re here to help you explore your insurance options, understand the surrogacy costs, and secure the best insurance coverage for a successful surrogacy journey!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover surrogacy?
In many cases, insurance cover for surrogacy varies depending on the insurance company and insurance plan. Some health insurance policies cover certain aspects of gestational surrogacy, like fertility treatments and maternity care, while others may exclude coverage for a surrogate pregnancy. It’s essential to review your insurance policy carefully or consult with an insurance professional to ensure your surrogacy journey is covered.
What surrogacy-related expenses are covered by insurance?
Typically, insurance coverage for surrogacy can include IVF expenses, maternity costs, and certain medical fees for the gestational surrogate. However, not all plans cover costs like agency fees, legal contracts, or complications related to the pregnancy. You may need to find a specialized surrogacy insurance policy to cover these related expenses.
Can I use my own health insurance for surrogacy?
In some cases, intended parents can use their own health insurance for parts of the surrogacy process, such as fertility treatments or embryo donation. However, most surrogates will need a separate surrogate’s insurance policy to cover the pregnancy and any medical complications. It’s essential to verify with your insurance provider what is included in your current plan.
What if my surrogate’s insurance doesn’t cover surrogacy?
If the surrogate’s medical insurance doesn’t cover surrogacy, intended parents may need to purchase a separate surrogacy insurance policy. Some insurance providers offer policies specifically designed to cover surrogate pregnancies, including medical expenses and IVF costs. Working with a surrogacy agency can help you navigate these insurance options.