Does Insurance Cover Surrogacy?
Navigating the intricate landscape of surrogacy involves a myriad of questions and considerations for both intended parents and surrogates. One of those very important topics includes health insurance coverage as that can be a significant expense for the Intended Parents.Â
Insurance coverage for surrogacy varies significantly depending on the type of insurance plan, the state where you reside, and the specific circumstances surrounding the surrogacy arrangement. Some health insurance plans may cover certain medical expenses associated with the surrogate pregnancy, such as prenatal care and delivery, and some employers offer benefits that include coverage for fertility treatments and surrogacy as well.Â
Certain parts of the surrogacy process may be covered more extensively by insurance than others, depending on the specifics of your insurance plan and the regulations in your region.Â
Here’s a breakdown of expenses and the typical coverage:
1. medical expenses for the surrogate pregnancy
Some health insurance plans will cover medical expenses associated with prenatal care, maternity care, and delivery when the surrogate is the insured on the policy. This means if the intended parents are the policy holders (or the insured) it will not cover the surrogate’s pregnancy, the surrogate must be the one holding the policy. There are also many health insurance plans out there that will specifically exclude a surrogate pregnancy from the policy. It is very important to always have a policy professionally reviewed before relying on it to cover expenses related to a surrogate pregnancy.Â
2. Surrogate Compensation and Legal Fees
Insurance typically does not cover expenses related to surrogate compensation or legal fees associated with the surrogacy process. Intended parents are generally responsible for covering these costs out of pocket. Surrogate compensation typically includes base compensation, as well as additional allowances for expenses such as maternity clothing, travel, and childcare.
3. Medications and Procedures
Insurance coverage for medications and procedures used in the surrogacy process, such as fertility medications, embryo transfer procedures, and genetic testing, can vary. Some plans may provide coverage for these expenses, while others may not. The Region of the United States the policy is based in seems to have some bearing on whether coverage is included. For example, we find that more East Coast policies will cover surrogacy related procedures for intended parents. It is more common that the intended parents’ insurance will cover the medical expenses involved in the creation of the embryos under the fertility benefits, but coverage will cease at that point. Intended parents will then pay out of pocket for the embryo transfer procedures needed for the surrogate. Â
4. Psychological Support
While not directly related to medical expenses, some insurance plans may offer coverage for psychological support services for intended parents and surrogates. These services may include counseling or therapy to help individuals navigate the emotional aspects of the surrogacy journey. Attempting to utilizing this benefit may be a bit tricky, as finding a psychologist that specializes in surrogacy or third-party reproduction is of the utmost importance. Once you find the right psychologists then you must determine if they accept your insurance. In reality most intended parents end up paying out-of-pocket for this service.Â
5. Travel and Accommodation
Insurance typically does not cover travel and accommodation expenses for intended parents or surrogates during the surrogacy process. These costs are usually the responsibility of the intended parents.
How does one determine if their insurance covers any part of the surrogacy journey?
Here are a few steps to follow to get some answers:
Review Your Insurance Policy
Start by carefully reviewing your health insurance policy documents. Look for any language related to fertility treatments, assisted reproductive technologies, or maternity coverage. Pay attention to any exclusions or limitations mentioned in the policy.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
If you’re unsure about the coverage details or if the policy documents aren’t clear, contact your insurance provider directly. Speak with a representative and inquire about coverage for surrogacy-related expenses. Be prepared to provide specific details about the surrogacy process and the types of services you’re seeking coverage for.
Check State Laws
Insurance coverage for surrogacy may also be influenced by state laws and regulations. Some states have laws mandating insurance coverage for fertility treatments or surrogacy, while others do not. Research the laws in your state to understand any relevant requirements or protections.
Explore Employer Benefits
If you receive health insurance through your employer, check if they offer any benefits or assistance programs related to fertility treatments or surrogacy. Some employers provide supplemental coverage or financial assistance for employees undergoing fertility treatments or pursuing surrogacy.
Contact an insurance specialist
There are a handful of companies that specialize in assisted reproductive insurance options. If you are working with a surrogacy agency consult with them for guidance on how to find one of these companies. These specialists can validate your current policy and provide you with details of coverage and exclusions. They can even help you bridge the gap in your coverage with options available for purchase.
We know this is a lot to consider for only one aspect of the surrogacy journey. Leaning on your surrogacy agency for advice can not only help navigate the intricacies of insurance coverage, but a great agency will also extensively explain and streamline the entire surrogacy process.
