Surrogacy is when a woman carries and delivers a child for another person or couple. Surrogacy can be complex and costly, and many wonder if their insurance company will cover the costs. Here a common questions that arises: does insurance cover surrogacy cost in 2023?, does insurance pay for surrogacy? and will insurance cover surrogacy?. Here is the answer
Does insurance cover surrogacy?
In general, health insurance plans do not typically cover surrogacy or the associated costs. However, some insurance plans may cover certain aspects, such as:
- The surrogate’s prenatal care and delivery. The surrogate’s own health insurance will often cover standard maternity care.
- Procedures for the intended mother, such as egg retrieval. The intended mother’s insurance may cover this, though not always.
- Complications arising from the pregnancy or delivery. Both the surrogate’s and intended parents’ insurance may help cover unexpected medical costs in some situations.
However, insurance plans typically do not cover:
- The surrogacy arrangement or contract itself. This is considered an elective procedure.
- IVF, embryo transfer, or other fertility treatments. These are also usually considered elective.
- The newborn care. Separate health insurance will need to be obtained for the baby.
- Lost wages, child care, travel or other non-medical expenses for the surrogate. These costs are typically the responsibility of the intended parents.
Does Aetna insurance cover surrogacy?
Aetna plans that cover infertility services exclude coverage of fees associated with donor insemination, including recruitment, selection and screening, and cryostorage of eggs. Additionally, some Aetna plans limit and/or exclude coverage for gestational surrogacy, so it is important to check benefit plan descriptions to determine the extent of coverage. Medically necessacity of treatment does not warranty that this service is covered by Aetna, and benefits plans ultimately determine coverage. Therefore, it is recommended to check their specific benefit plan for information on coverage.
Will Intended Parents’ Insurance Cover Surrogacy?
Most insurance brokers in 2023 have restricted coverage for surrogacy pregnancy. Many insurance plans do not cover non-medical expenses, such as legal fees, agency fees, and compensation for the surrogate.
what insurance covers surrogacy?
However, some insurance companies may provide coverage for certain aspects of the surrogacy process, depending on the individual policy.
The insurance companies that are most likely to provide at least some coverage for surrogacy include:
- Large national insurance companies like Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. These companies offer a wide range of health insurance plans, some of which may cover fertility treatments, IVF, and pregnancy/childbirth costs associated with surrogacy. Coverage varies by state and by specific plan.
- Specialty insurance companies that offer policies targeted at fertility and surrogacy. Companies like Global Surrogacy Insurance, Progyny, and CoverHer offer policies that can cover costs like IVF, complications during pregnancy, and newborn care.
- Life insurance companies that offer policies specifically for surrogates. Companies like US Life and Mutual of Omaha offer life insurance policies designed for surrogates, covering potential risks during pregnancy and childbirth.
Does blue cross blue shield cover surrogacy?
Health insurance plans, including those from BCBS, may normally cover some surrogacy-related medical treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF), but not the price of the actual surrogacy procedure.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that this can vary significantly according on the particular plan and the legislation in your state or country. Some plans might exclude or limit coverage for costs associated with surrogacy.
For the most precise and recent information on your particular policy and what it covers, it is advisable to get in touch with your BCBS provider or a health insurance expert directly.
Does Medicaid cover surrogate pregnancy?
In general, Medicaid does not pay for the expenses related to being a surrogate mother.
- Medicaid’s main goal is to give low-income people and families access to health insurance. Surrogacy agreements, which are optional, are often not covered.
Medicaid would also not pay for any IVF operations, fertility treatments, or administrative and legal fees related to the surrogacy relationship. The intended parents are responsible for those costs.
Does insurance cover surrogacy for gay couples?
The majority of health insurance policies, even those for gay couples, do not offer complete coverage for expenses associated with surrogacy. Key points include:
- Since surrogacy contracts and legal fees are deemed optional, insurance policies often do not cover them. Both homosexual and heterosexual couples can agree with this.
- Health insurance typically does not cover fertility procedures or IVF used for surrogacy, regardless of the intended parents’ sexual orientation. These procedures are regarded as elective.
In the United States, there are a few states which require insurance companies to cover infertility treatments, including surrogacy, for all individuals regardless of sexual orientation.
These states include:
- California
- Connecticut
- New Jersey
- Nevada
Does Insurance cover surrogacy | FAQs
Does United healthcare cover surrogacy?
UnitedHealthcare offers excellent fertility insurance, including coverage for surrogacy support and ovulation induction, through a vast network of physicians in all 50 states.