Does Insurance Cover Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is becoming increasingly common among couples who are unable to conceive a child naturally. While the procedure can be expensive, many couples are willing to pay the cost in order to have a child of their own. One question that often comes up is whether or not insurance covers surrogacy. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of surrogacy and insurance coverage.

What is Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is a medical procedure whereby a woman carries a child on behalf of another person or couple. There are two main types of surrogacy: traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy. Traditional surrogacy involves using the surrogate mother’s egg, while gestational surrogacy involves using an egg from the intended mother, or a donor egg, and fertilizing it with the sperm of the intended father or a donor sperm. In either case, the surrogate mother carries the child to term and gives birth to it.

Traditional Surrogacy

In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother is inseminated with the sperm of the intended father. This can be done through artificial insemination or by natural means. The surrogate mother is genetically related to the child, which can lead to legal and emotional complications. Traditional surrogacy is not as common as gestational surrogacy due to these complications.

Gestational Surrogacy

Gestational surrogacy is the more common type of surrogacy. In this procedure, the surrogate mother is not genetically related to the child. Instead, an egg from the intended mother or a donor is fertilized with sperm from the intended father or a donor, and then implanted in the surrogate mother’s uterus. The surrogate mother carries the child to term and gives birth to it.

Does Insurance Cover Surrogacy?

The answer to this question is not straightforward. Insurance coverage for surrogacy varies depending on the state and the insurance company. Some insurance companies cover surrogacy, while others do not. Even within the same insurance company, coverage for surrogacy can vary depending on the type of plan the policy holder has.

State Laws

Currently, there are no federal laws governing the coverage of surrogacy by insurance companies. However, some states have their own laws regarding surrogacy and insurance coverage. For example, California requires insurance companies that provide coverage for infertility treatments to also cover surrogacy. Other states, such as Florida and New York, do not require insurance companies to cover surrogacy.

Insurance Policies

Even within states that require insurance coverage for surrogacy, policies can vary widely. Some policies cover all aspects of surrogacy, including medical expenses, legal fees, and compensation for the surrogate mother. Other policies may only cover medical expenses related to the surrogate pregnancy, or may not cover surrogacy at all.

Employer-provided Insurance

Many people receive their health insurance through their employer. If you are considering surrogacy, it is important to check with your employer to see if their insurance policy covers surrogacy. Some employers may offer insurance plans that cover surrogacy, while others may not.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

In conclusion, surrogacy is a medical procedure that involves having another woman carry a child on behalf of a couple or individual. The cost of surrogacy can be high, and insurance coverage for the procedure varies depending on the state and the insurance company. If you are considering surrogacy, it is important to consult with an attorney who specializes in surrogacy to understand the legal requirements in your state and to work with your insurance provider to determine what coverage is available.