Many infertility insurance plans cover most treatments making it affordable and giving couples the best chances of conceiving.
While some treatments such as IVF and IUI have been proven to help couples successfully conceive, they can also be very expensive. If you think you can’t afford them you may be surprised to learn that a there are a variety of plans that do offer some sort of coverage and may help you get that much closer to getting pregnant.
The Definition of Infertility Insurance
It is designed to help infertile couples finance their fertility therapies. In certain states and countries it is now required that it’s offered by insurance providers.
Is It a Good Idea to Get Insurance?
It makes good sense to have coverage whether it is for dental, life or medical needs and can help you if you are ever faced with financial hardships. As the number of infertility cases rises throughout North America, infertility treatments are gaining greater popularity.
For many infertile couples, being treated remains out of reach because they just can’t afford it. For example, medications alone can cost thousands of dollars a month and most Assisted Reproductive Therapy (ART) will cost at least $4,000. Many couples who have to pay for treatments out of their own pockets simply end up running out of money and are eventually faced with bankruptcy. Help is available so that you don’t go broke with risk of bankruptcy. The following are what types of coverage are available.
Standard Health Insurance:
A monthly premium must be paid to your insurance provider. Your insurance provider will cover certain treatments up to a maximum dollar amount.
Refund Programs:
Many private insurance providers and infertility clinics offer refund programs. If you do decide to enroll in one of these programs you must pay for all treatments up front. If your treatment is not successful, you will then receive between 70% and 100% of your money refunded.
Financing:
You can take out a loan in order to pay for your treatments. Many programs do not require you to pay back the loan in full unless you successfully conceive.
Treatments Covered by Infertility Insurance
It is wise to check what types of diagnostic tests, medications, and treatments are covered so that you avoid any unnecessary out of pocket expenses. Most plans cover only the lowest cost treatments that will help you. In addition, they may only cover you for three to five treatments.
IUI, IVF, GIFT, diagnostic tests, procedures and diagnostic surgery are usually covered. What aren’t insured are certain medications including injectables, sperm donation and egg donation.
Who Can Qualify
Before you can be approved you will have to meet certain qualifications depending on who insures you. Most couples need to be under the age of 40, be a policy holder for at least 12 months or diagnosed with infertility for a period of one to five years. Most couples who have already been diagnosed with infertility can also be turned down for insurance. If you don’t have a policy, you may want to look into financing or refund programs to help pay for your fertility therapies.
Most countries have some kind of laws regulating infertility insurance. In the United States, it is compulsory for a company with more than 50 employees to provide it as part of their health care plan.
c Copyright 2010 Judith Howard