quick clicks

preconception articles

preconception q&a

community & groups

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Infertility Insurance Coverage

Basics Tips When You're Trying to Conceive

By Kim Seidel

If you currently have health insurance through your employer or your partner's employer, the first step is to find out whether or not infertility treatments are covered in your plan.

"A woman interested in learning about her insurance coverage should talk with her insurance agent or the benefits administrator, perhaps in the human resources department, at her place of work," says Scott Simmonds, an insurance expert based in Saco, Maine.

Step 1: Ask questions.
The basic question to ask is, "Do I have coverage for infertility treatments?" If the answer is "yes," find out specifically what that coverage includes, Simmonds says. Find out the limits of coverage, deductibles, co-pays and pre-qualification requirements that may be required by your clinic and hospital.

Step 2: Get answers in writing.
It's extremely important to obtain all of this information in writing, Simmonds says. He recommends that you ask the administrator/human resources person at your workplace to provide you with copies of the insurance plan document.

Step 3: Call the insurance company directly.
Simmonds also suggests calling the toll-free telephone number on the back of your insurance identification card. You may be able to get your benefits explained over the telephone. But again, be sure to obtain this explanation in writing, he says.

"Take advantage of the tools that your insurance carrier has in place for you," says Andrea Grater, vice president of IBD Insurance Services in Raleigh, N.C. "Customer service departments can explain your basic coverage, and most carriers also offer great online tools that can help you understand your benefits." Once you understand your policy, talk to your physician's office to coordinate any services that won't be covered, Grater says.

Want to see more?

• Check out our Article Library.
• Big City vs. Local Fertility Treatments: Which Fertility Clinic Is Your Best Bet for Pregnancy?
• Insuring a Hassle-free Pregnancy: Know Your Insurance Options Before You Conceive
• The Price of Parenthood: 4 Steps to Financing Fertility
• Talk about it!