Surrogacy is a carefully coordinated journey that includes legal, emotional, medical—and yes, financial—preparation. One important piece of the puzzle that many new surrogates have questions about is insurance. What kind of insurance is needed? Does your personal health insurance cover surrogacy? And what happens if complications arise?
Disclaimer: Insurance for surrogates is a complicated matter and you should always consult with a qualified and licensed surrogacy insurance specialist before canceling, obtaining or using any insurance for surrogacy. The information provided here is not intended to be insurance advice.
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Why Insurance Matters in Surrogacy
Pregnancy involves medical care, and with surrogacy, it’s essential to ensure the surrogate and the baby are protected financially if medical needs arise. Insurance plays a key role in:
Covering prenatal appointments, labor, and delivery
Protecting the surrogate from out-of-pocket costs
Ensuring the intended parents aren’t burdened with unexpected medical bills
Providing peace of mind for all parties involved
Surrogacy-related medical expenses can be significant, and having the right coverage helps everyone involved feel secure.
Does Your Existing Health Insurance Cover Surrogacy?
The answer? It depends.
Most surrogates already have personal health insurance, but many plans specifically exclude surrogacy-related care. This means that even if you have great insurance, it may not cover the medical expenses of a surrogate pregnancy.
Before beginning your journey, your existing health insurance plan must be professionally reviewed by a licensed surrogacy insurance specialist to determine if:
It covers maternity care in general
It specifically excludes surrogacy
It can be used without risk of denial or large bills
If your policy does not provide appropriate coverage, a separate surrogacy-friendly insurance policy will be paid for by the intended parents. That policy will need to be vetted and recommended by a licensed surrogacy insurance specialist.
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Types of Insurance Involved in Surrogacy
Surrogacy journeys often involve more than one kind of insurance. Here’s a quick breakdown:
1. Medical Insurance (Maternity Coverage)
Covers doctor visits, lab work, ultrasounds, labor and delivery, and postpartum care for the surrogate. This is the most essential type of coverage for the journey.
2. Surrogacy-Specific Maternity Policies
If your existing insurance doesn’t cover surrogacy, a temporary policy can be purchased through specialty insurance providers. These are specifically designed for surrogate pregnancies and may be secured before transfer.
3. Life Insurance
Most surrogacy contracts include a life insurance policy for the surrogate—typically a one-year policy that provides financial protection for your family in the unlikely event of a maternal death. This is arranged and paid for by the intended parents.
4. Complication Insurance (Optional)
This is a policy that may be purchased to cover specific complications, such as extended bed rest, C-section recovery, or loss of reproductive organs. It’s not always required but may be discussed during contract negotiations.
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Who Pays for Surrogacy Insurance?
Surrogates are never expected to pay for surrogacy-related insurance.
All costs related to health insurance coverage for the pregnancy (whether it's your existing plan or a new policy), plus life insurance and any additional coverage, are covered by the intended parents. These details are outlined in your legal surrogacy contract before any medical procedures begin.
How Insurance Is Handled During the Journey
Here’s how the process typically works:
Policy Review – Your agency or legal team reviews your current health insurance.
Policy Selection – If needed, a new policy is selected with a start date that aligns with your medical timeline.
Billing Setup – Your medical providers will be instructed to bill the correct insurance plan, and the intended parents will typically have access to review bills.
Ongoing Coordination – If any issues arise (denials, pre-approvals, etc.), your agency or insurance coordinator will step in to help resolve them.
Post-Birth – After the delivery and postpartum care are completed, the policy will remain in place until all covered services are finalized.
Tips for Surrogates Navigating Insurance
Ask Early: Bring up insurance questions during your application or matching process so your agency can start reviewing right away.
Be Honest About Coverage: Provide your current policy information up front so it can be properly evaluated.
Keep Records: Save copies of explanation of benefits (EOBs), bills, and correspondence related to your care.
Speak Up: If you’re ever unsure about whether something is covered or if you receive a bill, contact your agency or coordinator immediately.
Final Thoughts: Insurance Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming
Understanding insurance in surrogacy can feel intimidating at first, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. With the right support from your agency, legal team, and insurance specialists, your coverage will be managed with care and professionalism.
Check out our podcast interview with ART Risk Solutions as they dive into all you need to know about the insurance process!
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