Infertility
Infertility Insurance
Six million Americans are struggling with infertility. Insurance for treatments are available but for many couples, the cost is often out of reach. Fortunately, there are supplemental insurance plans that can assist with the financial burden.
This type of specialized health insurance is called infertility insurance and it helps to pay for fertility treatments. Similar to traditional insurance, these plans will provide coverage in return for a monthly premium. Coverage may include diagnostic tests, artificial insemination, in-vitro fertilization (IVF), intra-uterine insemination (IUI), zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT), gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) and embryo transfer. Fertility drugs may also be covered.
Depending upon carrier and the plan features, coverage may vary. Check with your carrier for specific details. Questions to ask include:
What tests, treatments and medications are covered?
Typical plans cover diagnostic procedures and tests but not all medications, particularly injectibles.
Are there limitations to the number of treatment cycles covered?
Plans often limit the number of treatments to between three and five.
What procedures are covered?
Be aware that the costs of donor eggs and/or donor sperm are often not covered.
To be eligible for infertility insurance, buyers must meet certain requirements. These restrictions vary from carrier to carrier, but most often policy holders must be under age 40 and shown to be struggling with infertility for a certain length of time, typically one to four years. Those applying for infertility insurance must have an existing health insurance plan in place.
If you do not meet these requirements, there are other infertility insurance options:
Some traditional health insurance plans cover a limited number of fertility treatments.
Refund plans are also available through private insurers. Couples pay for treatment out of pocket but if treatments are not successful, 70 percent to 100 percent of the costs will be refunded.
Finally, fertility clinics may offer financing. Some of these programs may not require full repayment if treatments are not successful.
