Growing Family Benefits
- Don't get pregnant without us!
- Enjoy security for your family
- Ask for employee paid options at work
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to Questions
We get lots of questions relating to coverage for infertility, pregnancy, and maternity. Below you will find answers and links to more information for the most frequently asked, and the most important questions that should be asked.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get coverage once already pregnant?
No. Pregnancy will be considered a pre-existing condition by any private insurer. You can find some government assistance for women who are pregnant without insurance.
Are you sure?
Are you sure?
Absolutely positive.
Can I buy a policy direct?
Can I buy a policy direct?
Maybe. It depends upon the type of coverage you want and the state laws where you live. Coverage for infertility and pregnancy share one thing in common: couples looking for coverage are planning to use the benefit, making these policies unprofitable for insurers, and hence very scarce for couples.
Most insurers won't cover infertility unless compelled by law. Some states mandate infertility coverage for individuals.
Most insurers wont' cover maternity unless compelled by law. Some state mandate maternity coverage for individuals.
No insurer covers normal pregnancy with short term disability and sells policies direct to individuals. There are no state laws compelling this coverage. Therefore the only way to get coverage for normal pregnancy is to buy your policy at work via voluntary employee benefits.
Are you sure?
Most insurers won't cover infertility unless compelled by law. Some states mandate infertility coverage for individuals.
Most insurers wont' cover maternity unless compelled by law. Some state mandate maternity coverage for individuals.
No insurer covers normal pregnancy with short term disability and sells policies direct to individuals. There are no state laws compelling this coverage. Therefore the only way to get coverage for normal pregnancy is to buy your policy at work via voluntary employee benefits.
Are you sure?
Absolutely positive.
Most Important Questions to Ask
When is the best time to start coverage?
For short term disability the ideal time to start is 3 months prior to conception. Most policies contain a 9 month exclusion for normal delivery, but not every pregnancy goes full term. Give yourself a cushion.
Why can't I find direct coverage?
Why can't I find direct coverage?
Because you are looking for a policy that pays more in benefit to you than you pay to it in premiums: for infertility, maternity, or pregnancy disability - when you are perfectly healthy. A policy covering normal pregnancy will lose money for the insurer. So they only sell these policies when they can pool risks with your co-workers.
What are the alternatives?
What are the alternatives?
The alternative that has helped the most couples is voluntary employee benefits. You can purchase supplemental coverage for normal pregnancy, and gain security for complications. You pay the premium yourself via payroll deduction, so there is no direct cost to your employer to give you this option.
How do I ask my employer to offer voluntary employee benefits?
How do I ask my employer to offer voluntary employee benefits?
It's far easier than you may think. Ask them to allow you to pay for coverage yourself by payroll deduction. Most employers who don't already offer voluntary benefits think their employees are not interested. Your request is simple, your co-workers will thank you, your employer benefits too, and your privacy will be guarded.
