Frequently Asked Questions
At International Fertility Insurance, we’re dedicated to providing intended parents with answers to their questions about protecting all parties involved in a surrogacy journey. On this page, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we hear.
Health Insurance Reviews
If my surrogate’s existing health insurance is expected to cover maternity expenses for surrogacy, under what circumstances would I need a secondary maternity policy?
Even if a surrogate’s health insurance is expected to cover maternity expenses for surrogacy, it’s always possible that a change in circumstances could impact her coverage. Potential examples of changing conditions include but are not limited to a loss of coverage due to the surrogate moving, a change in employment status (she or her spouse changes or quits their job), her employer changes benefits to exclude surrogacy, or insurance rules and regulations around surrogacy change at a state or national level.
Egg Donor and Surrogate IVF Complications Insurance
How many cycles are covered by this policy?
Each policy covers complications for 1 cycle, for up to 4 months. If multiple cycles take place within the 4-month coverage period, separate policies will be needed for each cycle.
If my surrogate has her own health insurance, do I still need this policy?
Health insurance coverage varies, but most do not cover expenses for IVF complications for an egg donor or surrogate. IFI can review her insurance for a fee upon request.
Local / Outside Monitoring
When searching for a local monitoring clinic, what does the IFI team look for?
When our team is locating a clinic, we consider location of the clinic to your donor or surrogate, if the facility can perform the services requested by your physician, past patient experience, test results that are provided in a timely manner, services are financially reasonable, a clinic with weekend availability if requested, an in-house lab, and other criteria upon request.
What are some challenges that arise with my donor or surrogate having testing at another location?
The main challenge we see with agencies and parents trying to coordinate this effort is how time-consuming the logistics can be to stay on top of. Some common mishaps include incorrect or missing lab orders, the clinic's inability to perform the correct testing, or failure to provide results back to the IP's clinic quickly. Cycles can either be at risk of cancellation or delay without the proper vetting of the local monitoring clinic. We also see uncontrollably high costs when unvetted locations are chosen for convenience. This can cost IPs thousands of dollars and much stress to navigate.
Surrogate Accidental Death Insurance
Can children under the age of 18 be listed as Surrogate beneficiaries?
Yes, there are no age restrictions for beneficiaries.
How long after delivery do accidental death and permanent disability policies last?
Coverage runs for up to 12 months post-delivery as long as death or bodily injury is due to a surrogate pregnancy-related complication.
Maternity Cost Estimates
Do we need to select an OB and delivery hospital prior to requesting a Maternity Cost Estimate?
Yes, our estimate team will need your chosen provider’s full contact information in order to obtain an accurate estimate of your expenses for a routine and healthy pregnancy and delivery.
Maternity / ACA Health Insurance
When does Open Enrollment begin and end?
Usually from Nov 1st each year to Jan 15th. Note that this is for the states that use the Federal Marketplace – otherwise it depends on the state. There are many states that have their own health insurance exchanges and therefore control their own dates. For the latest information on these dates, please check with IFI.
What is Special Enrollment?
A time outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period when you can sign up for health insurance. You qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you’ve had certain life events, including losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby (only in select states), or adopting a child. Usually, you will have 60 days following the event to enroll in a plan.
Do we have to do anything to renew our ACA for the upcoming new year?
The current policy may not be available for the new year, or it may not remain 'surrogate-friendly' with the new version. If you would like us to check the new version of a policy, we have an ACA Renewal online request . The service provides the following:
- Check the new version for liens & exclusions
- Check that the previous (or new) medical providers will remain in network
- Advise on changes to the premium, deductible, coinsurance, and out of pocket maximum
- Provide a written review of the new policy
- Connect with the surrogate (if necessary) to make any changes to the application
For more information on ACA, click here.
What is The IFI Surrogacy Maternity Plan, backed by Lloyds of London?
When a surrogate’s insurance won’t cover a surrogate pregnancy and no ACA (Affordable Care Act) option is available, the IFI Surrogacy Maternity Plan, backed by Lloyds of London, is a comprehensive, affordable, professionally managed surrogacy maternity plan. The plan comes with $500,000 in coverage and can be upgraded to $750,000 or $1,000,000.
When do I apply for IFI Surrogacy Maternity Plan?
Most begin the process upon medical and legal clearance.
Is there a specific time of year to apply for the IFI Surrogacy Maternity Plan?
No, this plan is available year-round.
Medical Billing Management
Do I need to provide escrow funds when I enroll in medical billing management?
Yes, IFI will do a customized review of the insurance plan benefit summary and request an estimated amount of funds for the expected medical bills to hold in escrow. The billing team will use these funds to pay providers directly after a thorough claim and bill review process on each statement that is submitted by the surrogate on our secure portal. At the end of the pregnancy, if any excess funds remain in the account after an audit, they will be returned to the parents.
What is the coordination of benefits (COB), and why is it important?
Coordination of benefits (COB) applies to a person who is covered by more than one health plan. We will ensure that both of the insurances will be filed in the correct order of primary and secondary and correct any claims that are not processed accordingly. Without proper coordination of benefits, providers may only send claims to one plan, which could be rescinded later for evidence of other insurance and create a billing mess to deal with as far out as 1 to 2 years after delivery.
Surrogate Bedrest Disability
Does this policy cover net lost wages, housekeeping, and child care expenses if my surrogate misses work due to morning sickness?
No, this policy only covers medically necessary/prescribed at-home bed rest when ordered by your surrogate’s OBGYN due to a complication of pregnancy requiring her to miss work. Morning sickness is considered a routine side effect of pregnancy and is not a covered expense.
If my surrogate is self-employed, what will be required in order to show proof of income for net lost wages coverage?
For surrogates who are self-employed/business owners or independent contractors, Lloyd’s of London’s underwriters will require a 12-month income history. If pay stubs showing net lost wages are not available, underwriters will accept tax documents such as a 1099.
Is this policy refundable in the event of a miscarriage?
Yes, coverage is refundable on a prorated basis in the event of a miscarriage or if coverage is canceled.
Hospital Indemnity
When does the application for Hospital Indemnity need to be submitted?
Applications must be submitted prior to embryo transfer, and we strongly recommend applying prior to starting IVF medications to avoid a 6-month waiting period for coverage. If applying after the start of medications but prior to transfer, the policy would still be helpful for coverage during the 3rd trimester.
Newborn Insurance
Do domestic intended parents whose surrogate is having the baby in the U.S. need newborn insurance?
You should contact your insurance member services department to confirm how and when a newborn is added to your plan. If your plan doesn’t provide out-of-network coverage where your baby will be born, we offer different newborn insurance options. If you would like IFI’s help navigating your newborn coverage or billing, we offer a domestic intended parent newborn consultation and domestic intended parent newborn billing management.
Do you offer billing management services for newborn insurance?
Yes, even if intended parents have their own newborn insurance or opt not to purchase it, you can choose to have IFI assist with well-baby care billing. Our medical billing management commonly saves parents between 30% to 75% on well-baby care costs. We can also help negotiate bills for intensive care and well-baby care.
Should I purchase travel insurance if I’m traveling from another country for the birth of my baby?
Many intended parents find travel insurance useful, including options to cover the costs of canceled trips.
What do most Intended Parents do for newborn insurance coverage?
Intended parents have different needs for covering their newborn babies. We encourage parents to educate themselves about their options and choose the coverage that best suits their needs. IFI is here to help!
Does my surrogate’s insurance cover my newborn balances?
Please consult with your agency and IFI. Generally newborn insurance is needed.
Will I have medical bills if my newborn is healthy?
Yes, you will have medical bills to pay for a healthy, well-baby delivery. The average is $3,000 to $6,000 USD.
I have a global insurance plan through my employer; will this provide coverage for my baby in the US?
It might, depending on the plan. We recommend you call your insurance representative to confirm dependent coverage in the US and consult with IFI on your findings to ensure you have adequate coverage.