In Indian families, becoming a parent is often seen as a blessing. Surrogacy is becoming an increasingly common route to parenthood. The availability of surrogacy reflects a remarkable blend of human needs and medical advancement.
In this process, a woman takes on the responsibility of carrying and delivering a baby on behalf of a couple unable to conceive.
However, opting for it exposes an individual to multiple risks and several complications. This came to the notice of the Central Government, which then intervened in the industry by passing new regulations.
Under this regulation, a couple that is opting for surrogacy has to obtain comprehensive health insurance plans. This policy must provide coverage for about three years to thirty-six months to ensure the well-being of the surrogate mother. All pregnancy-related emergencies and postpartum expenses will be adequately borne by the insurance company.
Here is a list of medical expenses typically covered by a surrogacy-related insurance policy:
- Medical expenses incurred during the surrogacy process
- Specified losses
- Health complications during or after pregnancy
- Death or serious illness of the surrogate mother
Benefits of Getting a Maternity Insurance Policy
Let us know the benefits of opting for Maternity Insurance:
- Pregnancy (Pre and Post Care):
There are numerous tests and check-ups that the surrogate mother has to take. This continues even after delivering the baby. Maternity insurance manages the expenses to ensure that the surrogate mother has a smooth experience throughout the term of surrogacy.
- Childbirth Coverage:
This coverage of this expense varies from policy to policy. Be mindful when choosing a maternity insurance policy. Before delivery, some emergencies might arise, but because they are taken care of by the insurance company, the experience will be seamless.
- Peace of Mind:
It is a privilege for the couple that they will have a smooth surrogate term because they have maternity health insurance for the expectant mother. Obtaining this policy allows the couple to look after the physical and emotional well-being of the mother.
- No Financial Burden:
Stress during pregnancy is neither good for the expecting mother nor the foetus. However, any emergency will be taken care of through speedy and quality treatment, and a financial settlement will also be made between the insurer and the hospital. Since a third party is coming and settling the transactions, the insured will experience no financial stress.
Right Time to Buy Maternity Health Insurance
Before deciding to have a family, a woman must have a maternity insurance policy. There is about three months or more waiting period after you buy a maternity insurance plan. This buffer period restricts the woman from claiming pregnancy-related expenses.
Apart from being an early buyer of a maternal insurance policy, you must make sure that it covers the overall pregnancy. This means managing the high cost of prenatal care, delivery expenses, and post-natal care.
Expenses Not Covered Under the Maternity Insurance Plan
There are certain costs that fall outside the purview of an insurance plan:
- An underlying condition that affects pregnancy.
- Diagnosis Charges
- Any Fertility Treatment
- Expenses during the waiting period
- Congenital Illness
Before Opting for Surrogacy, Consider These Provisions
Surrogacy is a formal process that is under the supervision of IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act). This list will provide you with the basic knowledge that you need to have before beginning the surrogacy process:
- As per IRDAI, the authority must approve the insurer (policy provider).
- The insurance provider’s insured amount must sufficiently meet costs during pregnancy emergencies.
- Surrogacy for one woman will be covered for not more than three attempts.
- The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1971 allows a surrogate mother to abort during the surrogacy term.
- For all the expenses that the surrogate mother incurs, the couple has to provide an affidavit stating that they will bear them on her behalf.
- Gynaecologists are allowed to place not more than one embryo. However, under certain conditions, this number might go up to three embryos.
Surrogacy terms are crucial, and therefore, easing down the whole process by getting maternity health insurance is helpful.
