At SurrogateFirst, we understand that the surrogacy journey is as complex as it is rewarding. Beyond the emotional and physical commitments, there are financial considerations that must be addressed to ensure a smooth experience for both surrogates and intended parents. One of the most critical aspects is navigating insurance.
Drawing from our extensive experience and insights shared during our webinar with ART Risk, this guide is designed to equip you with the knowledge needed to protect yourself and your family throughout this journey.
Understanding the Claims Process
One of the first concerns for many intended parents and surrogates is how to handle insurance claims. Whether it involves accidental death, loss of reproductive organs, or permanent disability, the claims process doesn’t have to be intimidating.
ART Risk, one of our trusted partners, simplifies this for everyone involved. They take the lead in managing claims, working directly with agencies like ours to collect medical records and handle insurer communications. This ensures claims are processed within 30 to 60 days, providing peace of mind during what can be a stressful time.
Insurance Tailored for Surrogacy
Surrogacy comes with unique risks, which is why we emphasize tailored insurance solutions that prioritize the well-being of both surrogates and intended parents. Key protections include:
- Loss of Reproductive Organ Riders: Financial support in rare cases like a hysterectomy.
- Permanent Disability Insurance: Coverage for long-term health conditions resulting from pregnancy complications.
- Short-Term Disability Policies: Compensation for lost wages, child care, and housekeeping if medical complications require bed rest.
At SurrogateFirst, we ensure surrogates understand these options, helping them advocate for their needs. This also provides intended parents with confidence that their surrogate is fully protected.
Life Insurance: Choosing the Right Type
When it comes to life insurance, there are two primary options in surrogacy:
- Term Life Insurance: This is ideal for surrogates who may want long-term coverage after the journey. It covers a broad range of risks, including infectious diseases like COVID-19.
- Accidental Death Insurance: Designed specifically for surrogacy, this cost-effective option includes add-ons like reproductive organ riders.
We work with you to determine which policy aligns best with your journey, ensuring everyone feels secure.
The Role of Secondary Insurance
Secondary insurance is one of the most important safeguards for a successful surrogacy journey. While some employer-based plans may appear surrogacy-friendly, unexpected changes—such as job loss, company bankruptcy, or policy modifications—can leave gaps in coverage.
By incorporating a secondary policy, you can ensure continuity of care and avoid financial surprises. It’s a small investment for the peace of mind that no matter what happens, the journey can continue smoothly.
Navigating Legal and Employer Considerations
Employer-based insurance plans can present unique challenges, particularly when they’re self-funded. While such plans can work, they carry risks of sudden changes, including altered coverage or surrogacy-specific exclusions.
Employers are legally required to provide policy booklets within 90 days of issuing a new plan. If they fail to do so, you can file a complaint with the Department of Labor. However, these challenges highlight why secondary policies are essential for protecting the surrogate and ensuring the intended parents’ financial security.
SurrogateFirst and ART Risk: Partners in Protection
At SurrogateFirst, we are dedicated to providing unparalleled support to both surrogates and intended parents. From crafting personalized compensation packages to offering mental health and wellness programs, we ensure that every surrogate is protected and empowered.
Our partnership with ART Risk, a leader in surrogacy-specific insurance, adds another layer of security. Their expertise in claims management, tailored policies, and advocacy ensures a smooth and protected journey for all parties involved. Together, we aim to eliminate financial uncertainty, letting you focus on what truly matters—bringing a baby into the world safely and joyfully.
Advocating for Change: Building a Better Future
We recognize the systemic challenges in surrogacy insurance and proudly support ART Risk’s collaboration with the Insurance Access and Equity Alliance (IAE Alliance). Their advocacy efforts, including the upcoming Parent Act, aim to eliminate discriminatory practices in surrogacy insurance.
By tackling issues like liens, exclusions, and inadequate coverage, these initiatives pave the way for a more equitable surrogacy landscape, ensuring that every intended parent and surrogate has access to the protections they deserve.
Your Journey, Our Commitment
At SurrogateFirst, we’re more than an agency—we’re your partners, advocates, and guides. Whether you’re a surrogate embarking on a profound journey or an intended parent taking steps toward building your family, we’re here to ensure you feel secure, supported, and informed every step of the way.
If you have questions about insurance or any other aspect of surrogacy, our team is here to help. Together with ART Risk, we make it our mission to create a safe, worry-free path to surrogacy.
