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Asked: Apr 28, 2010

Company covering In-Vitro Fertilization?

I recently found out that I am unable to conceive children and am considering in-vitro fertilization as on option. I am insured under the health plan offered by my company, but they do not cover this. Do you have any insurance that will cover this that I can buy separately?

Categories: In Idaho

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Although we can't guarantee you that no such insurance eists, but we are fairly confident that it will be etremely difficult to find on the Individuals market. There are a few reasons why insurance companies commonly eclude this benefit. 1) By providing you with coverage for in-vitro fertilization, they are increasing their chances that they will create another medical condition pregnancy. 2) There are concerns about the complications of pregnancy that are sometimes associated with artificial inducement, such as multiple births. 3) The cost for such treatment can be costly. 4) It is not medically necessary. Health insurance is designed to provide coverage for medical epenses that are medically necessary in order to treat a medical condition. Although infertility can be viewed as a medical condition, it is one that most insurance companies feel does not require treatment in order to maintain your health. It is viewed much in the same way as cosmetic surgery, which falls under the category of elective procedures that are ecluded from most health plans. Although it is rare, some employer sponsored group health plans may provide coverage for IVF. If your husband is insured under a group health plan through his employer, you may check to see if his coverage provides this benefit. If so, you might consider the possibility of switching to his coverage during open enrollment. If this is not an option, consider checking with some IVF clinics and see if they can suggest to you which insurance companies are inclined to cover this service. Or, perhaps they can suggest alternative options of paying for this procedure. It might also be a good idea to check on the limitations and eclusions of your eisting health plan to make sure that there are no eclusions that apply to maternity benefits. Prior to planning a pregnancy, you want to make sure that your coverage has the appropriate maternity benefits as well.

Answered: Apr 28, 2010

 

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