For intended parents, getting health insurance coverage for your gestational surrogate is one of the most important parts of the journey.

However, as with anything insurance related, it can be complicated. Insurance companies aren’t required to cover a surrogacy pregnancy, and surrogacy policies vary from company to company. 

Many intended parents and prospective surrogates have questions about insurance. Do I need to get health insurance for my surrogate? Can the surrogate mother use her own insurance? Where do I find surrogacy insurance?

We’ll answer these questions and try to simplify the process as much as possible!

Will the surrogate have health insurance that covers the surrogacy?

It’s possible, although only around 30% of surrogates have a policy that’s usable for surrogacy. Most will need a supplemental surrogate insurance policy. 

At SPS, we have a third-party specialist do a formal review of the surrogate’s policy to determine whether it will cover the surrogacy pregnancy costs. 

Can intended parents use the surrogate’s insurance for the surrogacy?

If the surrogate’s policy does cover her surrogacy, she will need to provide consent for the intended parents to use the coverage. 

Additionally, the intended parents are responsible for covering the costs associated with the surrogacy, which may include copays, premiums, out-of-pocket maximums, potential liens, and any other expenses related to the surrogacy journey. 

If the surrogate’s insurance doesn’t cover her surrogacy, SPS will help the intended parents explore other options, which are described in the section below.

How do I get surrogacy insurance?

As soon as the intended parents and surrogate are matched, SPS connects the intended parents with a trusted insurance specialist, ensuring they have plenty of time to review options thoroughly.

These options include purchasing an individual policy during the Open Enrollment period (OEP) or a private policy through Lloyds of London, which is designed to cover surrogacy-related medical expenses.

Most intended parents should expect to pay between $10,000 and $30,000 for health insurance and costs. 

If you are an international intended parent who needs to purchase insurance for the baby after delivery, SPS will connect you with a third-party specialist to review your options. 

Navigating health insurance for surrogacy in California is a complex but necessary part of the surrogacy journey.

At SPS, we are committed to supporting you every step of the way, which includes providing guidance through the intricacies of health insurance and ensuring a safe and successful surrogacy journey for all.

Learn More About Becoming a Surrogate with Surrogate Parenting Services 

Surrogate Parenting Services is proud to celebrate over 30 years of helping to bring dreams to life! Founded in 1990, Surrogate Parenting Services (SPS) is a full-service surrogacy agency that offers both parties an exceptionally supportive environment throughout the surrogacy relationship. We’re passionate about creating ideal matches between surrogates and intended parents, so the journey is fulfilling for both sides and the future child is brought into this world in the best possible circumstances.   

Ready to become a surrogate? Learn more about our Surrogacy Program online or by calling (949) 363-9525.