The joy welcoming a new born in the family is unbelievable and beyond any words can explain. It is also a landmark occasion for the couple as it marks the start of a new life with newer responsibilities and sweet memories. However, not all couples are lucky, and many of them find it hard to conceive a child due to issues like infertility.
According to the ISAR (Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction), about 10% to 15% or one of six couples in India find it hard to conceive a baby. These couples require medical assistance, which is expensive and unaffordable for many. This is where health insurance coverage plays a vital role in providing financial assistance to cover the treatment cost. But does health insurance cover IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) and other infertility-related treatments? Read on to find out.
Before we delve further into health insurance coverage for infertility and IVF, let us understand what infertility is?
Infertility is a medical condition wherein the person conceives a child after one year or more of having regular unprotected. The condition is quite common among both men and women. Experts suggest that there are two types of infertility – primary and secondary.
Primary infertility refers to a condition where the couple cannot conceive a child even after many attempts. Secondary infertility is a condition where the couple was able to conceive a baby once but is unable to do it again.
Health insurance coverage for infertility treatment
Traditionally, most health insurance policies in India do not cover the cost of infertility treatment. However, some new-age insurers have recently introduced new plans that include infertility treatment coverage. So, if your existing policy does not offer this coverage, you can consider buying a new policy or you can purchase infertility treatment coverage rider.
If you are buying a new policy that covers infertility treatment, you must know that the coverage scope may differ from one plan to another and from insurer to insurer. Some policies may cover only a specific type of infertility treatments. Therefore, it is advisable that you check policy’s inclusions and exclusions and the coverage level before you make the final purchase decision. You must compare the different plans to ensure that you get the right coverage and financial support.
Types of infertility treatment covered under health insurance
As mentioned earlier, some health insurance covers only specific types of infertility treatment. These treatments could be –
IVF
One of the most common treatments availed by couples in India for infertility treatment, IVF is the process of gathering eggs from the ovary and combining them with the sperm in a laboratory to make an embryo. The embryo is then transplanted into the uterus.
IUI
Intrauterine Insemination is a medical procedure that involves inserting the sperm into the uterus during the ovulation period in a laboratory environment.
GIFT
Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer is the process that involves mixing the eggs with sperm in a laboratory and planting it in the fallopian tubes.
ICSI
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection is a process where a single sperm is injected into a single egg in a laboratory and the embryo is then placed in the uterus.
Important things to consider while buying health insurance for infertility treatment
- Check if your health insurance policy covers the cost of infertility diagnosis
- Be aware of the insurer-specific eligibility criteria to know if you are eligible to purchase the plan
- Look at all the infertility-related treatment procedures that are covered under the policy
- You must be aware of the sub-limits and the extent of coverage offered
- Know if the policy you want to buy has any waiting period for infertility treatment as it can vary from one insurer to another
Final Word
A new born baby is the best gift you can give in life. However, infertility can be a hindrance to experiencing that joy. But with new-age health insurance plans covering the treatment cost as part of the standard policy or as add-on, you can overcome this issue. But, make sure that you compare the different plans well and get the best coverage.
