What to Ask Your Insurance Carrier Before Starting Fertility Treatments

Unfortch, insurance companies typically offer little to no benefits for couples seeking fertility treatments. But if you and your partner are considering options for infertility, you should still call your insurance carrier and get the lowdown. It'll help you plan how to budget for expensive procedures and who knows, you might be pleasantly surprised by what benefits the do offer.

First, check with your state's insurance commissioner to get the latest info on what your state mandates that insurance companies offer you. You need to know your rights!

Next, get a copy of your insurance policy. Not the one page summary, but the longer doc that details the complete list of coverages and exclusions. Then check the policy for anything related to pregnancy or fertility. Any limitations to coverage should be listed there.

Call your carrier and ask whether special pharmacies or labs are required to take advantage of your coverage. Will you need prior authorization before beginning treatment? You'll want to know all this before selecting a practitioner.

While you may have to lay out plenty of your own cash for infertility treatments (up to 15 grand a pop for IVF!), some couples have sought legal counsel to pursue the matter under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), since infertility is arguably a disability and coverage for infertility treatments is constantly evolving. Good luck!