Choosing Pregnancy Health Insurance

Picking the right insurance is confusing. Choosing pregnancy health insurance before a pregnancy is downright bewildering. How do you pick the right mix of features and affordability so you can ensure the most important things are covered?

The costs of having a baby

The costs of having a baby vary based on delivery type, complications and if you have insurance. An average vaginal birth can run up to $10,000 in the United States. Factor in much more if a c-section, or cesarean birth, is needed. Costs reach astronomical levels if complications requiring early and prolonged hospitalization of the mother occur, or if the newborn requires care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). A stay in the NICU can exceed $2,000 daily.

Picking the right insurance

You want to pick the right insurance. A plan that includes generous hospitalization, medication and procedure benefits is key. Decide on a plan that allows you to see the doctor or practitioner of your choice, and that enables you to give birth in the venue of your choice. Before you are pregnant is the best time to decide on a plan, as once you are pregnant, many insurers consider your pregnancy a pre-existing condition and do not cover it.

The best time to pick a good plan is before you are pregnant. Diligently research your options and pick a plan that is the best mix of affordability, features and convenience. Having a baby without insurance is very expensive and can lead to financial ruin.