Health Insurance for Surrogacy Expenses

Surrogacy in India: A Changing Landscape

Parenthood is a beautiful and life-changing journey for most. For some, however, this bliss can be challenging to attain. With advanced medical technology and modern science, many couples in India have achieved the dream of parenthood.

India has witnessed a changing parenthood landscape, with options like surrogacy now available for couples desiring to become parents.

The practice of surrogacy is not new in India; it was introduced in 1978. However, a lack of strict laws led to unhealthy practices. Even after commercial surrogacy was legalized, the absence of clear regulations made it difficult to control.

The availability of low-cost fertility clinics and a large number of underprivileged women volunteering as surrogate mothers led to a rise in surrogacy cases in India, with many foreigners traveling from the West in search of surrogates.

Surrogacy in Health Insurance

In a welcome change, IRDAI announced that health insurance companies in India will cover surrogacy as per the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, and the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Act, 2021.

• According to Section 4(iii)a(III) of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, the surrogate mother is entitled to health insurance coverage for post-partum health complications for 36 months from an IRDAI-certified insurer or agent.
• The IRDAI circular also includes Section 22(1)(b) of the ART Act, 2021, which states that insurance cover for the oocyte donor* must be provided by the commissioning couple or woman through an IRDAI-recognized insurer or agent.
• IRDAI also mentions Rule 12 of the ART Rules, which states that general insurance purchased to cover the oocyte donor should be sufficient to cover all expenses related to complications arising during oocyte retrieval.
• IRDAI urges all health insurance companies to provide suitable health insurance plans that align with the requirements mentioned in the acts above.

*An oocyte donor is a woman who donates her eggs to another individual or couple for Assisted Reproduction.

What is Surrogacy?

Before proceeding, let's understand what surrogacy is. It is a process wherein a fertilized egg is implanted into the uterus of a surrogate mother, who then carries the pregnancy for nine months. Many reasons lead couples to opt for surrogacy.

Types of Surrogacy

There are two main types of surrogacy:

1. Traditional Surrogacy

   A woman with healthy eggs is artificially inseminated with the father's sperm. The traditional surrogate then carries and delivers the baby for a couple to raise. The surrogate mother is the biological mother of the baby, as her egg was fertilized.

2. Gestational Surrogacy

   In gestational surrogacy, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is utilized. The IVF process involves gathering eggs from the biological mother and fertilizing them with the father's sperm outside the body. The fertilized embryo is then placed into the uterus of a gestational surrogate.

   The surrogate then gives birth to the baby and has no genetic connection with the child.

List of Health Plans Covering Surrogacy

Benefits of Surrogacy Insurance

• Sharing the Financial Burden

  Surrogacy is an effective method for couples who want to be parents but find the process expensive. The average cost of surrogacy can range from ₹18 to ₹20 Lakh. Bearing the cost out-of-pocket can strain your finances, making surrogacy health insurance a wise investment.

• Stress-Free Experience

  Having surrogacy insurance can help you navigate the process with less financial stress. It allows access to quality hospitals and doctors for the best medical advice and care.

• Pre and Post-Natal Healthcare

  Investing in health insurance that covers surrogacy provides the surrogate mother with essential pre-natal and post-natal care, crucial for the health of both the child and the mother.

• Delivery Cover

  Most maternity plans covering surrogacy also include delivery expenses, for both C-section and normal delivery, alleviating concerns about such costs.

Wrapping It Up

There are many misconceptions about surrogate motherhood. However, a lack of awareness should not deter couples from the joy of parenthood. Much of the stigma surrounding surrogacy stems from a lack of awareness and education. However, it is one of the safest and most effective alternative methods for those who wish to become parents but are unable to due to medical limitations.

With the government regulating laws around surrogacy, it has become more accessible to many couples in India. Health insurance companies are now designing robust plans that consider the various ways individuals choose to embrace parenthood. To fulfill your dream of parenthood, reach out to our insurance experts at PolicyX.