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Supplemental Pregnancy Insurance in Missouri

Babies are expensive. The birth process alone can cost families $5,000 to $10,000 as of 2010. Even women with health insurance coverage still may be required to pay a significant amount out-of-pocket. Supplemental pregnancy insurance makes the costs more manageable.

  1. Coverage

    • Supplemental pregnancy insurance is also known as hospital indemnity insurance, which is a supplemental plan covering hospitalization. It is not specific to maternity, but covers hospitalization for any reason.

    Benefits

    • These supplemental plans pay a portion of the hospital costs that your health insurance plan doesn't cover, such as the deductible. Additionally, if there's money remaining after bills are paid, it's yours to keep.

    Advance Purchase

    • Supplemental plans must be purchased at least 10 months in advance of delivery to ensure coverage in Missouri. That means that if you are already pregnant when you sign up for such a plan, it will not cover the delivery for that pregnancy.

    Requirements

    • Before you're allowed to purchase coverage, you'll need to answer questions about your medical history. To use the plan in Missouri for labor and delivery, you must deliver in a hospital, and you must remain in the hospital for at least 24 hours. Your premium must be in good standing at delivery, and you cannot be enrolled in a government welfare program such as Medicaid.

    Premium

    • The 2010 monthly premium rate for most companies offering indemnity insurance in Missouri is about $200 per month.

    Missouri Insurance Providers

    • Shop around. Only a limited number of insurance companies offer indemnity insurance in Missouri. Some Missouri insurance providers will continue your coverage even if you move out of state, as long as your premium payments are maintained. Other Missouri plans are not portable.

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