How to Add a Newborn to Insurance

When you have a baby, you want to make sure that you do everything right to protect your newborn. This should include insuring your baby's health. Many health insurance provider's will provide coverage to your newborn by default, when you have a policy with them. However, each provider has rules and regulations regarding how long your baby is covered. It is imperative that you follow the rules set forth by your provider. Otherwise, you may find yourself without coverage for your newborn baby, during a time that he really needs it.

Things You'll Need

• Birth certificate
• Social Security number

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Instructions

• 1

  Contact your insurance provider to advise that you are having a baby. Alert the provider of your "due date." This will ensure that your baby is covered the instant he is born.

• 2

  Submit an application to get a birth certificate and Social Security number for your newborn. Do this while you are still at the hospital to ensure your paperwork is processed quickly. The hospital administrators will assist you in completing the necessary paperwork.

• 3

  Apply for a birth certificate and Social Security number yourself, if you are unable to do so at the hospital.

  Contact the state department of vital records to get a birth certificate. Once you receive your baby's birth certificate, visit the Social Security Administration to complete "Form SS-5." Show a copy of your newborn's birth certificate to the administration representative. It can take up to 12 weeks to get a card for your baby if you do it yourself.

• 4

  Contact your insurance provider after you receive your baby's Social Security number. Advise the provider that you would like to add your newborn to your insurance policy. Provide the provider with the name and Social Security number of your baby. In many cases, you need to notify your insurance provider within 30 days of the baby's birth. Otherwise, your baby my experience an interruption in coverage.