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Common Questions From Pregnant Women to Insurance Companies

When you find out that you're pregnant, you probably have a lot of questions for your partner and your doctor. But some of your most important questions should be directed to your health insurance company. Pregnancy is a joyous time in your life, but it's also an expensive time. Be sure that you understand your coverage so you're not faced with any financial surprises. Ask you insurance company as many questions as you see fit; the provider's job is to inform you, so that you can make the best decisions throughout your pregnancy.

  1. Preferred Physicians

    • Before you head off to your first obstetrician appointment, be sure that she is is covered by your current health insurance provider. Call the insurer and ask what doctors your policy covers. If you haven't already chosen an obstetrician, ask you insurance provider for a recommendation in your area. Also ask which hospitals are covered under you insurance plan; you might find that the hospital closest to you isn't on the list, for example, so you need all of the information upfront to make an informed choice.

    Deductibles and Co-Insurance

    • Ask about your deductibles and co-insurance as they apply to pregnancy, labor and delivery. You might find that the requirements are much difference when it comes to maternity care. For example, you previously might have had an 80/20 split for regular medical care, but you might have to meet an out-of-pocket maximum, such as $5,000, before all of your maternity, labor and delivery care is covered. Also, ask how near you are to meeting your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum for the calendar year, so you can plan how much more you must pay for health care until the insurance takes over.

    Complications and Special Care

    • If you know that you have a history of complicated pregnancies or are from a family with a history of problems in pregnancy, then ask how much the insurance company would pay for things that aren't within the normal spectrum of obstetrics care, such as internal ultrasounds, fetal fibronectin tests and other tests that your doctor might decide to order. Also, ask how much hospital time is covered by your health plan, and if there is coverage for special circumstances, such as long-term care, the newborn intensive care unit and prolonged care after the baby is born, for example, home nurses or equipment such as monitors or breast pumps.

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