When looking for an insurance plan, do you tell them that you're wanting to be a surrogate?

by Kristina
(Indiana)

Hi Rayven,

I am currently on a Medicaid plan so I will not be using that for a surrogacy. I am trying to find an alternative that both the IP's and I can live with and I'm having a problem with obtaining the necessary information. Should I disclose that I am needing the insurance for a compensated surrogacy? So far, I'm just alluding to the idea that my hubby and I are thinking about expanding our family and an impending promotion may make us ineligible for the Medicaid plan. (Actually, if you change that to "me thinking about expanding someone else's family", that's basically true!) What are your thoughts and suggestions?

Also, I've read contradictory information on surrogacy in Indiana. Most sites say that surrogacy contracts are against public policy but I've also found a site (from an IN attorney who owns a fertility clinic here) that says it's only an issue if both the surrogate and the IP's are from Indiana and suggests that it's only if the surrogate changes her mind about giving the child(ren) up. Do you have any clarifications or sources on this??

Thanks so much - your website is amazing!! :oD

Reply by Rayven

Hi Kristina,

Thanks for the words on the site!

As to your insurance question, you will need to get a copy of the exclusions prior to obtaining the policy. I have found that if you tell the customer service reps you are doing a surrogacy, they simply get confused.

If you are working with an insurance agent, however, let them know that you are looking for a policy with no surrogacy exclusions. If they tell you all policies have a surrogacy exclusion, shop for a different agent. I would leave the word "compensated" out of your discussion; no reason to mention it.

The thing about insurance is that you are not trying to hide your surrogacy from them. You want to make sure its covered, so you don't get into trouble later. But just make sure you're talking to an agent, and not the person who just answers phones.

As to your question about laws in Indiana, you'll have to speak with your attorney. Sounds like the attorney you mentioned has some experience in this area.

Best wishes!