IRDAI Issues Directive to Insurance Companies on Surrogacy Coverage
In a significant move earlier this fiscal, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has instructed all insurance companies to provide coverage for expenses related to surrogacy. The directive states that the insurance policy should cover all medical expenses related to pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care for the surrogate mother.
Surrogacy is a medical process where a woman agrees to carry and deliver a bafor another couple or individual. Typically, the surrogate mother is implanted with an embryo created using the intended parents’ sperm and egg. Once the bais born, the surrogate mother’s legal rights to the child are terminated, and the intended parents become the legal parents.
The Surrogacy (Regulation) Rules 2022 highlight the necessity of mandatory insurance coverage. It stipulates that intending parents or couples must acquire a general health insurance policy for the surrogate mother. The policy should have a duration of 36 months and be obtained from an insurance company or agent recognized IRDAI. The coverage amount should be substantial enough to address all expenses related to pregnancy and postpartum complications.
According to Bhaskar Nerurkar, head of the health administration team at Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, if a couple covered under a family floater policy decides to go for surrogacy due to medical issues preventing conception, they should be able to buy coverage for the surrogate mother. Therefore, every health insurance company should offer such a cover.
The surrogacy policy provides a wide range of medical coverage, including antenatal care, hospitalization, delivery charges, treatment for pregnancy complications, postpartum care, and treatment for delivery complications. It also covers medical conditions that may arise as a result of the surrogacy procedure.
It is the responsibility of intending parents or individuals seeking surrogacy to purchase the surrogacy insurance policy. It is crucial to buy the policy from an IRDAI-registered insurance company before the embryo transfer procedure takes place.
Bhabatosh Mishra, director of claims, underwriting, and product at Niva Bupa, a health insurance company, emphasizes that the biological parent should buy the policy for the surrogate mother. The coverage should extend for 36 months from the date of embryo transfer and include expenses related to pregnancy and postpartum complications. There is no waiting period for maternity-related complications.
Surrogacy is a complex process with emotional and financial implications. By carefully considering the legal and insurance aspects, individuals and couples can navigate the surrogacy journey effectively while ensuring the well-being of all parties involved.