IRDAI Directs Insurers to Provide Surrogacy Insurance

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India directs all health insurance companies to provide comprehensive protection against surrogacy treatment. IRDAI asked the insurers to comply with the provisions of the Surrogacy Act, 2021, and the Assisted Reproductive Technology Act, 2021.

The commissioning couple or woman must get insurance coverage from an insurance company or agents approved by the IRDAI. The amount of coverage may be prescribed for the oocyte donor over 12 months. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has announced a new policy wherein couples planning to have a child, as well as single women, can now buy health insurance plans for surrogate mothers. These plans will cover them for a period of three years.

The IRDAI aims to provide comprehensive coverage to all parties involved in surrogacy medical procedures. The surrogacy health insurance plan will provide financial protection against unforeseen medical emergencies arising during and post-pregnancy. 

What is Surrogacy? 

Surrogacy is a medical practice that involves having a third woman carry a child for the benefit of another couple. The fetus or embryo, is nurtured by the surrogate mother until birth. After birth, parental rights are transferred to the intended parents. 

Couples who cannot conceive due to certain reasons like infertility, same-sex relationships, or other medical conditions often choose surrogacy. The overall surrogacy process is complex and ethical. Furthermore, the laws and regulations related to surrogacy vary from one country to another. 

How Will Surrogacy Insurance Help?

The surrogate health insurance plan will help cover costs related to surrogacy. These costs include legal fees, medical costs, and the living expenses of the surrogate mother. This protection will safeguard intended parents from financial losses that might arise from complications during pregnancy.

Additionally, the insurance plan may cover the costs of post-natal care and medical expenses for any complications that may arise during the delivery or shortly after. The insurance plan may also cover expenses related to the legal process of surrogacy, such as paperwork and court costs. This will help ensure that the intended parents do not have to bear any financial burden due to the surrogacy process.

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