Best insurance plan?

Question

I am looking for a good insurance plan with a maternity rider available. I realize it will be expensive, which is ok, I'm just looking for suggestions.

Answer 1

As has been suggested, purchase a high-deductible HSA plan, paying for a portion the costs with monies from the account. It is important to negotiate a price upfront. As an example, in Arizona the full retail cost of having a baby ranges from $11,000-$20,000. Insurance companies pay providers $4000-$9000. Your goal is to negotiate a rate in the $4000-$9000 range obviously, but there are no guarantees. Consider a midwife, birthing center, etc., to lower your costs.

Answer 2

Without knowing anything about your medical history, what state you are in, how much you want to pay a month (etc. etc.) it is hard to give an accurate answer.

Presently, the Blue Cross Lumenos 1500 HSA compatible plan has the lowest Worst Case Scenario on the market, but come May 1 it's price is about to skyrocket.

The best option is usually one provided by an employer (Guaranty Issue and partially paid).  Check with an independent agent near you for further clarification.

Answer 3

Maternity is more of a pre-payment plan than insurance. The insurance company knows that people who get the rider are planning on getting pregnant and they are not going to take in less in premium than they pay out for your delivery. Almost all companies have a waiting period before they'll cover maternity. If you do the math you are better off setting up a payment plan with the doctor and hospital unless you can time the delivery exactly. You do need insurance in case you need a c-section, though, because complications can be very expensive. All major medical policies cover complications of pregnancy even if you don't have maternity coverage.