Maternity leave- short term disability insurance?

Question

Is there a private company that offers short-term disability pay? I am not pregnant, but I plan on getting pregnant within the next year. My employer does not offer short-term disability, and the only company I have found that offers STD coverage is Aflac. With Aflac, it HAS to go through the employer, and my employer said no. Does anyone know of any way to get private coverage through any insurance company for maternity leave if your boss is a douchebag?

Answer 1

If you could find an individual STD policy to cover pregnancy, you will usually be better off putting those premiums in your emergency fund to cover 3-6 months of expenses.  This way, you also have the money for other emergencies too, like your house burning down.

A greater financial risk is long-term disability.  Elimination periods start at 30 days, depending on the company and your occupation.

Answer 2

It will be cost prohibitive for you to get an STD policy. I agree with prior answer that you should just start saving money.

Think of it this way...even if  you found a STD policy that covers maternity it is going to have a maternity exclusion of at least 10-12 months. You normally can't even get pregnant for that 10-12 months. So assuming you get pregnant on the 11 month you would pay premiums for 20 months before getting any benefit. The benefit only pays 60% and usually has an elimination period of a week to 30 days. It just isn't worth it.

Answer 3

if your doctor approves the short term disability you may apply and receive it through the social security office. my 2 cousins had difficult pregnancies and were not allowed to work so they qualified. tried to help give another option.

Answer 4

First off the Social Security Administration has very strict definitions of disability. You generally must be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity by reason of a physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or last for at least 12 months. Social Security disability benefits are not intended for temporary conditions. There is also a 5-month waiting period for benefits.

I would check with the agent that writes your other insurance. I did a quick search and found a couple of carriers that write individual STD (Colonial Life and MetLife) but I would want to work with an agent to be sure the policy provisions include maternity as a disability.