Insurers designing specific cover for surrogate mothers

In a move that will offer more financial security to surrogate mothers, insurers are now designing specific products for them, thanks to an initiative by the IRDAI.

 

“This is gradually becoming an important area as a health condition despite legal and emotional challenges to surrogacy. Following directions from the insurance regulator, we are working on a special product that will have specific riders for pregnancy of surrogate mothers,” head of underwriting of a major private insurer told.

 

“Surrogacy is a medical option for those families or individuals who, due to medical conditions, are unable to conceive on their own and start a family,” said Bhaskar Nerurkar, Head – Health Administration Team, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance.

 

Referring to IRDAI’s move to ensure availability of suitable products, Nerurkar said the move “is welcome’ as it would provide cover for such families and truly fulfil their dream of having children, especially with medical advancement. This inclusive step will provide these individuals access to quality medical care.”

 

There are adequate legal provisions for surrogacy cover. As per Section 4 (iii) (a) of Surrogacy (Regulation Act) 2021, the insurance coverage can be offered in favour of the surrogate mother for a period of 36 months covering postpartum delivery complications.

 

The Surrogacy (Regulation) Rules 2022 mentions mandatory insurance coverage. The commissioning couple will have to bear all the expenses and ensure insurance for the oocyte donor for 12 months along with general health insurance coverage for the same period, per the rules.