Elizabeth RivelliInsurance Writer
Elizabeth Rivelli has nearly five years of experience covering insurance for finance publications. She has expertise in various insurance lines, including car insurance, health insurance, travel insurance, life insurance and others. In her writing, she aims to make insurance more approachable and understandable for people in all stages of life. Elizabeth also writes for several insurance company blogs.
Elizabeth Rivelli
Elizabeth RivelliInsurance Writer
Elizabeth Rivelli has nearly five years of experience covering insurance for finance publications. She has expertise in various insurance lines, including car insurance, health insurance, travel insurance, life insurance and others. In her writing, she aims to make insurance more approachable and understandable for people in all stages of life. Elizabeth also writes for several insurance company blogs.
Insurance Writer
Les MastersonDeputy Editor, Insurance
Les Masterson is a deputy editor and insurance analyst at Forbes Advisor. He has been a journalist, reporter, editor and content creator for more than 25 years. He has covered insurance for a decade, including auto, home, life and health. Before covering insurance, Les was a news editor and reporter for Patch and Community Newspaper Company and also covered health care, mortgages, credit cards and personal loans for multiple websites.
Reviewed
Les Masterson
Les MastersonDeputy Editor, Insurance
Les Masterson is a deputy editor and insurance analyst at Forbes Advisor. He has been a journalist, reporter, editor and content creator for more than 25 years. He has covered insurance for a decade, including auto, home, life and health. Before covering insurance, Les was a news editor and reporter for Patch and Community Newspaper Company and also covered health care, mortgages, credit cards and personal loans for multiple websites.
Deputy Editor, Insurance
Reviewed
Updated: Feb 22, 2024, 8:29am
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
Kaiser Permanente, Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare are the best health insurance companies for pregnant women.
Health insurance covers most pregnancy-related doctor visits, as well as prenatal tests, ultrasounds, delivery, postpartum care and newborn care. Companies vary in many ways, though, including premiums, plan offerings, out-of-pocket costs and provider network.
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Discover Pregnancy Coverage Options From Our Health Insurance Partners
1
Aetna
Coverage area
Offers plans in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Number of providers in network
About 1.2 million
2
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Coverage area:
Offers plans in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Number of providers in network
About 1.7 million
Physician copays start at
$10
3
Cigna
Coverage area
Offers plans in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Number of providers in network
About 1.5 million
Physician copays start at
$0
Show Summary
- The Best Health Insurance Companies For Pregnant Women
- Summary: Best Health Insurance Companies For Pregnant Women
- Health Insurance Options for Pregnant Women
- Can You Get Health Insurance While Pregnant?
- What Does Health Insurance Cover for Pregnant Women?
- How To Find Health Insurance During Pregnancy
- What Is the Cost of Pregnancy Insurance?
- Methodology
- Health Insurance for Pregnant Women Frequently Asked Questions
The Best Health Insurance Companies For Pregnant Women
- Kaiser Permanente – Best Overall For Pregnant Women
- Blue Cross Blue Shield – Best Provider Network For Pregnant Women
- UnitedHealthcare – Best for Low Out-of-Pocket Costs For Pregnant Women
Best Overall For Pregnant Women
Kaiser Permanente
5.0
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Provider network
More than 23,900 physicians in 39 hospitals and 622 medical facilities.
Average monthly silver plan cost for a 30-year-old
$423
On Healthcare.com's Website
More than 23,900 physicians in 39 hospitals and 622 medical facilities.
$423
Editor's Take
Kaiser Permanente has superior quality ratings and offers four different types of metal tiers on the ACA marketplace so that you can find the right cost level for you.
More: Kaiser Permanente Health Insurance Review
Pros & Cons
- Kaiser Permanente’s integrated health system—in which medical providers and health insurance are employed by the same company—may lead to improved coordinated care among your primary care, OB-GYN, nurse-midwife, pediatrician and specialists all working under the same company umbrella. Plus, you may have fewer issues with the claims process since everyone is on the same team.
- The company’s CenteringPregnancy program hosts sessions for a small group of expectant mothers with a nurse-midwife for nine sessions to discuss tips and tools and allows the expectant moms to learn from one another.
- Excellent health insurance costs compared to other insurers we analyzed.
- Finding a provider that accepts Kaiser Permanente when you’re traveling may be a problem since it’s not accepted in many states.
- Consumer complaints to state insurance commissioners are higher than the industry average.
- Kaiser Permanente offers ACA plans only in eight states and Washington, D.C.
Best Provider Network For Pregnant Women
Blue Cross Blue Shield
On Healthcare.com's Website
Over 1.7 million healthcare providers
$543
Editor's Take
Blue Cross Blue Shield has a large network of over 1.7 million in-network providers that should make it easier to find an in-network doctor or specialist. Blue Cross Blue Shield also has excellent quality ratings and offers three types of health plans and four metal tiers on the ACA marketplace.
More: Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance Review
Pros & Cons
- Individual Blue Cross Blue Shields offer programs for expectant mothers, including maternity coaching, a maternity app and programs geared to high-risk pregnancies.
- Plans may help pay for childbirth classes and offer discounts for breast pumps.
- Some Blue Cross plans have an incentive program for expectant moms that provides rewards, including a Pregnancy Care Box and a free breast pump kit.
- Provides coverage in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
- Higher ACA marketplace premiums than competitors we analyzed.
- Consumer complaints to state insurance commissioners are slightly above average compared for the industry.
- Nearly three dozen different companies offer Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, so there could be differences among Blue Cross insurers.
Best for Low Out-of-Pocket Costs For Pregnant Women
UnitedHealthcare
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Provider network
1.5 million providers and 7,000 hospitals and facilities.
Average monthly silver plan cost for a 30-year-old
$489
On Healthcare.com's Website
1.5 million providers and 7,000 hospitals and facilities.
$489
Editor's Take
UnitedHealthcare has one of the lowest average silver plan deductibles compared to other insurers we analyzed. It also boasts a low complaint level and excellent quality ratings.
More: UnitedHealthcare Health Insurance Review
Pros & Cons
- Offers videos that provide information about each trimester and provides tips about nutrition, exercise, breastfeeding and postpartum care.
- Large provider network should make it easier to find OB-GYNs and specialists.
- Most UnitedHealthcare plans fully cover personal-use, double-electric breast pumps.
- Offers other types of insurance, including dental, vision, accident and critical illness.
- Doesn’t offer as many metal tiers or types of health plans in the ACA marketplace compared to competitors.
- Premiums are higher than some competitors.
- Sells ACA health plans in only 22 states
Summary: Best Health Insurance Companies For Pregnant Women
Company | Company - Logo | Forbes Advisor Rating | Forbes Advisor Rating - Image | Provider network | Average monthly silver plan cost for a 30-year-old | view_more | Learn more CTA below text | LEARN MORE |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kaiser Permanente | ![]() | 5.0 | ![]() | More than 23,900 physicians in 39 hospitals and 622 medical facilities. | $423 | Get Quotes | On Healthcare.com's Website | |
Blue Cross Blue Shield | ![]() | 5.0 | ![]() | Over 1.7 million healthcare providers | $543 | Get Quotes | On Healthcare.com's Website | |
UnitedHealthcare | ![]() | 4.5 | ![]() | 1.5 million providers and 7,000 hospitals and facilities. | $489 | Get Quotes | On Healthcare.com's Website |
Average costs can vary significantly depending on your state and age. The averages don’t take into account subsidies that can reduce cost based on household income.
Health Insurance Options for Pregnant Women
Two common ways to get health insurance when you’re pregnant are through your employer or from the Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplace at HealthCare.gov, sometimes called Obamacare. There may be other options if you’re pregnant and can’t afford health insurance through one of those sources.
Option 1: Medicaid/CHIP
Many low-income pregnant women qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, which are funded by states and the federal government. All state Medicaid programs can provide coverage during pregnancy with no cost-sharing. You can take a short quiz on HealthCare.gov to see if you qualify for Medicaid in your state.
Medicaid doesn’t have an open enrollment period, so you can get Medicaid or CHIP at any time of the year if you’re eligible.
If you enroll in health insurance while you’re already pregnant, Medicaid retroactively covers qualifying medical bills. Medicaid pays for pregnancy-related medical expenses incurred within three months prior to enrolling in a plan. But you must have been eligible for Medicaid during that time to have the services covered.
Option 2: Non-Health Insurance Options
You might also consider pregnancy care through local organizations. For example, Planned Parenthood and public health centers like the Hill-Burton Program provide free or discounted medical care to eligible pregnant women.
Community health centers, which often offer services in at-risk areas, are also an option for pregnant women who don’t have health insurance.
Can You Get Health Insurance While Pregnant?
You can purchase health insurance at any point during pregnancy as long as you’re eligible to buy coverage at that time. Women can’t be denied health insurance or charged more for coverage due to pregnancy.
You can typically only buy health insurance coverage during an open enrollment period. For Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans, open enrollment is every year from November 1 to January 15 in most states. Employers set their own open enrollment periods.
A pregnancy doesn’t automatically start a special enrollment period in most states, so you want to be sure you have already purchased health insurance before you become pregnant. You’ll be eligible for a special enrollment period once the child is born, but by then it will be too late to cover childbirth bills.
There are three ways for pregnant women to get health insurance during an open enrollment period:
- Enroll in an ACA plan through the health insurance marketplace.
- Get a health plan through your employer.
- Buy individual health insurance directly from a health insurance company.
There is a way to get health insurance without an open enrollment period, but many Americans don’t qualify. Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) let you sign up for coverage whenever you’re eligible. You’re eligible based on your household income, and that varies by state.
What Does Health Insurance Cover for Pregnant Women?
All medical insurance plans purchased on the health insurance marketplace at HealthCare.gov provide “essential benefits” for pregnancy, delivery and postpartum care, including newborn care. Below are some of the pregnancy-related services that health insurance covers.
Pregnancy Costs Covered
- Routine doctor visits.
- Ultrasounds.
- Prenatal vitamins, including folic acid.
- Lab testing.
- Blood work.
- Screenings for pregnancy-related conditions.
- Smoking cessation programs.
Delivery Costs Covered
- vagin*l or cesarean birth.
- Hospitalization.
- Epidurals and other forms of pain management.
- Medication for labor induction.
Postpartum Costs Covered
- Newborn care, including early screenings and vaccines.
- Breastfeeding equipment and support.
- Lactation consulting.
- Birth control.
How To Find Health Insurance During Pregnancy
Pregnancy and childbirth can be incredibly expensive, so having health insurance is vital. Here’s what we recommend you pay attention to as you compare options.
- Figure out your health insurance eligibility. This includes options from your employer and your spouse’s employer. See if you can join an employer’s group health insurance plan, which is often more affordable than the ACA marketplace.
- Look into the ACA marketplace. The ACA marketplace offers plans in four ACA metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum health plans. Gold and Platinum plans have the most expensive premiums but the lowest out-of-pocket costs. These might be better plans if you’re pregnant or planning on it for the coming year. Bronze and Silver plans have lower premiums but can be pricey when you need health care, which makes them potentially more expensive for pregnant women in the long run. A benefit of the ACA marketplace is that the health plans are eligible for advanced premium tax credits, which are based on your household income and family size.
- See if you qualify for Medicaid. When you look for a plan on the ACA marketplace, the website will also let you know if you’re eligible for Medicaid based on your household income. If you’re eligible for Medicaid, that’s a low-cost, comprehensive health insurance option.
- Make sure your provider takes the health plan. No matter which health plan you choose, review the provider networks to make sure your OB-GYN and other providers are in the plan’s provider network. Check if your preferred hospital or birth center is also an in-network facility. The best way to check whether a provider is in-network is to contact the doctor office or facility and make sure the specific plan is considered in-network. Don’t rely on an insurance company’s provider list on its website. Those lists may be wrong or have outdated information.
- Look for perks. Health insurance plans typically have many programs for pregnant women. Find more about offerings to see if there are classes, discounts and programs that interest you.
What Is the Cost of Pregnancy Insurance?
The cost of health insurance with pregnancy coverage costs $453 monthly on average for a 30-year-old with an ACA health plan. The exact amount depends on your age, where you live, the company, the type of plan and the metal tier.
ACA plans must cover pregnancies and maternity care. You don’t pay more for having pregnancy coverage since it’s already included.
Cost of Pregnancy Insurance by Age
Age | Average monthly cost |
---|---|
21 | $397 |
27 | $419 |
30 | $453 |
40 | $509 |
Average costs for unsubsidized ACA health plans.
HMOS: Cost of Health Insurance for Pregnancy by Company and Age
Company | Average monthly cost for age 21 | Average monthly cost for age 27 | Average monthly cost for age 30 | Average monthly cost for age 40 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Aetna | $365 | $382 | $414 | $466 |
Ambetter | $368 | $385 | $417 | $470 |
Blue Cross Blue Shield | $389 | $407 | $441 | $497 |
Cigna | $384 | $403 | $436 | $491 |
Kaiser Permanente | $353 | $370 | $400 | $451 |
Oscar | $359 | $376 | $407 | $458 |
UnitedHealthcare | $380 | $398 | $431 | $486 |
Average costs for unsubsidized ACA health plans.
Methodology
We analyzed 84 data points about coverage and quality for seven large health insurance companies to determine the best health insurance companies for pregnant women. Our ratings are based on:
- Complaints made to state insurance departments (30% of score): We used complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
- Plan ratings from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (30% of score): The National Committee for Quality Assurance is an independent, nonprofit organization that accredits health plans and produces ratings based on specific metrics, including patient experience, prevention, treatment, overall rating of the health plan and rating of care.
- Average silver plan deductible (20% of score): The deductible is how much you have to pay for healthcare in a year before the health plan begins picking up a portion of the costs. Companies with health plans that had low deductibles got more points. Source: HealthCare.gov.
- Breadth of health plans (10% of score): Health insurance companies may offer up to four types of plan benefit designs (PPO, HMO, EPO and POS). Companies that offered more types of plans got more points. Source: HealthCare.gov.
- Metal tier offerings (10% of score): The ACA marketplace has four metal tier levels. We gave points to companies that offered more tier plan options. Source: HealthCare.gov.
Find The Best Health Insurance Companies Of 2024
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Health Insurance for Pregnant Women Frequently Asked Questions
Is pregnancy a pre-existing condition?
The Affordable Care Act, sometimes called Obamacare, does not allow health insurance companies to consider pregnancy a pre-existing health condition.
If you enroll in a health insurance plan during pregnancy, health insurance companies can’t refuse to insure you, and insurance companies can’t charge you higher health insurance premiums for being pregnant.
This rule also applies to newborns and newly adopted children. If your baby is born with a medical condition and you enroll them in an ACA health insurance plan within 30 days, they can’t be denied coverage due to their pre-existing condition.
When can pregnant women enroll in a health insurance plan?
Pregnant women can enroll in a marketplace health insurance plan during the annual open enrollment period, which typically runs from Nov. 1 through mid-January of the following year in most states. During this time, you can enroll in a new health insurance plan or switch to a different plan within this time.
Pregnancy doesn’t automatically start a special enrollment period in most states, though you’re eligible for that period once the child is born.
Does short-term health insurance cover pregnancy?
Short-term health insurance companies don’t have to cover pregnancy. Short-term health plans don’t follow ACA requirements and those plans often don’t cover maternity care, preventive care, mental health and prescriptions.
Is the baby covered by the same health insurance once born?
Your baby is automatically covered by your health insurance plan for the first 30 days after you give birth, though the coverage may increase your health insurance deductible because of adding another person to your health plan. During this time, your health plan will cover your baby’s basic care, such as vaccines, tests and screenings.
You should formally enroll your baby in your health plan within that 30-day period so they have continued coverage.
Can I add my girlfriend to my health insurance if she is pregnant?
Unless you’re legally married, you usually can’t add a girlfriend to your health insurance plan, even if she is pregnant. The only exception is in states that allow domestic partners to be insured on the same health insurance policy.
If you live in a state where domestic partners can be jointly insured, you can only enroll your girlfriend in your plan if she experiences a qualifying life event. Pregnancy doesn’t count as a qualifying life event in most states.
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