In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the demand for In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment in India. As more people seek medical assistance to overcome fertility challenges, the importance of IVF coverage in health insurance policies has grown. Despite its increasing relevance, not all health insurance plans offer this benefit, leaving many to bear the high costs of fertility treatments out-of-pocket.
In this article, let’s go through the best plans that include IVF coverage, the conditions under which health insurers cover IVF treatments, and how to choose the top health insurance plan to meet your needs.
Top Health Insurance Plans Offering IVF Coverage in 2024
| Insurance Provider | Plan Name | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Star Health Insurance | Women Care | sub-limit for IVF procedures, 3-year waiting period |
| Care Health Insurance | Classic | ₹2 lakhs sub-limit if cover amount > ₹5 lakhs, can be claimed once every 3 years. Waiting period = 3 years. |
Pro tip: The health insurance market can be a labyrinth. Instead of spending hours navigating through the hundreds of policies out there, why not book a 30-minute call with our expert IRDAI-certified advisors? We don’t spam or pressure you to buy. Just honest insurance advice.
What is IVF (In-Vitro Fertilisation)?
In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a medical procedure that involves fertilising an egg outside the human body and then implanting the embryo into the uterus. This process is often used by couples facing fertility issues, such as blocked fallopian tubes, ovulation disorders, or low sperm count. IVF offers a higher chance of conception when other treatments have failed. The procedure may involve several stages, including hormone injections, egg retrieval, fertilisation, and embryo transfer, making it both complicated and costly.
Some health insurance plans cover these expenses, thereby reducing the financial burden on couples seeking fertility treatment.
Health Insurance Policies Covering IVF in India
Several health insurance providers in India have started offering plans that include IVF coverage as part of their maternity or fertility benefits. Here are some of the top health insurance policies with IVF coverage:
- Star Health Insurance – Women Care Plan
- Covers IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies
- Requires a 3-year waiting period before the benefits kick in.
2. Care Health Insurance – Classic Plan
- IVF coverage included with a sub-limit of ₹2 lakhs (with at least ₹5 lakhs base cover amount)
- Requires a 3-year waiting period before the benefits kick in.
3. Niva Bupa Health Insurance – ReAssure Health Plan
- Provides coverage for IVF treatments, including diagnostic and follow-up care.
Types of IVF Treatments Covered by Health Insurance
IVF treatments can vary based on individual needs, and health insurance plans often have specific inclusions regarding these procedures. Here are some of them:
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A specialised form of IVF where one single sperm is injected directly into the egg. Many health insurance plans that cover IVF also include ICSI due to its high success rate.
- Embryo Transfer: This step involves placing the fertilised embryo into the uterus. Most health insurance policies cover this as part of their IVF package.
- Cryopreservation: Some policies may include the cost of freezing and storing embryos for future use, although this benefit is less common.
Understanding the range of treatments the health insurance policy covers can help you choose the best plan that matches your needs.
Factors Affecting IVF Coverage in Health Insurance
Before selecting a health insurance policy with IVF coverage, consider the following factors:
- Waiting Period: Similar to maternity coverage, most health insurance plans come with a waiting period for fertility treatments, ranging from 2 to 4 years. It’s important to factor this into your planning to avoid delays in treatment.
- Age Restrictions: Some policies have age limits for IVF coverage, usually 18 to 45 years. Ensure you meet the age criteria before choosing a plan. If you need help in comparing two policies, here is a free tool that Ditto built to help you out.
- Pre-existing Conditions: If you have pre-existing conditions that affect fertility, like endometriosis or PCOS, check if these are covered or excluded from the policy. Coverage depends on a policy-to-policy basis, and it’s always better to go through the policy wording or check with the insurer before purchasing the policy.
However, we understand that it is a time-consuming process, which is why we have created a free health insurance policy comparison tool.
Limitations and Exclusions for IVF Coverage
Despite the growing inclusion of IVF in health insurance policies, there are still some common exclusions and limitations:
- Disease-Wise Sub-Limit: Many insurers impose a sub-limit on the maximum amount payable for IVF treatments, which may not cover the full cost of multiple cycles.
- Number of Cycles: Some policies only cover a limited number of IVF cycles, often one or two, which might not be sufficient for couples needing multiple attempts.
- Eligible Expenses: Not all expenses related to IVF, such as consultation fees, consumables, medications, and pre-treatment diagnostics, are covered by insurance. Be sure to check the policy wording to know precisely what it covers.
How to Choose the Best Health Insurance Plan with IVF Coverage?
When selecting a health insurance plan with IVF coverage, keep this in mind:
- Coverage: Ensure the policy provides comprehensive coverage that includes different types of IVF treatments, consultations, and diagnostic procedures.
- Premiums: Compare the premiums of various plans to find one that fits your budget without compromising on coverage.
- Waiting Period: Look for plans with shorter waiting periods to start availing of the benefits sooner.
- Add-ons: To enhance your overall coverage, consider policies that offer additional benefits and wellness incentives.
Why Talk to Ditto for Your Health Insurance?
At Ditto, we’ve assisted over 3,00,000 customers with choosing the right insurance policy. Why customers like Achint below love us:
✅No-Spam & No Salesmen
✅Rated 4.9/5 on Google Reviews by 5,000+ happy customers
✅Backed by Zerodha
✅100% Free Consultation
You can book a FREE consultation. Slots are running out, so make sure you book a call now!
Conclusion
The inclusion of IVF coverage in health insurance policies is a step forward in making fertility treatments more accessible and affordable in India. As the demand for assisted reproductive technologies grows, insurers are beginning to offer comprehensive IVF plans with shorter waiting periods and more benefits. For those considering IVF, choosing a health insurance plan that includes this is both financial relief and peace of mind.
If you need help choosing the right insurance policy, you can always book a free consultation with Ditto’s IRDAI-certified advisors.
