Pregnancy Checklist and Pregnancy Insurance Prep

November and December have the highest conception rates out of the calendar year, but a baby can come at any time, even earlier than expected. Preparing for a pregnancy ought to begin far in advance, with women taking prenatal supplements and making lifestyle changes for the optimum health of the child and also to create a more manageable environment for parenting. Most importantly, having health insurance coverage is key. Otherwise, you will have tens of thousands of dollars in medical costs to pay out-of-pocket.

Here is the ultimate pregnancy checklist for pregnancy insurance, a pregnancy hospital bag checklist and information on what other types of coverage may help lessen the financial burden of having a baby and more.

Pregnancy Checklist for First-Time Moms

Preparing for pregnancy involves many considerations, and ensuring that your insurance coverage is adequate is crucial. This checklist covers what you should review and manage before, during, and after pregnancy.

Prenatal vitamins checklist

Always consult with your doctor before starting any prenatal vitamin regimen. The following are common guidelines, unless you have contraindications.

Check if your plan covers prescription prenatal vitamins and medications. You may need a prescription from your doctor to receive coverage.

• Folic acid: 400 micrograms (mcg)
• Vitamin D: 600 international units (IU)
• Calcium: 1,000 milligrams (mg)
• Vitamin C: 80 mg
• Thiamine: 1.4 mg
• Riboflavin: 1.4 mg
• Niacin: 18 mg
• Vitamin B12: 2.6 mcg
• Vitamin B6: 1.9 mg
• Vitamin E: 15 mg
• Zinc: 11 mg
• Iron: 27 mg
• Vitamin A: 770 mcg

Your doctor’s recommendations are more accurate than the averages listed here^[1].

Insurance for Pregnancy

It’s always heartening to know that your child won’t go without any health insurance, because you can buy health coverage for that child outside of the usual fall Open Enrollment period. However, unlike childbirth, pregnancy is not considered a qualifying event, so you’ll have to wait until November, when open enrollment begins each year, if you don’t buy health insurance ahead of time.

Not only is a hospital birth expensive, it’s a hassle not having health coverage because prenatal care is so important and pricey. 

In fact, on top of a standard health insurance policy, having supplemental insurance products will help with out-of-pocket expenses.

If you’re planning the birth of a child after open enrollment ends in December, you must buy health insurance ahead of the birth, during Open Enrollment – or else, save up tens of thousands to pay for all of the associated costs out-of-pocket. Think anywhere between $30,000 to $50,000 for childbirth costs in a hospital stay with no insurance.^[3]

What a Pregnancy Health Insurance Plan Should Cover

• Prenatal Care:
  • For prenatal visits, ultrasounds, and routine tests.
  • Coverage for high-risk pregnancy care, if applicable or possible.
• Maternity Coverage:
  • For labor, delivery, and postpartum care.
  • Check for restrictions on where you can give birth (hospital, birthing center, home birth).
• Obstetrician or Midwife Coverage:
  • See if your obstetrician, midwife, or other birthing team is in-network.
• Postpartum Care
  • Make sure that postpartum check-ups are covered, in case you have an emotional setback after birth.

Understanding Health Insurance Coverages for Pregnancy

• Deductibles and Copays:
  • Ask your agent to go over your deductible, if you have one. If you have an HMO there will be no deductible.
  • Find out what the copayment amounts are for doctor visits, lab work, and child delivery and hospital stay.
• Out-of-Pocket Maximum:
  • There is a maximum for how much you will pay out-of-pocket, so ask your agent what that maximum is. After you reach the max, your health insurance policy covers 100% of remaining costs.
• Pre-Approval Requirements:
  • Pre-approvals take time, so ask your insurer if any services for pregnancies require pre-approval. Some specialized tests will require your primary doctor to ask for approval for coverage.
  • Services that often require pre-approval include genetic testing, certain ultrasounds and more.
• Estimate Delivery and Other Birth-related Charges:
  • Add up the out-of-pocket costs of delivery, hospital stays and services, plus anesthesia and procedures for potential complications.
• Newborn Enrollment in a Health Plan:
  • Add your newborn to your insurance plan within 30 days after birth.

Prescription Drug Coverage and Additional Pregnancy Coverage

• Prescription Costs During Pregnancy:
  • Check your insurance company’s formulary to see if they offer coverage for any medications you may need during pregnancy and postpartum. Many women end up temporarily taking antidepressants after childbirth so check the SSRI list.
• Telehealth and Teladoc Services:
  • Confirm that you can use telehealth services for prenatal and postnatal care. If you have Teladoc services, the virtual visits are free, so ask your agent about it. New moms end up paying a fortune in setting up traditional doctor appointments for each new question that arises.
• Mental Health Services:
  • Review coverage for mental health services, including therapy and postpartum depression support. Even if you’ve never had to battle mental illness, the hormonal shifts and abrupt transition to being a mother may trigger an issue that is entirely new to you.
• Nutritional Counseling:
  • See if your health plan covers nutritional counseling during pregnancy. If it does, you can pick up some tips on how to manage cravings while eating nutritiously. You’ll also have the support necessary to avoid gaining excessive weight and having common health issues, with a proper diet.
• Breastfeeding Support:
  • See if your health plan covers lactation consultants and breast pumps. Breastfeeding doesn’t come automatically for some women, so it’s a good idea to see if your health benefits will cover some of the costs if you have to hire a lactation specialist. Also, good breast pumps, especially electric ones, are not cheap!
• Maternity Classes:
  • Check if your plan covers childbirth education classes, breastfeeding workshops and parenting seminars. You may end up scouring through countless books anyway, but live classes may be beneficial too.
• Contribute to HSA/FSA:
  • Maximizing contributions to a health savings account (HSA) or flexible savings account (FSA) may help cover pregnancy-related out-of-pocket expenses.In fact, on top of a standard health insurance policy, having supplemental insurance products will help with out-of-pocket expenses.
  • See which expenses are eligible for reimbursement through your HSA or FSA.

Health Insurance Coverage for Newborn Care

• Pediatrician Coverage:
  • Unless you’re willing to change doctors, make sure your pediatrician is in-network and see how comprehensive the benefits are.
• Newborn Health Screenings:
  • Newborn screenings, vaccinations and other visits should be covered by the insurance plan you buy.
• NICU Coverage:
  • Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) services are often needed for babies who need extra care after birth. See if your plan would cover the cost. Between 10 and 15% of babies born in the U.S. need NICU care.^[2] If born prematurely, for instance, a baby's lungs may not be developed enough to work without special care.

Life Insurance Considerations for a New Mom and Baby

• Buy Life Insurance Coverage:
  • Unless you projected expenses related to a baby and already bought a life insurance policy, now is the time to consider life insurance to protect your baby’s future in case you have an untimely passing.
  • Consider whether a term life policy makes more sense for you or a permanent life insurance policy.
  • Increase coverage to protect your entire family if you have not revisited an existing life insurance policy.
• Add a New Beneficiary:
  • Consider adding your newborn as a beneficiary on your life insurance policy. You can have more than one beneficiary on a life insurance plan, so if this is not baby number one, add all your children.
• Buy a Life Insurance Policy for the Baby
  • A permanent life insurance policy for a baby is very inexpensive and will accrue a savings that your child can cash out to pay for college or to start a business.

What Is Hospital Indemnity Insurance for Pregnancy?

Hospital indemnity insurance for pregnancy is a supplemental insurance policy that provides a fixed cash benefit for each day you're hospitalized due to pregnancy, childbirth, or complications. It helps cover out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles, co-pays, and other costs not fully covered by your primary health insurance. The benefit is paid directly to you, allowing flexibility in how the funds are used.

It’s especially beneficial for those with high-deductible health plans, expectant parents planning for childbirth, or anyone concerned about potential out-of-pocket expenses during hospital stays.

Additionally, it’s a good option for people who want flexibility in covering non-medical expenses, like transportation or child care, while hospitalized.

Pregnancy Hospital Bag Checklist

Not having the essentials while you’re at the hospital may leave you feeling uncomfortable. However, it’s not just you that you have to pack for; remember the baby’s needs and your partner or support person’s daily essentials too. Here are some things to consider putting in your pregnancy hospital bag. Or you could pack several, depending on how many people you expect to be there with you after the birth.

Checklist for Moms-to-be

• Important Documents: Drivers license, insurance card, birth plan, doctor contact information and hospital registration forms.
• Comfortable Clothing: Maternity robe, slippers, comfortable pajamas and an outfit for leaving the hospital.
• Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, hairbrush, face wash, moisturizer, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, and other toiletries that you use daily.
• Postpartum Items: Maternity pads, nursing bras, breast pads and nipple cream.
• Electronics: Phone, charger and any other device that you use daily.
• Snacks and Drinks: Snacks, bottled water and juices of choice.

Checklist for Newborn Baby

• Clothing: Onesies, socks and other clothing appropriate to the weather, for leaving the hospital.
• Blanket: Soft blanket or swaddle.
• Diapers and Wipes: Small diapers for newborns and baby wipes for sensitive skin.
• Car Seat: Install the seat ahead of time so it is ready for the ride home.

Checklist for Partner/Support Person

• Comfortable Clothing: If your partner or support person is staying overnight, make sure they pack a change of clothes as well as toiletries they use every day.
• Blankets. You can never have too many blankets, and hospitals tend to get cold and offer very light blankets.
• Entertainment: Books, magazines or tablets.
• Electronics: Remember your phone and charger as well as any other devices that you use every day.
• Snacks: Snacks and ready-to-eat food and drinks. The hospital cafeteria is not known for carrying the widest options for meals or beverages. Partners and support persons can always leave the hospital and pick up food from another establishment and bring it back for all of you if you prefer to avoid hospital food.

Final Tip

• Compare Health Insurance Quotes: Due to the affordable care act (ACA), health care services are available after your baby's arrival on the health insurance marketplace. Pregnant women who meet income eligibility requirements may qualify for subsidized plans. If not, a private insurance company may offer an affordable option. Compare rates by entering your zip code. You may be eligible for an ACA health plan at a low cost now that you have a new dependent, even if you didn’t qualify before the birth of your child.