Infertility has always been the source of suffering for many women. Defined as one of the oldest diseases to affect human reproduction system, this inability to conceived has sparked many controversies throughout history. From diversity of beliefs, to cultural stigma, magic, religious rites and superstitions, infertility theories have had it all.
The ancient world, primitive in his knowledge and beliefs, attributed infertility solely to women whose faith was concealed with scares, despise and rejection from the entire society. The medieval period however, saw the birth of the human equality concept and started attributing the guilt to both men and women. Whereas, modern society adopted a different analytic approach. Equipped with knowledge and technology, researchers and scientists were able to confirm some of the roots to this human malfunctioning. It has been concluded that in females, infertility involves ovulation disorder, blocked tubes, endometriosis and fibroids. While in male, the low sperm count, erectile dysfunction and smoking were the main culprits.
In a less judgmental world, tooled with increased awareness, more governments are stepping in to help young couples, who desire having a child, by allocating additional funds to researches with the aim of enhancing and restoring human reproduction ability and capacity. With the current market promoting several fertility treatments from artificial insemination, revival of Spermatozoa, laparotomy, laparoscopy then the ever-desired in vitro fertilization (IVF) to the recent artificial intelligence and robotic intervention, how is the Insurance world coping with all this growth and never-ending exploration? Certainly, the hectic path in which science is evolving in this sector has had its weight on Insurance providers leading to a continuous revision and update to the policy wordings, terms, conditions and exclusions.
The Middle East and the GCC countries’ markets have had their shares in this evolution with insurers racing the clock to bring out their latest products and keep up with the existing intense competition. Although infertility treatment still falls under the major exclusions in a health insurance cover provided by local insurers, infertility treatment is available for purchase as an optional benefit in some of the Global Health Insurer’s products. Such additional benefit would cover expenses related to investigations, diagnosis and treatment for both sexes including all invasive investigative procedures necessary to establish the cause of infertility such as hysterosalpingogram, laparoscopy or hysteroscopy.
In the case of In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), Artificial insemination, GIFT, ZIFT, ICSI and donor eggs, cover is limited to the amount specified in the Table of Benefits. Moreover, under this benefit, a maximus of 3 cycles is allowed per lifetime for such treatment and related prescribed medications including prescribed fertility improvement supplements and hormonal pills.
Should the IVF result successful, all future regular gynaecologist visits, ultrasounds, blood tests and any other test related to the pregnancy will be covered under the maternity benefit and up to the limits specified in the table of benefits.
Lastly, and upon birth, the new born will be automatically covered under the mother’s health card for up to 30 days, the period granted to the new parents to process the enrolment of their child under the medical insurance policy and the issuance of a separate medical card for him/her.
You are safe with us! At Associated Alliance, we help you choose the right medical insurance cover in terms of benefits and premium. We follow you in your infertility treatment journey and advocate for you should you encounter difficulties in getting the needed care. Our team will be at your disposal to assist you with your claims’ lodgement till settlement and will handle the renewal of your coverage to ascertain the best possible outcome while maintaining continuity of cover. With 20+ years of experience in the local and regional markets, we make sure to provide you the best medical insurance product tailored with care to cater your expectations and needs.
Please feel free to reach out.