Do Global Health Plans Cover Birth Control?
Whether or not birth control will be covered in health insurance policies will depend on where you live and what type of health insurance you have.
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Birth control helps improve the lives of women around the world by preventing unintended pregnancies that can get in the way of their career/education plans, and can lead to unsafe abortions, miscarriages, or even the fetus’ death.
Despite being insured, many women still have to pay out of pocket for contraceptives, and sometimes end up having to spend a significant amount of money to lead a life of their choice, start a family when they’re ready, or pursue their career goals on their terms.
In this article by Pacific Prime, we will shed light on the different insurance options available for women who do not wish to risk having a baby just yet.
Is Birth Control Covered by Insurance?
This largely depends on where you live, whether you have an onshore or global plan, and what included benefits are in your corporate medical plan. However, there are general guidelines about what’s covered under different policies.
For example, in the US under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), private and corporate medical insurance plans have to cover all female preventative treatment in full (no copayments or deductibles), which also includes the different contraceptive options.
In most European countries, contraceptives are refunded up to a certain amount or can be obtained for free with a prescription, which is also applicable to local low-earning, eligible women. International insurance plans will cover OB/GYN visits, but most likely won’t cover elective birth control.
In Asian countries like Thailand, China, or Hong Kong, on the other hand, certain forms of contraception can be acquired over the counter without the need for a prescription. Hence, insurance typically doesn’t cover those associated costs.
Each country has its own Family Planning facilities, where eligible women/couples can get the necessary education, treatments, and birth control. This is mainly an option for residents.
Things look differently for global plans. Let’s take a look at how global health plans treat birth control issues, depending on the plan:
Travel Insurance
No travel insurance plan covers birth control, as the main goal of travel insurance plans is to offer protection for medical emergencies only. Learn more about travel insurance here.
IPMI Plans
When it comes to international private medical insurance, virtually all insurers have general exclusions that apply to individual plans.
Any treatment related to pregnancy, birth control or sterilization of either sex, infertility treatment (e.g. IVF), or sexual dysfunction (such as impotence, erectile dysfunction, etc.,) regardless of the cause is almost always excluded.
While the costs related to pregnancy and childbirth can be covered under a special maternity insurance plan, birth control options are usually not covered. Hormonal birth control can be included in the plan if specifically requested, for a slightly higher premium.
Contraceptives, on the other hand, can potentially be covered when used not as a contraceptive measure, but if it’s medically necessary to treat other disorders (e.g. irregular/painful menstruation, menstrual acne, endometriosis, etc.).
Hence, it’s always a good idea to check with your broker or insurance provider whether you can be reimbursed for contraceptive methods.
Corporate Medical Plans
Corporate medical plans are great options for expats, as they tend to provide more comprehensive coverage. Group plans typically cover your pre-existing conditions and all the related treatments, but they also must follow local laws.
Take China, for example, where birth control can be obtained over the counter. Thus, you can’t claim it unless it’s prescribed for medical reasons.
However, group policies can be extended by employers so that they provide supplementary benefits such as maternity or preventive care, which, depending on the plan’s schedule of benefits, can include birth control.
How Much Does Birth Control Cost Without Insurance?
Birth control without insurance can cost up to USD 2,000 per year. However, this depends on the method of birth control you choose, and the cost also varies based on your coverage.
Thus, you can save money if you choose any typical form of birth control, but if your plan covers the cost of a specific brand or type of birth control, then you wouldn’t have to spend a dime.
Conversely, out-of-pocket costs for birth control pills went down significantly after the Affordable Care Act (ACA) started. In 2018, more than two out of three women could get contraceptive pills for free, compared to only 15% in 2012 before the ACA.
For women who still have to pay, the average yearly out-of-pocket cost for birth control pills is $226 with insurance and $268 without insurance. Women may also need to pay for doctor visits to get and manage their birth control. The average yearly out-of-pocket cost for these doctor visits is $87.
Types of Birth Control
Nowadays, there are many types of contraceptives, also known as “birth control,” available both to women and men. Some options vary in efficiency, while some are easier to use.
Below is a list of common birth control measures that also include methods which can be used by males. However, most of them are designed to be used by women:
Reversible Contraceptive Methods
- Oral contraceptive pills
- Injectable contraceptives
- Male condom
- Female condom
- Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD)
- Spermicides – vaginal contraceptive film
- Abstinence
- Fertility awareness
Emergency Contraception
- Emergency Contraceptive Pills
- Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD)
The costs of contraceptive methods differ from country to country and also depend on the type of contraceptive used. While following a fertility calendar is free, it is not a viable option for many women as it’s not always effective and accurate.
IUCDs, which can offer peace of mind for up to 12 years, are often quite costly.
Benefits of Birth Control
Women should have the right to choose when they are ready to have a baby. Not only do they have to be ready in the economical and mental sense, but also health-wise, as there is a wide range of conditions that puts both women and babies at risk in case of an unwanted pregnancy.
These factors include age, weight, and pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure, PCOS, and many others.
Besides its main purpose, hormonal contraception methods reduce pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality, as well as the risk of developing certain reproductive cancers, and can be used to treat many menstrual-related symptoms and disorders.
The Bottom Line
Depending on where you live, you might find that certain forms of contraception (e.g. condoms or contraceptive pills) are easily accessible and affordable. For an expat woman living abroad, however, options for getting birth control insurance can be quite limited.
As such, we recommend that you consult with your broker, insurer, or benefits administrator to see if they can extend your policy to cover contraception, or if birth control measures can be reimbursed if deemed as “medically necessary”.
With over 20 years of reputation as a world-leading health insurance broker, Pacific Prime offers comprehensive international health insurance with tailor-made solutions to any health-related matters with expert knowledge and impartiality.
For more information, our article here describes in detail what you can do if your company’s medical coverage is insufficient.
Feel free to contact us for a free quote and customized health insurance plan, as well as help with topping up your corporate medical insurance.
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Comments
2 Comments
What are some local family planning resources available for expat women that might help with birth control education and access? Are there any cultural or legal considerations I should be aware of when seeking contraception in my new country?
Local family planning resources for expat women vary by country but often include clinics, pharmacies, and NGOs that provide contraception education and access. In countries like Thailand, birth control is readily available over the counter, while in Mexico, public healthcare systems such as IMSS often offer affordable options. Cultural and legal considerations, like understanding local attitudes toward contraception or ensuring prescriptions meet residency requirements, are essential to keep in mind.
For tailored advice on health insurance plans that may support reproductive healthcare needs, contact our team at Pacific Prime via our Contact Us page.
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