HEALTH CARE & HEALTH INSURANCE IN THE UNITED STATES

Having a Baby in the United States

If a member of your family may possibly have a baby while in the United States, the following information is very important for you.

Definitions
Prenatal care: Medical care for women who are pregnant
Maternity coverage: Health insurance that covers the cost of prenatal care and childbirth

Important: No maternity coverage is provided by the U.S. Government or the State of Michigan!

A woman holding a nonimmigrant visa status (F-1/F-2/J-1/J-2) who becomes pregnant and does not have health insurance with maternity coverage must pay the full cost of prenatal care and childbirth.

The average cost to deliver a baby in the United States ranges from $5,000 - $10,000USD!

Conclusion: If anyone in your family may possibly become pregnant during your stay in the United States, health insurance with maternity coverage is necessary.

It is important to purchase insurance before becoming pregnant. (Note: pregnancy is officially diagnosed/confirmed by a health care provider.) Most health insurance companies have a six-month waiting period before covering pre-existing conditions. This means that if a woman purchases health insurance after her pregnancy is confirmed, she must pay for the health insurance for six months before the health insurance company will cover any costs related to her pregnancy. She must pay for all pregnancy/prenatal costs during the first six months of her health insurance coverage. If she gives birth before the six-month waiting period is over, the health insurance will not pay for the childbirth costs.

Caution! Not all private health insurance companies offer insurance policies with maternity coverage to F-2/J-2 visa holders. Before you buy a health insurance policy, ask the health insurance company if the policy includes maternity coverage.

Note on visa status: Any child who is born inside the US is given US Citizenship.