After extensive research, the best answer to whether doula services are covered by insurance is: “Some insurance companies offer coverage, while others do not.” The good news is that many insurers will reimburse doula services—especially if the doula has a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number. Many doulas assist with filing insurance claims to make the process less stressful for their clients.
Insurance Companies That Have Reimbursed Doula Services
Although coverage is not guaranteed, the following insurance companies have reimbursed clients for doula care in the past:
- Aetna Healthcare
- AltPro
- Baylor Health Care System/WEB TPA
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield (various plans)
- Cigna
- Degussa (a German Chemical Company)
- Elmcare, LLC (North American Medical Management)
- Foundation for Medical Care
- Fortis Insurance
- Glencare Managed Health Inc.
- Great-West Life & Annuity Ins. Co.
- HNTB (Peoria, IL)
- Houston New England Financial (Fort Scott, KS)
- Humana Employers Health
- Lutheran General Physician’s Organization
- Maritime Life
- Medical Mutual
- Oschner HMO (Louisiana)
- Professional Benefits Administrators
- Prudential Healthcare
- QualChoice
- Summit Management Services, Inc.
- Travelers
- United Healthcare (various plans, including POS and Georgia coverage)
- Wausau Benefits, Inc.
Since insurance policies vary by state and employer, it is recommended that you call your insurance provider before hiring a doula to verify whether services may be covered.
How to File for Doula Reimbursement
If your insurance company does cover doula services, you will likely need to pay your doula upfront and then file for reimbursement. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Gather the Required Documentation
✅ A detailed invoice from your doula, including:
- Doula’s name and contact information
- Doula’s NPI number (if applicable)
- A breakdown of services provided
- The total cost of services
✅ A letter from your doula summarizing the support provided and its benefits
✅ A claim form from your insurance provider (usually found on their website)
✅ A letter from your healthcare provider (if required) stating how doula services supported your birth, potentially reducing medical interventions and costs
Step 2: Submit the Claim
📌 File your claim within 2 weeks of birth to ensure prompt processing.
📌 Send all required documentation via mail, fax, or the insurance company’s online portal.
📌 Expect a response within 4 weeks. The insurer may request additional information, such as:
- Your doula’s certification or accreditation
- A statement from your provider explaining the medical necessity of doula care
Step 3: Appeal if Necessary
If your insurance denies the claim, don’t give up! You have the right to appeal by:
✔️ Writing a letter to the Health Services department of your insurance company, explaining how doula care reduced costs by preventing unnecessary medical interventions.
✔️ Requesting a supervisor review your claim for reconsideration.
✔️ Contacting higher-level executives, such as the CEO or customer advocacy department, to escalate your request.
While reimbursement is not guaranteed, persistence can increase your chances of approval!
Final Thoughts
Hiring a doula is an investment in your birth experience, and in many cases, insurance may cover or reimburse part of the cost. If coverage is denied, other options like HSAs, FSAs, payment plans, and crowdfunding can help make doula care more accessible.
📌 Pro Tip: Always check with your insurance provider before hiring a doula to understand your plan’s coverage details.
📢 Disclaimer: This guide provides general information and does not guarantee that any specific insurance plan will reimburse doula services. Policies vary, and each claim is reviewed individually.
References:
- Bohren, M. A., Hofmeyr, G. J., Sakala, C., Fukuzawa, R. K., & Cuthbert, A. (2017).
“Continuous support for women during childbirth.” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 7(CD003766). - Dekker, R. (2019).
“Evidence on: Doulas.” Evidence-Based Birth. Retrieved from https://evidencebasedbirth.com - Hardeman, R. R., Kozhimannil, K. B., & Karbeah, J. (2019).
“Applying a Critical Race Lens to Minnesota’s Doula Policies.” American Journal of Public Health, 109(2), 279–284. - Kozhimannil, K. B., Hardeman, R. R., Alarid-Escudero, F., Vogelsang, C. A., Blauer-Peterson, C., & Howell, E. A. (2016).
“Modeling the cost-effectiveness of doula care associated with reductions in preterm birth and cesarean delivery.” Birth, 43(1), 20-27. - National Health Law Program (2021).
“Doula Medicaid Project: Expanding Access to Doula Services for Medicaid Beneficiaries.” Retrieved from https://healthlaw.org - U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) (2022).
“Doula Services & Medicaid: Expanding Access to Maternal Support.” Retrieved from https://www.medicaid.gov
