Story at-a-glance
- Normal maternity leave is not covered by disability insurance.
- Pregnancy complications may be covered, after the elimination period is met.
- A history of complications may result in an exclusion for future pregnancies.
- If you’re already pregnant, that pregnancy is not covered under a new policy.
- Normal past deliveries typically allow for future pregnancy coverage.
What’s Covered—and What’s Not
Disability insurance is designed to protect your income if an illness or injury keeps you from working. While that includes many medical conditions, normal pregnancy and maternity leave are not covered.
So, if you plan to take time off for a routine vaginal delivery or C-section and recover normally, you won’t receive benefits from your disability policy.
When Pregnancy Is Covered
Disability insurance can cover pregnancy—but only if there are complications that prevent you from working. Examples include:
- Preterm labor
- Pregnancy-induced hypertension
- Gestational diabetes with complications
- Postpartum issues like infection or hemorrhage
In these situations, your disability insurance could pay benefits—but only after the elimination period is met. Most policies have a 90-day waiting period, so short-term complications may not qualify for payment.
What If You’ve Had Complications Before?
If you’ve had complications in a past pregnancy, insurers may treat that as a pre-existing condition. This means any future pregnancy complications may be excluded from coverage in a new policy.
For example, if you had preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy, or anything other than a normal vaginal birth, your new disability policy might exclude any future disability related to pregnancy complications.
That’s why it’s smart to buy coverage before starting a family or experiencing any issues.
What If You’re Already Pregnant?
If you’re already pregnant and trying to purchase disability insurance, that specific pregnancy and any complications from it will not be covered.
However, if you’ve had a normal delivery in the past, most companies will cover future pregnancies.
Final Thought
Disability insurance doesn’t replace maternity leave, but it can provide peace of mind in the event of pregnancy complications. If you’re thinking about starting a family—or you’ve had complications in the past—it’s best to get covered before your next pregnancy.
Want to know what your policy would cover? Click the button below to request a free disability insurance quote.
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