- Assuming you'll buy health insurance after you're pregnant.
Health insurers won't sell you a policy if you're already pregnant. (Exception: Insurers have to cover pregnancy when you move from one group health plan to another.)
- Using out-of-network doctors when delivering your baby.
Health maintenance organizations typically pay only a small percentage of bills from out-of-network doctors.
- Failing to quickly add your newborn to your health insurance policy.
Many health plans give you only 30 days to add your newborn. If you miss this window, you'll have to wait until the next open enrollment period and your baby will go uninsured until then.
- Failing to understand your health insurance policy covers.
Does your plan cover well-baby care? Hearing screenings? Immunizations? Know what your policy pays for before you visit the doctor.
- Confusing eligibility rules for dependents with those for the newborn.
If your dependents are pregnant, their maternity costs may be covered but the newborn won't be. For example, if your daughter is on your health plan as a dependent and is pregnant, you will not be able to add the baby to your plan.
- Neglecting to buy life insurance.
Life insurance protects your loved ones so that your new family receives financial support in the event of your death. Get instant quotes at Insure.com.
