Hassle-Free Health Coverage: Adding Insureds to a Policy

If you're about to have a baby, you might want to read your policy carefully and be extremely cautious about changing your insurance.

Under some plans, a new child will be automatically covered for 31 days after the date of birth. However, in order for coverage to continue beyond that time, you must notify the insurance company to request coverage and pay an additional premium for the child within the 31-day period.

Coverage for a newborn child includes coverage for:

- congenital defects;

- birth abnormalities; and

- injury or sickness.

An important note: No benefits are provided for premature birth (where no defects or abnormalities are involved) or well-baby care.

If you want to add someone other than a newborn, such as, a new spouse, or adopted child, you must make an application for coverage, submit proof of insurability, and pay an additional premium.