Updated June 2025

The question of whether insurance covers doula services does not have a simple answer. Coverage varies widely depending on the insurer, plan, and state. However, the good news is that many insurance companies do reimburse clients for doula care, particularly when the doula holds a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number or is affiliated with a Medicaid-approved provider network.

Some doulas actively assist their clients with insurance paperwork to reduce the burden of navigating reimbursement requests.

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Insurance Companies That Have Reimbursed Doula Services

While coverage is never guaranteed, the following insurers have reimbursed clients for doula services in specific cases and regions:

• Aetna Healthcare
• AltPro
• Baylor Health Care System / WEB TPA
• Blue Cross Blue Shield (various plans)
• Cigna
• Humana Employers Health
• Medical Mutual
• United Healthcare (including POS and some state-based coverage)
• Travelers
• Prudential Healthcare
• Foundation for Medical Care
• Fortis Insurance
• Ochsner HMO (Louisiana)
• Lutheran General Physician’s Organization
• Maritime Life
• Summit Management Services, Inc.
• Wausau Benefits, Inc.

Please note: insurance policies vary by employer, state, and plan. It is highly recommended that clients contact their insurer directly to verify eligibility for reimbursement before hiring a doula.

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How to File for Doula Reimbursement

Most insurance companies that reimburse for doula care will require you to pay upfront and submit a reimbursement claim after services are rendered. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Gather Required Documentation

• A detailed invoice from your doula, including:
  • Name and contact information
  • NPI number (if applicable)
  • Itemized list of services
  • Total cost
• A summary letter from the doula describing the services provided and benefits to the client
• Your insurance company’s claim form (typically available on their website)
• A letter from your healthcare provider (if needed), explaining how doula care supported the birth and may have reduced medical interventions or complications

Step 2: Submit Your Claim

• File your claim within two weeks postpartum for optimal processing.
• Submit documentation via mail, fax, or your insurer’s online portal.
• Most claims are reviewed within 4–6 weeks. You may be asked to provide additional materials such as:
  • Doula’s certification or training documentation
  • A statement of medical necessity

Step 3: Appeal if Denied

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. Consider the following steps:

• Write a letter to the insurance company’s Health Services or Appeals Department, highlighting how doula support potentially reduced costs or interventions (e.g., epidural, cesarean birth).
• Request a supervisory review or escalate to a member advocacy or executive office.
• Be persistent—many claims are approved after a second or third submission.

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Recent Developments in Doula Coverage

Several states—including Minnesota, Oregon, California, New York, and New Jersey—have enacted policies allowing Medicaid reimbursement for doula services, helping to reduce maternal health disparities and support low-income families (National Health Law Program, 2021; U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [CMS], 2022).

Additionally, flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) can often be used to pay for doula services, even when private insurance does not cover them.

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Final Thoughts

Hiring a doula is an investment in your birth experience and can lead to better outcomes for parents and babies. While insurance reimbursement is not guaranteed, many clients have successfully received partial or full coverage with persistence and the right documentation.

Pro Tip: Always verify your benefits directly with your insurance provider before hiring a doula. Ask if they cover out-of-network providers, preventive maternity services, or complementary care under your plan.

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Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not guarantee reimbursement. Coverage decisions vary by insurer, state, and plan, and all claims are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

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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. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub6

Dekker, R. (2019). Evidence on: Doulas. Evidence-Based Birth. 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. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2018.304842

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. https://doi.org/10.1111/birt.12218

National Health Law Program. (2021). Doula Medicaid Project: Expanding access to doula services for Medicaid beneficiaries. https://healthlaw.org

U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2022). Doula services & Medicaid: Expanding access to maternal support. https://www.medicaid.gov