Does Insurance Cover a Doula?
It depends on your insurer, your specific plan, and where you live. Some families have part or all of the cost reimbursed, some pay with HSA or FSA funds, and others pay out of pocket.
The doulas listed on Bornbir tell us which plans they accept. Pick your insurance below to see doulas near you who accept it, or answer a few questions and let matching doulas come to you.
Insurance plans accepted by doulas
43 plans with at least 2 doulas listed on Bornbir.
- Medicaid Doulas 346 providers
- Carrot Doulas 322 providers
- Kaiser Permanente Doulas 199 providers
- UnitedHealthcare Doulas 145 providers
- Tricare Doulas 121 providers
- Health Net Doulas 111 providers
- Molina Healthcare Doulas 107 providers
- Aetna Doulas 100 providers
- Anthem Blue Cross Doulas 96 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Doulas 94 providers
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Doulas 81 providers
- UnitedHealthcare Community Plan Doulas 70 providers
- Humana Doulas 51 providers
- Cigna Doulas 47 providers
- Blue Shield of California Doulas 40 providers
- Medicare Doulas 31 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Doulas 19 providers
- Horizon NJ Health Doulas 16 providers
- Blue Choice Health Plan Doulas 15 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program Doulas 11 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Doulas 10 providers
- Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey Doulas 10 providers
- Triwest Healthcare Alliance Doulas 10 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island Doulas 9 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Doulas 7 providers
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield Doulas 7 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota Doulas 6 providers
- Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield Doulas 5 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Doulas 4 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia Doulas 4 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York Doulas 4 providers
- Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield Doulas 4 providers
- Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Doulas 4 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Doulas 3 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Doulas 3 providers
- GEHA Doulas 3 providers
- All Savers Insurance Doulas 2 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana Doulas 2 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina Doulas 2 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas Doulas 2 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming Doulas 2 providers
- Florida Blue: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida Doulas 2 providers
- Highmark Blue Shield Doulas 2 providers
How to check your own coverage
- Call the number on your insurance card. Ask member services whether doula services are covered under your plan, and what paperwork they need.
- Ask the doula how they bill. Some bill your plan directly, and others give you an itemized receipt to submit for reimbursement.
- Ask about the alternatives if your plan says no. HSA and FSA funds, sliding scale rates, and payment plans are all worth asking about.
Doula Services FAQs
What is a doula and why should you hire one?
A doula is a trained support specialist who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during, and after childbirth. 98.6% of births in the U.S. take place in hospitals, and nearly all of them require some kind of medical intervention. However, doula-supported deliveries are linked to shorter labor, decreased need for medications, fewer c-sections, higher rates of breastfeeding initiation, less anxiety, and less postpartum depression.
Can you pay for a doula with HSA or FSA funds?
To use HSA or FSA funds for doula services, they generally need to be considered medically necessary. You might need a doctor's note or prescription stating that doula services are necessary for a specific medical condition. Keep detailed records of payments and any supporting documentation, such as a doctor's note or prescription, to substantiate that the expense was medically necessary.
Are doulas covered by insurance?
In the US, doula coverage really depends on your plan and where you live—Medicaid in about 18 states (plus DC) now covers birth doulas, a handful of states require private insurers to include them, but most private plans and Medicare don't, and CHIP mirrors your state’s Medicaid rules. In Canada, there's no public coverage, so you'll pay out‑of‑pocket unless your employer's extended health or spending‑account plan reimburses certified doula fees, and there's no CRA tax credit for it. Many doulas on Bornbir offer payment plans or sliding scale fees to make their services more accessible to a wider range of families.
How much does a doula cost if I'm paying out of pocket?
The cost of hiring a doula can vary significantly based on factors such as location, experience, and the range of services offered. On average, doula services in the United States can range from $800 to $2,500 or more. This fee typically covers prenatal visits, continuous labor support, postpartum follow-up, and educational resources. In some cases, doulas may offer additional services such as childbirth education classes or lactation consulting, which can contribute to a higher fee.
When should I hire a doula in pregnancy?
You can start researching and contacting doulas as early as your first trimester. This allows you ample time to find a doula who aligns with your birth plan and build a rapport with them. Many people choose to hire a doula during their second trimester, around weeks 12 to 27. By this point, you likely have a clearer understanding of your birth preferences and can engage a doula who can provide support tailored to your needs. If you’re in your third trimester or even approaching your due date, it’s not too late to hire a doula. Some individuals make this decision later in pregnancy due to various reasons, and doulas can still offer valuable support and information during this time. The availability of doulas in your area may also influence when you hire one. In some regions, experienced doulas may have limited availability, so it’s wise to start your search early to secure the support you desire.
What's the difference between a midwife and a doula?
A midwife is a trained health professional who helps women during labor, delivery, and after the birth of their babies. Midwives can provide gynecological examinations, prenatal care, and postpartum support. They are qualified to deliver babies and are trained to handle certain complications during childbirth. A doula, on the other hand, is a non-medical professional who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to a mother who is expecting, is experiencing labor, or has recently given birth. The doula's role is to help women have a safe, memorable, and empowering birthing experience. They are known for their continuous support, beginning during pregnancy and lasting through the postpartum period. While midwives have a broad scope of practice that is clinical in nature, doulas specialize in the non-clinical aspects of care. They might be preferred by mothers who are looking for continuous bedside support that is not typically provided by the medical staff. Doulas are known for their advocacy for the mother's wishes during childbirth, which can be especially valuable in hospital settings where the mother may desire a birth plan that deviates from standard procedures.
How much does it cost to use Bornbir?
Bornbir is entirely free for new and expecting parents to use. To begin, simply tell our community of doulas what you need in your job posting and let the right providers come to you. You can then engage in direct conversations with top-rated providers to learn more and make informed decisions. Our goal is to facilitate a seamless and accessible experience for you as you embark on this transformative journey. Get started.
Insurance coverage guides
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