"I am insured in my hometown, but I need to undergo IVF treatment in another place. Can I get medical insurance coverage for this? This is one of the most frequently asked questions in our Q&A section. The answer isn't simply "yes" or "no". It depends on whether there is any registration required, whether the hospital in question offers direct settlement services, and whether the procedure is listed in the insurance coverage directory." This article explains the key steps involved in claiming reimbursement for IVF treatments conducted in different locations.

1. Key conclusion: It's possible to get coverage, but you must first complete the registration process.

Assisted reproductive technologies are covered by medical insurance in 31 provinces across the country. However, medical insurance settlement follows the principle of "policy-based in the place of insurance enrollment, with management at the place of treatment". If you receive treatment outside your place of insurance enrollment, it's best to register as soon as possible. Once the registration is completed, you can seek out hospitals that offer direct settlement services in the place where you receive treatment. In most cases, you can settle the bill directly, without having to pay upfront and then go through the hassle of additional procedures.

2. Three-step process

Step 1: Register

Use the "National Medical Insurance Service Platform" app or mini-program to enter the "Registration for Treatment Abroad" section. Select the appropriate option based on your situation, such as "Long-term residence abroad" or "Temporary medical treatment abroad". Some regions allow self-registration, which takes effect immediately.

Step 2: Choose a hospital

Make sure the hospital you choose is an authorized institution for assisted reproductive technology and offers direct settlement services abroad. You can find such hospitals within the app.

Step 3: Use your card for settlement

Present your medical insurance electronic voucher or social security card during treatment. Procedures that are covered by insurance can be settled directly, with you only paying the deductible amount.

3. What to do if you haven't registered or if direct settlement isn't available

If you haven't registered or if the hospital doesn't offer direct settlement services, you'll typically need to pay in full first, and then return to your place of insurance enrollment to request a manual reimbursement. This can be costly and time-consuming. Therefore, it's strongly recommended to register in advance.

4. Which procedures are covered? Is the same for overseas treatments?

The list of procedures covered by medical insurance abroad generally follows the "place of insurance enrollment" directory. The reimbursement rate also depends on local policies. The hospital in question is responsible for managing the process. Most procedures, such as egg retrieval, embryo culture, transplantation, sperm selection, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection, are already covered. But please refer to the local insurance directory for details.

5. Three common mistakes

• Mistake 1: Thinking that the reimbursement rate depends on where you receive treatment. This is incorrect. The reimbursement rate is determined by the policies of the place of insurance enrollment.
• Mistake 2: Making a decision without registering first. This results in paying upfront and then going through additional procedures, which is not ideal.
• Mistake 3: Ignoring the deductible and maximum reimbursement limits. Outpatient and inpatient treatment have different rules. Since IVF procedures often involve outpatient care, it's important to understand the local policies regarding outpatient care.

6. Recommendations from Leilawa

Make registration an essential step before starting IVF treatment. Spending just 10 minutes completing the registration process can save you thousands of dollars in costs and time. Our Q&A section can help you understand the steps involved. But please always rely on official sources for final confirmation and verification.