Short Term Disability and Hospital Indemnity: Together Providing Peace of Mind for Growing Families

Expecting a baby is exciting, but it also comes with financial considerations. In addition to the loss of income for staying home to recuperate from birth, the average out-of-pocket cost for childbirth with health insurance is $2,854.¹ That’s where Short Term Disability and Hospital Indemnity insurance can work together to provide additional benefits to help cover expenses.

Employer Solutions

Short Term Disability coverage provides partial income replacement when an employee is medically unable to work due to pregnancy and childbirth. Typically, Short Term Disability covers six weeks after a vaginal delivery and eight weeks after a cesarean section, though complications may extend this time frame. It ensures there is still some income while recovering and bonding with a newborn.

Although Short Term Disability benefits cover a portion of lost income, there are supplementary solutions available to help address additional costs associated with childbirth.

One option is Hospital Indemnity coverage through an employer. Hospital Indemnity coverage pays benefits for qualifying hospitalizations, like inpatient care following childbirth. Policies pay a fixed amount per day or event, regardless of actual hospital costs. These payments can be used for anything — medical bills, child care, transportation and food.

Seamless Integration of Benefits

The Standard's Hospital Indemnity policy also automatically covers the first newborn child of an insured employee for up to 31 days following birth, if the child is admitted to neonatal intensive care due to injury or sickness. This gives an employee's family time to adjust to their new responsibilities without having the pressure to get forms completed quickly.

At The Standard, if you are enrolled in both your employer’s Short Term Disability and Hospital Indemnity plans, they work together seamlessly, so you can focus on what matters most: the new baby.

When a member files a Short Term Disability maternity claim, they’ll also receive a hospital indemnity Quick Claim form. All they have to do is verify their admission dates. The Standard will pay Hospital Indemnity benefits without any additional proof of loss.

We understand the planning aspect new parents face when they are expanding their family. Coverage can help provide peace of mind and additional security, so you can focus on the things that really matter, like recovery and family.

With the right combination of benefits in place, expecting parents can feel more confident and supported as they prepare for one of life’s most important milestones. Contact a representative near you if you have questions or want more information about Short Term Disability or Hospital Indemnity coverage.