Getting and Keeping Insurance After Living Donation
Health Insurance
Q: Do I need health insurance to be a donor?
A: We recommend you have health insurance for your own protection before and after donation, for your own health care needs in the long term. However, your own insurance will not be billed for the donation or costs associated with the donor work-up -- even if you decide not to donate or if you are ‘ruled out’ medically.
Q: Why do you recommend that I have my own health insurance?
A: If any pre-donor tests show that you have a problem, such as high blood pressure, you or your insurance company will be responsible for costs related to getting this problem treated. Sometimes routine, preventive care exams are required prior to living donation, which aren’t covered by the recipient’s insurance. This might include things like mammogram, PAP smear, prostate health screening, or colonoscopy -- so be sure to check on this with your donor coordinator or social worker.
- If you have a medical emergency (not related to donation), treatment will be billed to you or your insurance.
- Health insurance will cover routine checkups with your own doctor. We urge you to see your own doctor each year for a checkup, even if you haven’t had any health problems. It is very important to take care of your health after you donate, and having health insurance makes that a lot easier.
Donors rarely report problems getting or keeping health insurance after donating an organ. Please discuss your concerns with your insurance company or Human Resources department, if employed. If you have any problems, your donor team may help advocate for you and you should notify your social worker/ financial counselor who may be able to assist you.
