Insurance guide for same-sex married couples

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Health insurance is a crucial component of maintaining well-being and financial stability for couples. For same-sex couples, finding and securing comprehensive health insurance can sometimes come with unique challenges and considerations.

Despite the strides made in equality and recognition, navigating the intricacies of health insurance policies and understanding your rights remains essential.

This guide is designed to help same-sex couples explore their health insurance options, address potential obstacles, and make informed choices to ensure that both partners receive the coverage and care they deserve. Whether you are newly married, in a long-term partnership, or building a family, understanding your health insurance options is vital for protecting your health and financial future.

Health insurance considerations for same-sex couples

Insurance companies cannot refuse you coverage or charge you higher premiums based on your sexual orientation or gender identity, whether you are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Additionally, you cannot be denied coverage or face higher costs due to any pre-existing health conditions, including HIV status. Insurers are also prohibited from capping the amount they spend on your medical care, whether annually or over your lifetime.

“The Supreme Court’s (Defense of Marriage Act) decision provides that the federal government may not discriminate against same-sex couples who are legally married,” says Loretta Worters, vice president at the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I).

However, there are healthcare inequities in the LGBTQ+ community. A 2023 study in the journal Health Affairs revealed that LGBTQ+ adults are more likely than their counterparts to forgo healthcare because of the high cost of care. Additionally, healthcare professionals are permitted to refuse service to LGBTQ+ patients due to their religious beliefs in 10 states.

Life insurance considerations for same-sex couples

Same-sex couples have the same rights as opposite-sex couples when it comes to life insurance. In fact, being married can save money. This means that insurance providers cannot discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity. You can expect the same access to policies and rates as any other couple.

Having proper legal documentation is crucial. Ensure your marital status and any relevant domestic partnership or civil union details are updated with your insurance provider. This can help prevent any issues with claim payouts. The underwriting department may want to know your relationship with your beneficiary and how they would be affected in the event of your death. This is standard practice regardless of your sexual orientation. Same-sex couples should explicitly name their partner as the beneficiary to avoid any potential disputes or legal complications.

Life insurance companies evaluate health status when offering coverage. If you are HIV positive, you will need to shop around to find an insurer that offers you affordable coverage.

Auto insurance considerations for same-sex couples

Being in a same-sex relationship shouldn’t impact your auto insurance policy. However, if you’re married, you may be able to get a discount on your coverage.

Generally, married couples are required to be on the same car insurance policy. The downside of this is that if one partner is a poor driver or has bad credit, it could affect the insurance rates.

Home insurance considerations for same-sex couples

Being in a same-sex relationship does not impact homeowners insurance — or renters insurance.

How to appeal denied coverage

Should you be denied coverage or a particular service, the first thing you should do is ask the company about the denial.

Find out the reason for the denial. That will help in an appeal.

The recourse you have may be available through your employer, the company offering the services or legal agencies, such as the American Civil Liberties Union. You can also contact your state’s division of insurance, which can guide you depending on the exact issue.

The good news for same-sex married couples is that the Supreme Court cleared many barriers. However, depending on your employer and state, you may find issues remain when it comes to getting health insurance for your spouse.