Short Term Disability - Pregnancy

What is the name of your state? MA

My husband and I are thinking about starting a family, however my current employer does not pay and/or have short-term disability coverage. If I was to get pregnant and take time off after the baby arrived, it would be an unpaid leave. My former employer categorized having a baby as short-term disability and I would have been covered for up to 8 weeks under their Short-term disability Insurance plan.

Can I purchase a short-term disability insurance contract/policy before I am with child so I would be covered until I return to work?

Q: Can I purchase a short-term disability insurance contract/policy before I am with child so I would be covered until I return to work?

A: Ask an insurance agent; if such a critter is available, I will bet it is very expensive since pregnancy is not a "disability" in any sense of the word.

More specifically, ask a MA agent as coverage is state specific. You might also check with the MA DOL. Some states (such as NY & CA) have mandatory TDI provided by employers. MA has a lot of give away stuff in the health care field.

For the most part, STD is a group or payroll deduction product. If your employer does not offer such a plan, ask if they will offer one.

Of course you can also start saving your money. Eight weeks without pay is only the beginning of your financial responsibility for a child.