Can I register for Short Term Disability after I'm already pregnant?

Sparkles01

Sounds like signing up for Short Term Disability would be in my best benefit, since none of my maternity leave will be paid.  Does anyone know if you can sign up for this after you're already pregnant?

I don't want to ask my company's HR department before I'm ready to tell everyone else here that I'm pregnant.

mneidrick

It all depends on your companies short term disability policy. For my company it is considered a pre-existing condition and doesn't cover it if you get the coverage after you are already pregnant. 

Sparkles01

I had a feeling I couldn't- I just have so many questions for HR and don't want to wait another month to figure everything out!

SamanthaKate85

I signed up for AFLAC and found out the day it went into effect that I was pregnant. I know with them birth is not covered within the first 10 months, so it was a no go. I was able to cancel.

It really depends what sort of program your employer has.

alzi

SamanthaKate85:

I signed up for AFLAC and found out the day it went into effect that I was pregnant. I know with them birth is not covered within the first 10 months, so it was a no go. I was able to cancel.

It really depends what sort of program your employer has.

this. We put off trying so that this insurance would be in effect. 

montie99

alzi:

SamanthaKate85:

I signed up for AFLAC and found out the day it went into effect that I was pregnant. I know with them birth is not covered within the first 10 months, so it was a no go. I was able to cancel.

It really depends what sort of program your employer has.

this. We put off trying so that this insurance would be in effect. 

Yep, I would check your states FMLA 

 

sgb721

Most policies you have to have it for 6 months prior to pregnancy (to ensure your not signing up just to be covered during maternity leave). GL

magel050485

It really depends.  Do you have open enrollment coming up?  If not, I don't believe you would even have the option of enrolling now.  At my current job (and the two previous jobs) STD was effective immediately.  If you have open enrollment coming up you may be able to just request more info from the STD provider.  In the past, my HR department has always just referred me to call the insurance customer service line to find the ins and outs of the policy.