Quick Takeaways

• Saying “I accept insurance” isn’t simple.  Every company has its own credentialing process.
• Not all insurance plans reimburse doulas, even within the same company.
• Certification is usually the first step, but insurers may also ask for CPR, liability insurance, an NPI number, and more.
• Medicaid and private insurance often have similar requirements, but coverage varies by state and by plan.
• While you’re waiting on credentialing, options like HSA/FSA, Carrot Fertility, or superbills may help clients use their benefits.
• New doulas should choose a certification program recognized by insurers (like DONA International). Mid-career doulas should research which local plans reimburse and decide which credentialing paths to pursue.

Myth: You Can Just Decide to “Accept Insurance”

Many doulas imagine it works like a store taking credit cards: you hang up a sign, and clients swipe their card. Unfortunately, insurance doesn’t work that way.

Each insurance company has its own credentialing process that you must go through before they’ll consider reimbursement. This often means filling out applications, proving your qualifications, and waiting weeks or even months for approval.

Myth: All Insurance Companies Cover Doulas

Even after credentialing, coverage isn’t guaranteed. Insurance companies may offer dozens of plans, and only a handful cover doula services.

For example: If a client says, “I have ABC Insurance,” your answer can’t just be yes or no. You’ll need to confirm:

• Which plan they have
• Whether doula care is included
• What requirements the insurer has for reimbursement

It’s that specific.

Myth: Certification Doesn’t Matter

Certification is usually the very first step in the process. Without it, most insurers won’t even look at your application.

• For brand-new doulas: Choose your certification program wisely. Some insurers only recognize certain organizations. For example, DONA International is one of the most widely accepted because of its long history and established standards.
• For mid-career doulas: Check whether your certification is accepted by the insurers in your area. If not, you may need to add or update your credentials. Or you may need to just start with the credentialing process.

Myth: Certification Is All You Need

Certification alone won’t check every box. Insurers often ask for:

• NPI Number (National Provider Identifier)
• EIN (Employer Identification Number) if you’re set up as a business
• CPR certification
• Liability insurance
• Sometimes background checks or proof of continuing education

It’s rarely one and done, it’s a package of requirements.

Myth: Medicaid and Private Insurance Are Completely Different

The requirements are often more similar than people expect. Both may ask for certification, liability insurance, and credentialing paperwork. The big difference? It all depends on your state and on the specific plan.

Some states reimburse doulas through Medicaid, others don’t. Some private insurers include doula care, others don’t. It comes down to local policy and plan details.

Myth: You Can’t Work With Insurance Until You’re Fully Credentialed

While full credentialing takes time, there are ways clients may be able to use their benefits right now:

• HSA/FSA cards: Many clients can use pre-tax funds from Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Spending Accounts to pay you directly. You’ll need to give them an invoice with the right details.
• Carrot Fertility and similar programs: Some employers partner with benefits companies that specifically cover doula care. You don’t always need the full insurance setup to be paid through these.
• Superbills: You can provide clients with a detailed invoice that they submit to their insurer for potential reimbursement.

These don’t replace credentialing, but they can help bridge the gap.

Where to Start (New vs. Mid-Career Doulas)

• If you’re brand new: Start with certification. Make sure the training program you choose is recognized by insurers where you plan to work. Ask questions about how certification connects to credentialing before you enroll.
• If you’re mid-career: Research which insurance companies in your area reimburse doulas. Then decide if pursuing credentialing fits your business model and client base.

What now?

So, can doulas take insurance? Yes, but not by simply saying you do. It requires credentialing, certification, and a clear understanding of which plans in your area actually reimburse for doula services.

If you’re new, your first step is choosing the right certification program. If you’re already established, your next step is deciding which insurance options make sense for your practice. And for everyone, remember that options like HSA/FSA and Carrot can support your clients while you’re working through the longer process.