Insurance Coverage for Doula Services in Toronto

While doula services aren’t covered by OHIP, you may have more options than you think for insurance coverage. Many private health insurance and employee benefit plans will reimburse part — and sometimes all — of your doula fees.

Because insurance coverage and benefits look different for every provider and policy, we encourage you to connect with your insurer to learn what’s possible for you. Our team is happy to provide any documentation you need to help make the process smooth and stress-free.

young couple sign paperwork for insurance coverage

How private insurance can help with doula expenses:

Some private health insurance and employee benefit plans see the value in the care doulas provide — and may cover part or all of your fees.

Common types of plans that may offer coverage include:

How doula services might be classified for reimbursement:

If you’re not sure where to start, ask your provider if doula care, postpartum support, or childbirth education is included under your plan.

Every insurance provider uses their own language, so doula care can sometimes be covered under different categories. When checking your plan, look for wording such as:

  • Lactation Consultant
  • Maternity / Postnatal Support
  • Childbirth classes or prenatal education
  • Wellness or health spending accounts

If you see any of these categories listed, it’s worth asking your provider if doula services can be included — sometimes the coverage is there, it’s just hiding under a different name.

What to say when you call your private insurance provider:

When you call your insurer, here are a few questions that can help you find out if your doula services may be covered:

  • Does my plan include coverage for doula services, postpartum support, or childbirth education?
  • Is this coverage listed under extended health, wellness, or lifestyle benefits?
  • Do I need a referral from my doctor or midwife to be eligible?
  • What percentage of the fees will be reimbursed, and is there a maximum amount per year?
  • How do I submit a claim, and what documentation do you require? (We’re happy to provide detailed receipts and any necessary paperwork.)

TIP: Even if “doula” isn’t listed by name, similar services may be covered under related categories — so it’s worth asking!

A few tips to increase your chances of reimbursement:

A little strategy can go a long way when it comes to getting your doula services covered. Here are a few ways to improve your odds:

  • 1 Ask about broader benefit categories — sometimes coverage is listed under related terms like midwifery, prenatal education, or wellness.
  • 2 Request a letter of medical necessity from your provider or physician, if applicable — this can strengthen your claim.
  • 3 Bundle your claim with other eligible expenses through your health spending account to maximize your benefits.

Insurance documentation we can provide:

We want your reimbursement process to be as smooth as possible. Upon request, we can prepare:

  • Invoices that include your doula’s name, credentials, and registration details (if applicable)
  • Clear service descriptions — whether for prenatal visits, labour support, or postpartum care
  • Payment receipts for all services provided
  • Any additional forms your insurer requires to process your claim

Our goal is to take the paperwork stress off your plate so you can focus on what matters most — feeling supported and cared for.

Carrot Insurance + Doula Services in Toronto

If you have Carrot Fertility coverage, here’s how to make the process smooth from start to finish:

  • 1 Send the Attestation Form provided by Carrot to your Mindful Mommy doula. This is the first step in kicking off your approval process with Carrot..
  • 2 We’ll send you a proposal that includes your invoice and contracts with us for care. Once payment is received and the contract is signed, your doula is officially booked.

Important Note About Payment: Carrot will provide you with a virtual credit card that you can use to pay the invoice just like a regular credit card. You can enter the card details at checkout through our invoice system in the same way you would any other credit card.

For most other insurance companies, clients are expected to pay for doula services upfront, then submit the necessary documentation to their insurer for reimbursement.

  • 3 We’ll prepare an itemized statement for you to submit to Carrot. Once payment is confirmed and your contracts are signed, we’ll send all required forms to make your reimbursement process as easy as possible.

Ready to Check Your Coverage?

You’ve got the questions — now let’s make it simple to get the answers. If you’d like, we can prepare a sample invoice for you to share with your insurance provider so they can confirm your coverage.

Get in touch and we’ll make sure you have everything you need to start the conversation with confidence.

Other Payment Options if You’re Not Covered

If your insurance doesn’t cover doula services, there are still plenty of ways to make this support more accessible:

  • We offer flexible payment plans to help spread out the cost over time
  • Gift certificates so friends and family can contribute to your care
  • Baby shower or registry funds dedicated to doula support — because your well-being is one of the best gifts you can receive

We believe every family deserves the care they need, and we’re happy to explore options that work for you.