An uninsured woman discovering that she is expecting probably feels the same pit-of-the-stomach feeling as a person would have after an uninsured auto accident. Let's face it — pregnancy care is expensive. According to central Texas United Healthcare Medical Director Dr. Harvey Balthaser, "Even an uncomplicated pregnancy that includes prenatal and inpatient delivery averages $7,600." And above all, expecting a child should be a joyous occasion.

There are not a lot of options out there to transfer the financial risk associated with an uninsured pregnancy to a health insurance policy. However, if a woman finds herself uninsured and pregnant, a few exceptions may exist.

One of those exceptions is an employer-sponsored health insurance plan. A Department of Labor law that dates back to the mid-1960s requires employers with more than 15 employees, and that sponsor health insurance plans, to provide maternity coverage.