Travelling While Pregnant: What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
By Krista DeKuyper | March 30, 2022 |
Pregnant and planning a vacation? A babymoon, maybe? How exciting! Travelling while pregnant can be a great way to get some R&R before your little one arrives. But before you book your tickets, it’s essential to make sure you have the correct travel insurance in place. Depending on your destination and stage of pregnancy, you may need different coverage. So what does travel insurance cover when you’re pregnant? Keep reading to find out!
When is it safe to travel while pregnant
Most doctors will give you the green light to travel during the early stages of pregnancy, as long as there are no complications. However, it’s always best to check with your doctor before booking any trips. As you get further along in your pregnancy, you may need to avoid travelling to specific destinations or on certain types of trips.
Some parents decide to go on a babymoon. A babymoon is a trip taken by couples in the late stages of pregnancy, often to relax before the baby arrives. According to a survey conducted by Liberty Travel and babycentre.com, 59% of new parents have taken a babymoon vacation. But as always, make sure to check with your doctor to see if it’s safe for you to travel. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises against travel for pregnant women after the 36th-week mark or four weeks before the due date. Travelling while pregnant, especially during the third trimester, there is a higher chance for the mom to go into early labour. So WHO advises expected mothers to do their travelling during their second trimester.
Pregnancy policies of airlines
As mentioned previously, airlines usually let pregnant women fly up to the 36th-week mark. Anything beyond the 36th-week mark, airlines usually restrict mothers from flying or require a written confirmation from a medical professional. Consult with your chosen airline and ask about their policy with expecting mothers.
Travelling while pregnant: what does travel insurance cover?
There is no specific travel insurance for expecting mothers. Travel health insurance covers you in the event there is a medical emergency. That extends to any medical emergency a pregnant woman might have. Assuming that there are no pre-existing complications.
As a recap, most travel insurance covers you for these things:
- emergency medical expenses
- physical services
- ambulance transportation
- hospital stays
- prescription drugs and more
Nowadays, travel insurance also covers you for COVID-19 and related complications. Most travel insurance providers will cover you up to 9 weeks before your due date.
What travel medical insurance does not cover during pregnancy
Your travel insurance will not cover you for these things
- routine prenatal care and high-risk pregnancy needs or complications
- childbirth or complications, when they happen in the nine (9) weeks before or after your expected date of delivery
- your child’s needs if they’re born during your trip because your travel insurance covers you and not your baby.
- cost of delivery if born outside of your home country and any associated costs (incubators, drugs, surgery etc)
Pregnancy travel tips
Going on a trip before you give birth to your child can be so exciting! Be sure you’re prepared and plan accordingly. Make sure you talk to your doctor before you decide to travel. If you do end up booking a trip make sure to carry your travel medical insurance with you.
If you’re ready to pack your bags and go on one last trip feel free to use our instant quoting tool! Get the best policies for your situation PLUS no added sales pressure.
