When you’re pregnant, travel insurance becomes more important than ever if you plan on taking a baby moon or any sort of trip soon. You want to make sure that, in the unfortunate event that you experience any unforeseen issues, your medical assistance and trip costs will be covered.
According to most medical professionals, expecting a child shouldn’t stop you from traveling. In fact, anytime up until the final month—unless you expect to deliver early—you should be good to travel. If you feel comfortable, don’t put your trip on hold for an entire nine-month period!
That said, pregnant or not, we can never really know what’s going to happen for each of us health-wise. That’s why we abide by the “better safe than sorry” motto by purchasing travel insurance. We prefer travel insurance coverage over incurring substantial medical expenses abroad. Read our other blog post on why travel insurance is a good idea for a better reference.
If you agree with this, you’re probably wondering if there’s even travel insurance for being in the “family way” to begin with. Here are the main things you need to know about pregnancy travel coverage:
Jumping Ahead
Is pregnancy covered by travel insurance?
Pregnancy coverage under travel insurance varies by policy. Unfortunately, many standard plans don’t cover normal pregnancies or childbirth. However, some travel insurance policies offer specific coverage for unforeseen pregnancy complications, so it’s essential to review the terms and conditions carefully before purchasing. Keep reading to find out some of these details on travel insurance for pregnant women!
Is pregnancy a pre-existing condition under travel insurance?
Most policies would not cover pregnancy as a medical condition. If you’re already pregnant when you purchase your travel insurance, it’s likely to be a pre-existing condition as defined by the policy.
Typically, conditions ongoing before purchasing coverage are considered pre-existing, a common condition exclusion under insurance. Is your travel dependent on whether or not you suddenly become pregnant? Read the next section below for your answer before you buy a travel insurance plan.
What if I need to cancel my trip?
“Normal” pregnancy and childbirth are defined as expected events without medical complications such as extreme illness or premature labor. Most travel insurance plans don’t cover them. Moreover, if you opt to travel within the month leading up to your due date and you have the baby in another country during that time, your medical costs for the childbirth won’t likely be covered by insurance.
That said, if you encounter any unexpected complications that result in an emergency birth, your travel insurance policy may cover those costs. If you do buy a travel insurance plan regardless, you’ll have access to a 24/7 emergency assistance team to help locate the nearest medical facility and offer medical monitoring services to make sure you’re getting adequate care.
Rest assured, there are still many covered reasons to cancel your trip for and get a full reimbursement of your trip cost. New illnesses, injuries, sudden death in the family, natural disaster, inclement weather, etc. are typically covered trip cancellation events.
Does travel insurance cover pregnancy complications?
Because “normal” pregnancy and childbirth are considered to be expected events, most travel insurance plans don’t cover them. “Normal” pregnancy and childbirth are those without medical complications such as extreme pregnancy-related illness or premature labor.
Consequently, if you opt to travel within the month leading up to your due date and you have the baby in another country during that time, your birth expenses likely will not be covered by insurance.
That said, if you encounter any unexpected complications that result in an emergency birth, your travel insurance plan may cover costs related to the pregnancy complications. If you purchase a travel insurance plan, you’ll have access to a 24/7 emergency assistance team to help find the nearest medical facility and provide medical monitoring services for your care.
Here’s a list of common complications potentially covered under travel insurance:
Acute Nephritis
Nephrosis
Cardiac Decompression
Missed Abortion
Pre-Eclampsia
Intrauterine Fetal Growth Retardation
Termination of Ectopic Pregnancy
These medical conditions are not typically considered complications and aren’t usually covered:
Gestational Diabetes
Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Elective Cesarean
False Labor
Morning Sickness
Does travel insurance cover miscarriage?
It’s possible! Many policies include coverage for complications in the event of “spontaneous termination of pregnancy”. Note this does not allow coverage for elective abortion. You’ll want to check with your provider to double-check the policy language regarding miscarriage. Futhermore, the next section provides a helpful alternative.
Opt for Cancel for Any Reason Coverage
If you’re pregnant or think you might become pregnant before you travel, a good foolproof option is buying Cancel for Any Reason coverage. You can’t predict how you’ll feel when your departure date arrives, especially if it’s months away.
Having this insurance will give you peace of mind in case you’re ill or just downright exhausted. You can call off your vacation, get reimbursed for 75% of your trip cost, and reschedule it for a later date when you can really make the most of your trip –maybe with your new bundle of joy!
Traveling While Pregnant FAQs
Although you should talk with your doctor about specific risks and concerns related to traveling while pregnant, check out these answers to frequently asked questions for those with uncomplicated pregnancies.
Can I travel internationally while pregnant?
Yes, you can travel internationally while pregnant, but it’s important to check the healthcare standards of your destination and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance. Research any potential health risks associated with your travel destination and consult your doctor for advice.
What should I consider when traveling while pregnant?
When traveling while pregnant, consider your health and the stage of your pregnancy. It’s generally safer to travel during the second trimester, as many women experience fewer complications at this time. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making travel plans.
What health risks should I be aware of when traveling during pregnancy?
Health risks of traveling while pregnant can include dehydration, fatigue, and complications related to your pregnancy. Additionally, if you’re traveling to areas with limited medical facilities, ensure that your travel insurance covers emergency medical expenses related to pregnancy.
Are there specific travel tips for pregnant travelers?
Absolutely! Here are some travel tips for pregnant travelers:
- Stay hydrated and take regular breaks during your journey.
- Pack any necessary medications and prenatal vitamins.
- Choose destinations with good healthcare facilities.
- Consider travel insurance that covers pregnancy-related issues to ensure you’re protected.
Do you have any tips for expecting mothers who are traveling? Share them with us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter!
Kate's authoritative voice in travel writing is backed by years of extensive travel experience, allowing her to infuse her writing with the tips and tricks she has gathered over time. This wealth of experience enhances her ability to write authoritatively on travel-related topics.
