Pregnancy Travel Insurance

Can I travel whilst pregnant?

Yes, our policies include emergency medical expenses cover for pregnancy and childbirth from week 0 to week 28 whilst you’re away. (24 weeks for multiple births) However, from the start of week 29 of the pregnancy, there is no cover for any claims relating to pregnancy.

Please note we will not cover denial of boarding by your carrier so you should check that you will be able to travel with the carrier/airline in advance as regulations vary from one carrier/airline to another.

Do I need to declare pregnancy?

Pregnancy is not a medical condition, therefore there is no need to declare it to us and it will be covered. However, there are certain aspects which need to be taken into account:

• Any conditions associated with your pregnancy, for example, high blood pressure; need to be declared to us to ensure that you’re properly covered.
• If you have a normal birth whilst away any time after 28 weeks this is not an emergency, and will not be covered as it could be reasonably anticipated.

What do I do if I need medical treatment?

If you need emergency medical treatment call an ambulance on 112 or using the local equivalent of 999, and then contact our 24-hour emergency assistance number. You need to contact the assistance team at the earliest opportunity, so we strongly suggest you put their telephone number into your mobile phone before you travel, just to make sure it is to hand if you need it.

How is a family defined?

We define a family as a policyholder and spouse or partner, who have been living together as a couple for at least six months, plus their dependent children who are living at home aged 0-17 years on the date of departure. Any dependent aged 18 or over will be considered an adult and will need an individual policy.

How is a couple defined?

We define a couple as a policyholder and spouse or partner, who have been living together as a couple at the same address for at least 6 months.

How is a child defined?

We define a child as anyone under 18 years of age on the date of departure, and dependent upon an adult insured under the same policy, otherwise they have to pay an adult premium.

If you have any other questions please feel free to contact our friendly and experienced Customer Service team, who will be more than happy to answer your queries.

• Before you book your flight make sure you check the airline’s limits on pregnancy. Provided you and your baby are healthy, most airlines will allow you to fly up to 35-36 weeks into your pregnancy; however, after 27 weeks most airlines will deny boarding unless you have a ‘fit to fly’ letter from your doctor.
• You should also pay special attention to any other rules or regulations the airline has about pregnancy, for example, some airlines may refuse to board if you’ve had problems with a previous pregnancy, such as DVT. They can also deny boarding under health and safety rules if they feel that a pregnant woman may not be mobile enough to leave the aircraft in an emergency.
• Airlines will usually have different rules for women who are carrying two or more babies, for example, travel will usually be limited to 32 weeks, however, it is important that you double-check and read any small print.
• It’s never nice to discuss worst-case scenarios, however, it is important to know that if you travel after the seventh month and experience problems whilst abroad, (such as a minor bleed) then the airline may refuse to bring you on the return trip. Furthermore, if you give birth prematurely you are likely to be refused to board until 14 days after the birth, even if you and the baby are healthy. Even if you carry your baby to full term, new-borns are not permitted to fly until they are seven days old.
• Always consult your doctor before travelling to a foreign country when pregnant, as they will be able to advise what vaccinations and medicines you are allowed to take before travelling, to make sure you and your baby are fully protected.
• When booking your holiday, you should always consider the health care available in your chosen destination. It may sound extreme if you’re only a few weeks pregnant; however, you must make sure you would feel safe and comfortable if you needed to seek medical treatment or advice abroad.
• Always invest in quality travel insurance before you depart, and make sure you’re happy with the cover it offers for pregnancy-related issues. Again you need to make sure that you read your policy wording or double-check with the insurer.
• Many women worry about electronic screening systems at the airport, but these are not harmful to pregnant women or their unborn children. However, if you feel uncomfortable you can always request a manual ‘pat-down’ from a female security guard.
• If you need medicine whilst abroad, even for travel sickness, always consult your doctor in the UK before taking any kind of medication. Even simple ‘over the counter’ medicines can be harmful to pregnant women and their unborn children, so always be cautious and check with your doctor.
• Make sure you drink plenty of water and stay hydrated, especially if you’re visiting a hot climate because your kidneys need to work harder when you’re expecting a baby.