When you’re expecting a baby a nice break in the sun could be the perfect treat ahead of the sleepless nights ahead. However, although pregnancy isn’t an illness you need to ensure that you’re adequately covered by travel insurance when on holiday in the event that you need medical assistance.
Travel insurance
Pregnancy is not classed as a pre-existing medical condition for travel insurance purposes and does not necessarily need to be declared to your insurer. Providing it has been a straightforward pregnancy with no complications and that you are no more than 36 weeks and 6 days pregnant (at the start of, or during your trip, or on your return date) for a single pregnancy, or 32 weeks and 6 days for a multiple pregnancy, you will be covered if something unexpected or unforeseen should happen.
Most people are aware that when it comes to travel insurance they need to declare pre-existing medical conditions, to ensure they have the correct type of cover. However, a lot of people seem confused as to what the guidelines are when travelling during pregnancy. If you have suffered complications during your pregnancy, these would need to be declared to and screened by your insurance provider to ensure you are covered in the event of anything happening.
What's covered?
What your travel insurance will cover you for are any ‘complications’ which might happen when you’re away. Each insurer has a different definition of what a complication is, but these usually include conditions such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and miscarriage. Premature birth is defined as a complication but only if it happens before 32 weeks for a single birth, or 24 weeks for a multiple birth. If you go into labour naturally after then, it is not considered an unexpected or unforeseen event so you would have to pay your own medical bills. This is an important consideration as it could end up being a very expensive birth depending on the country you are visiting and the hospital bills could be considerable.
You also need to ensure before booking your trip that your doctor or midwife is aware of your travel plans and that you are not travelling against medical advice. Also, depending on your mode of transport, it is important to check the carrier’s policy on travelling when pregnant, as sometimes they carry their own restrictions due to health and safety requirements.
If you have any queries regarding travelling whilst pregnant and which complications are covered then the friendly team at PayingTooMuch.com are here to help. Just give us a call on 01243 784000 when planning your trip and then you can put your feet up and relax.
