Pregnant women should make sure they are fully insured when travelling.
A recent news story told the cautionary tale of a Australian woman’s premature labour in Vancouver, Canada. She went into labour in the airport at 26 weeks and now faces a medical bill of over CAD$700,000.
The woman and her partner had taken out medical insurance and extra coverage for her pregnancy but did not realise the protection didn’t cover actual birth. The health authorities and the couple are looking at a compromise on how to repay the amount owed.
So what does this mean for pregnant travellers? What coverage should they take out to be safe?
Women shouldn’t be worried about travelling while pregnant as long as they have the correct insurance to cover them in case they need medical assistance. In fact, many women, aware of the restrictions having a new baby places on them, are keen to travel while they can.
Can I get pregnancy travel insurance?
Pregnant women are considered relatively high risk by insurance companies. Most will provide cover, but only if you have at least 8 weeks left until your due date after you return home. Many policies exclude labour so double check with your insurance provider.
Make sure your insurance covers you for early birth, medical treatment needed during labour and any costs incurred if you need to change your return travel arrangements. If you have annual travel insurance policy always remember to tell your insurer that you’re pregnant, you may not be covered with the change in circumstances. If this is the case you can buy a single-trip policy.
If you’re travelling within the EU, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you can carry the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This will allow you emergency healthcare at the same price as a local. You will still need travel insurance as the EHIC only covers emergency treatment.
Flying when pregnant
You should be fine to fly up to 26 weeks with most airlines. After 26 weeks you will usually require a doctor’s certificate stating your due date and that you don’t have an abnormal risk of delivering early.
After 36 weeks most airlines will refuse to carry you at all, if you are pregnant with twins this is around 32 weeks. Check with your airline to see exact details of their policy.