Travel Insurance for Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant, you probably have a lot on your mind — especially if you’re planning to travel before your baby arrives. Whether you’re heading on a much-anticipated vacation or on the road for work, there are plenty of reasons you might need to travel while pregnant.
But no matter the reason, you should be sure to purchase travel insurance before you depart. This guide will detail everything you need to know about obtaining travel insurance while pregnant.
Travel Insurance Coverage for Pregnancy
Types of Travel Insurance Pregnant Travelers Need
Benefits Covered With Pregnancy Travel Insurance
Labor and Delivery Coverage With Travel Insurance
Exclusions to Coverage Under Pregnancy Travel Insurance
Pre-travel Checklist for Pregnant Travelers
FAQs
Redpoint Travel Protection Has You Covered
Travel Insurance Coverage for Pregnancy
Most travel insurance companies will cover pregnancy, but it depends on the specifics of your policy and how far along you are in your pregnancy. Typically, unforeseen medical issues related to pregnancy are covered.
Travel insurance usually treats pregnancy as a “known condition,” meaning that while some unforeseen pregnancy complications may be covered, your policy likely has restrictions or exclusions for routine pregnancy-related expenses, such as check-ups and delivery. Coverage can often be limited after a certain point in the pregnancy as well — the exact timing will depend on the policy, so be sure to check your specific policy for any additional restrictions.
Types of Travel Insurance Pregnant Travelers Need
Pregnant travelers should look for a travel insurance policy that includes the following key coverage areas:
Travel medical coverage
Emergency medical coverage is crucial for pregnant travelers. This will cover the cost of unexpected medical treatment during your trip, including pregnancy-related emergencies such as premature labor, miscarriage, or other complications.
Be sure to check if your policy has specific limitations regarding pregnancy-related claims and whether your emergency medical expenses will be capped at any amount.
Emergency evacuation
If you experience a medical emergency while traveling and need to be urgently transported to the nearest suitable hospital, emergency medical evacuation insurance can cover the costs. This emergency evacuation coverage is especially important if you are pregnant and traveling to a destination where facilities are not up to the standards you’re accustomed to.
Trip delay
Just like all travelers, pregnant travelers may experience trip delays due to health issues, bad weather, or transportation strikes. Trip-delay coverage can reimburse additional expenses, like meals, accommodation, and transportation, when delays last for a specific number of hours.
Trip cancellation and trip interruption
Standard trip-cancellation coverage includes coverage for pregnancy complications that arise after you purchase the policy, provided a doctor advises that you’re no longer fit to travel.
However, things can be more uncertain when you’re pregnant, so if you want maximum flexibility, you can opt for a “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) upgrade, which should allow you to cancel your trip for any reason — medical or otherwise — and receive partial reimbursement (usually 50% to 75% of trip costs).
Benefits Covered With Pregnancy Travel Insurance
Pregnancy travel insurance typically covers the following benefits:
- Unexpected complications related to pregnancy (e.g., preterm labor, high blood pressure, or other medical issues arising from pregnancy)
- Emergency medical care if you’re injured or become ill during the trip
- Medical evacuation to transport you to a suitable medical facility
- Trip cancellation or interruption due to pregnancy complications or family medical issues
Labor and Delivery Coverage With Travel Insurance
In most cases, standard travel insurance policies do not cover labor and delivery unless it’s an emergency or premature birth. Planned childbirth is generally considered routine medical care and is not included.
If you need to deliver the baby unexpectedly while traveling, emergency delivery, such as a nonelective caesarean, may be covered. But it’s important to read your policy’s fine print carefully to know what’s included — you’ll find the specifics under the definition for complications of pregnancy.
Exclusions to Coverage Under Pregnancy Travel Insurance
While pregnancy travel insurance covers some pregnancy-related issues, there are some exceptions. Typically, policies won’t cover:
- Routine pregnancy care, like check-ups, ultrasounds, or prenatal visits for symptoms like morning sickness
- Planned childbirth or labor and delivery, unless it’s an emergency
- Pregnancy beyond a certain point, usually after 26 to 32 weeks
- Pre-existing pregnancy complications, unless you have a waiver
Pre-travel Checklist for Pregnant Travelers
Before you travel, follow this checklist to stay safe and prepared:
- Consult your doctor: Get clearance from your OB-GYN before traveling, especially if you’re in the third trimester.
- Research vaccines: Some destinations may require vaccinations. Check which ones are safe for pregnant women.
- Check destination health facilities: Research medical facilities at your destination and know where the nearest hospital is.
- Pack medical essentials: Bring a copy of your medical records and prenatal vitamins, and make sure you have enough medication for the duration of your trip.
Insurance FAQs When Travelling Pregnant
Do I need to declare that I’m pregnant when I buy travel insurance?
You do not need to declare your pregnancy when purchasing travel insurance unless the policy specifically asks. However, you should be aware of any pregnancy-related exclusions or limitations in the policy.
Do I need documentation to prove my pregnancy when buying travel insurance?
Typically, you won’t need to provide documentation when buying travel insurance, but if you file a pregnancy-related claim, you may need to provide medical records or a doctor’s note.
What happens if I get pregnant after I buy travel insurance?
If you become pregnant after purchasing your travel insurance, some policies may cover complications related to the pregnancy, but you’ll need to review the terms of the policy for coverage limits and exclusions.
Does trip cancellation cover pregnancy? What if I’m not allowed to travel because of pregnancy complications?
Trip cancellation may cover pregnancy-related complications that prevent you from traveling, but routine pregnancy issues — such as false labor, occasional spotting, and morning sickness — are excluded.
Complications of pregnancy are defined as “conditions requiring hospital admission when the pregnancy is not terminated, whose diagnoses are distinct from pregnancy but are adversely affected by pregnancy or are caused by pregnancy.” These conditions include hyperemesis gravidarum, preeclampsia, eclampsia, gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, acute nephritis, nephrosis, cardiac decompensation, missed abortion, nonelective cesarean section, and termination of an ectopic pregnancy.
If you’re unsure about traveling due to your pregnancy, consider cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance for maximum flexibility.
Does travel insurance cover pre-existing pregnancy complications?
Pre-existing pregnancy complications aren’t usually covered unless you obtain a pre-existing condition waiver from your insurer. In the case of medical complications, this waiver allows for coverage of pre-existing medical conditions if certain conditions are met.
Redpoint Travel Protection Has You Covered
If you’re looking for a comprehensive pregnancy travel insurance policy, look no further than Redpoint Travel Protection. Our plan gives you all the coverage and peace of mind you need to travel during your pregnancy. Contact us for a quote today.