My friend was six months pregnant when her husband surprised her with a “babymoon” trip to Hawaii. Perfect, right? Warm beaches, resort relaxation, one last hurrah before parenthood.
Just one problem: their regular travel insurance wouldn’t cover anything pregnancy related.
After three days of panicked research and countless phone calls helping them, I discovered the world of pregnancy travel insurance. Let me save you that stress.
💡 Tip: Most standard travel insurance policies consider pregnancy a “pre existing condition” and won’t cover related emergencies.
In this article...
Can You Even Travel While Pregnant?
Yes! But timing matters enormously.
The second trimester (weeks 14-28) is generally considered the sweet spot for travel. Morning sickness has usually subsided, energy levels are decent, and the risk of complications is lower.
My friend Sarah flew to Italy at 25 weeks and had the time of her life. Another friend Lisa pushed it to 34 weeks and ended up delivering in Portugal. Guess which story ends with a $47,000 medical bill?
Most airlines have their own policies:
| Airline | Pregnancy Cut off | Doctor’s Note Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Delta | Up to 36 weeks | After 36 weeks |
| British Airways | Up to 36 weeks (32 for multiples) | After 28 weeks |
| Qantas | Up to 36 weeks (32 for multiples) | After 28 weeks |
| Emirates | Up to 36 weeks | After 29 weeks |
💡 Tip: Even if an airline allows flying, insurance might stop covering much earlier. Always check both policies.
Why Pregnancy Needs Special Insurance Coverage
Regular travel insurance treats pregnancy like it doesn’t exist until something goes wrong. Then suddenly it’s a “pre existing condition” they don’t cover.
When my cousin experienced mild contractions at 29 weeks in Bali, her regular travel insurance offered exactly zero dollars toward her $2,300 hospital monitoring visit.
Here’s what makes pregnancy different:
- Higher risk of unexpected medical needs
- Potential for extremely expensive care (premature birth abroad can cost $100,000+)
- Complicated evacuation scenarios if needed
- Country specific healthcare quality concerns
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Up to $8,000,000 limits, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Coinsurance for treatment received in the U.S. (100% within PPO Network), Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions covered.
What Regular Travel Insurance Won’t Tell You About Pregnancy
I read my friend’s policy three times before their Hawaii trip and still missed crucial exclusions. Here’s what I learned:
The “Complication” Trap
Many policies claim to cover “pregnancy complications” but define complications so narrowly that almost nothing qualifies.
My friend’s severe pregnancy induced hypertension in Mexico? Not covered because it was “an expected outcome of pregnancy.”
The Gestational Age Cutoff
Most standard policies stop covering pregnancy related issues after 26-28 weeks, exactly when risks start increasing.
The Pre existing Condition Loophole
Had any pregnancy issues before the trip? Many insurers consider that a pre existing condition and deny coverage.
A colleague was denied coverage for preterm labor in Spain because she’d had a single instance of spotting two months earlier.
💡 Tip: Pregnancy itself is considered a pre existing condition by most insurers, even with a perfectly healthy pregnancy.
What Good Pregnancy Travel Insurance Actually Covers
After my friend’s Hawaii near miss (thankfully everything went fine), I’ve learned what truly matters in pregnancy travel coverage:
Medical Care for Mom AND Baby
If delivery happens unexpectedly abroad, coverage is needed for two people. Many policies only cover the mother.
When my colleague delivered unexpectedly at 32 weeks in Germany, her newborn’s NICU stay would have cost $185,000 without proper insurance.
Extended Gestational Coverage
Look for policies that cover up to 32-36 weeks (though traveling that late is still risky).
Specific Pregnancy Complications
Policies should explicitly cover:
- Preeclampsia/eclampsia
- Gestational diabetes complications
- Placental issues
- Premature labor
- Hyperemesis gravidarum (severe morning sickness)
Emergency Evacuation with Pregnancy Expertise
Standard medical evacuation isn’t the same as pregnancy specialized evacuation.
When my sister in law needed evacuation from Costa Rica due to preeclampsia, her specialized insurance arranged for an OB nurse to accompany her on the flight.
Best Insurance Options for Pregnant Travelers
Based on my experience helping expecting friends and family members, these insurers offer the most comprehensive pregnancy coverage:
For US Travelers
- Allianz Global Assistance OneTrip Premier – Covers up to 32 weeks with excellent maternal care benefits
- Travel Guard Preferred – Clear pregnancy coverage with fewer exclusions
- VisitCover Maternal Care – Specifically designed with pregnancy in mind
If you’re ready to compare policies tailored to pregnancy needs, check them out here.
For UK Travelers
- Columbus Direct – Covers up to 32 weeks with doctor approval
- InsureandGo Gold – Good coverage for uncomplicated pregnancies
For Australian Travelers
- Cover More – Covers up to 32 weeks (26 weeks for cruises)
- NIB Travel Insurance – Comprehensive pregnancy coverage with fewer exclusions
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Country Specific Risks for Pregnant Travelers
Not all destinations are created equal when it comes to pregnancy risks.
United States
If you’re not a US citizen, be warned: having a baby here could cost $10,000-$30,000 for an uncomplicated delivery.
My Australian friend who delivered unexpectedly in Miami faced a $47,000 bill for a 36 hour hospital stay.
Southeast Asia
Countries like Thailand have excellent private hospitals in major cities but limited rural care. Insurance should include evacuation to Bangkok, Singapore, or home if needed.
Europe
Generally excellent maternal care, but language barriers can complicate things. Insurance should include translator services for medical situations.
💡 Tip: Research the closest hospital with a NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) at your destination, regardless of where you’re traveling.
Real Stories: When Pregnancy Insurance Saved the Day
Lisa’s Preterm Labor in Portugal
My friend Lisa was 32 weeks pregnant when she experienced contractions in Lisbon. Her specialized pregnancy travel insurance:
- Covered her $3,800 three day hospital stay
- Paid for her husband’s extended hotel stay
- Arranged for an OB to review her case remotely
- Covered her changed flight once cleared to travel
Without insurance? She would have been out nearly $9,000.
Sarah’s Hyperemesis in Scotland
Sarah suffered severe morning sickness that returned suddenly during her Scotland trip at 18 weeks. Her insurance:
- Covered IV fluids and medication at a private Edinburgh hospital
- Paid for her upgraded flight home with extra legroom
- Reimbursed unused tour bookings she had to cancel
Total savings: approximately $4,200.
The Exclusions They Hide in Fine Print
After reviewing dozens of policies for pregnant friends and family, here are the sneaky exclusions to watch for:
IVF or Assisted Reproductive Technology Pregnancies
Many policies specifically exclude coverage if the pregnancy resulted from IVF or other fertility treatments.
My friend who conceived via IVF had to get special approval and pay a higher premium for coverage.
Multiple Pregnancies (Twins, Triplets)
Carrying multiples often comes with stricter coverage limits, usually cutting off weeks earlier than singleton pregnancies.
Pre pregnancy Conditions
If someone had hypertension before pregnancy, pregnancy induced hypertension might be excluded as a “complication of a pre existing condition.”
💡 Tip: Always call the insurance company directly and specifically ask about the exact pregnancy situation. Get the confirmation in writing.
What Doctors Say About Pregnant Travel
I interviewed three OBs while researching this article, and they all agreed on these key points:
- Always get written medical clearance from your doctor before traveling while pregnant
- Carry a copy of your most recent prenatal records and ultrasound results
- Know your blood type and any pregnancy specific medical information
- Research local hospitals with maternal and neonatal care at your destination
- Stay within 1-2 hours of good medical care after 24 weeks
Dr. Chen, my family’s trusted OB, told me: “I’m fine with my patients traveling until 32 weeks, but only with proper insurance and to places with good medical care.”
Cruise Coverage: A Special Warning
Cruises have their own pregnancy rules, typically not allowing passengers beyond 24 weeks pregnant.
There’s a good reason: medical facilities on ships are extremely limited for pregnancy complications, and evacuation from sea is complicated and dangerous.
If someone’s set on a cruise while pregnant, their insurance needs to specifically cover maritime evacuation, which can cost $25,000-$50,000.
FAQs About Traveling While Pregnant
Does travel insurance cover routine prenatal care abroad?
Generally no. Insurance covers unexpected events, not scheduled checkups. Some global health insurances (different from travel insurance) might cover this.
What if she didn’t know she was pregnant when booking the trip?
Most policies will still apply their pregnancy restrictions regardless of when she learned about the pregnancy. However, trip cancellation coverage might apply if the doctor advises against travel.
Will insurance cover travel against medical advice?
Absolutely not. If a doctor documents that travel isn’t recommended and she goes anyway, the policy becomes invalid.
Does she need to tell the insurance company about the pregnancy when buying a policy?
Yes! Failing to disclose pregnancy can give them grounds to deny any claim, even one unrelated to pregnancy.
My Top Tips for Pregnant Travelers
After helping numerous expecting mothers plan safe trips, here’s what I recommend:
- Buy insurance as soon as you book your trip. Many benefits only apply if you purchase coverage within 14 days of your first trip payment.
- Get everything in writing. If an insurance agent tells you something is covered over the phone, get their name and ask for written confirmation.
- Carry multiple copies of your insurance documents. Keep digital and physical copies in multiple places.
- Research local medical phrases. Know how to say “I’m pregnant” and “I need a doctor” in the local language.
- Stay flexible with your itinerary. Pregnancy can be unpredictable, so avoid non refundable bookings when possible.
💡 Tip: Consider purchasing a supplemental medical transport membership like MedjetAssist, which can transport to the hospital of choice, not just the nearest “adequate” facility.
The Bottom Line on Pregnancy and Travel Insurance
Traveling while pregnant can be wonderful, but it comes with real risks that standard travel insurance simply doesn’t address.
I’ve seen too many friends and family members stuck with massive bills or inadequate care because they assumed their regular policy was enough.
The peace of mind from proper pregnancy travel insurance is worth every penny.
My friend’s Hawaii babymoon would have been ruined by constant worry if we hadn’t found the right coverage at the last minute.
Ready to find insurance that actually protects expecting mothers and their babies? Compare pregnancy friendly policies here.
Safe travels and healthy pregnancy!
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