Travel insurance for pregnant women

You should be able to travel up to full-term with certain protection from travel insurance, but it’s important to read the terms and conditions of any policy so you know exactly what you’re covered for.

For example, your insurance may only cover you for medical costs associated with pregnancy and childbirth up to a certain stage in your pregnancy, often between 28 and 32 weeks, and it only covers you for complications, not routine treatments. So, if you were to go into natural labour while away after this, you are unlikely to be covered. You also shouldn’t travel against the advice of your doctor at any stage of your pregnancy or this might invalidate your insurance.

And, even if your insurer will cover you, airlines have their own rules around pregnancy and limits when flying with them, so it’s important to check what your individual airline’s rules are before you buy flights in case you are stopped from boarding.

Although it sounds obvious, remember to factor in how many weeks’ pregnant you will be on your return journey as well as your outward one.

One of the key things to look out for in travel insurance when pregnant is the level of medical cover the policy provides. Read the terms and conditions of travel insurance during pregnancy carefully to make sure you’re adequately covered for a range of eventualities, including going into labour prematurely, unforeseen pregnancy complications while you’re away, or having an accident.

You may also be covered for cancellation costs if your doctor advises against travel due to medical issues.

You should also be covered for all of the basics included in standard travel insurance policies, such as lost or stolen baggage and possessions, cancellation, personal liability and delay cover. But remember that all policies are different so make sure anything that is important to you is included.

While you can fly at any point in your pregnancy, and it shouldn’t be harmful to you or your baby so long as your pregnancy has no complications, some women prefer not to fly during the first trimester (during the first three months). This is because there’s a greater risk of miscarriage, plus pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea and tiredness, can be at their most extreme.

Airlines and insurers also have restrictions around travelling later in pregnancy due to the increased chance of giving birth, plus you may start to feel more uncomfortable while travelling, so you may feel the most confident flying during the middle stage of your pregnancy.

A holiday before your baby is born is the perfect opportunity to relax. Follow our tips to make sure your trip goes to plan.

• Check the rules of both the airline you plan to fly with and your travel insurance provider when it comes to flying when pregnant. Stick to these to prevent any issues.
• Some airlines require a doctor’s note saying that you are fit to travel after a certain stage in pregnancy – often 28 weeks. If you need one, allow plenty of time to get it – then don’t forget to pack it in your hand luggage.
• Make sure you take your maternity notes away with you in case you have any complications, plus your in-date GHIC card if you’re travelling to Europe.
• Look after yourself while you’re flying. You have an increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) so drink plenty of water, move around the plane as often as possible, wear loose-fitting clothes and consider buying some compression stockings.
• While you are away, be extra careful with what you eat and drink to avoid stomach upsets.
• Avoid travelling to countries where there’s a risk of contracting malaria or the Zika virus.

Hand luggage

Travel documents

• Passport
• Visa (if necessary)
• Plane tickets
• Travel insurance documents
• GHIC
• Any other holiday documentation - for example for your hotel, hire car, transfers or your itinerary
• Driving licence
• Student card/senior concession card - for discounts on holiday

Valuables

• Travel money/overseas credit card/prepaid card
• Valuables such as iPad, iPod, mobile phone and camera (plus headphones and a memory card)

Essentials

• Any maps, directions or instructions for arrival in resort
• Useful contact numbers - for your bank, travel insurance provider, contacts at home, etc
• An umbrella
• A clear plastic bag for any toiletries
• Any medicine you need (plus your prescription) - but remember, you have to stick to the 100ml rule
• Tissues/ wet wipes
• A notebook and pen

Entertainment and comfort for your journey

• A lightweight jumper and socks - in case it gets chilly on the plane
• Books, magazines or games
• A guidebook to your destination
• Painkillers
• Lip balm
• A sleep kit for long flights - an eye mask, a travel pillow and ear plugs
• DVT flight socks
• Travel sweets
• A bottle of water (buy this once you have passed through security)

Hold luggage

• Clothes
• Underwear
• Sleepwear
• Shoes
• Chargers - for your mobile phone, camera and any other electrical items
• Travel adapter
• Toiletries
• Swimwear
• Sunglasses
• Suncream
• After sun
• Beach towels
• Beach bag
• Books/ereader
• Plastic bags - for wet swimwear/dirty clothes
• Rehydration salts
• Razor and shaving gel
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hairbrush/comb
• Hairdryer
• Accessories: Hats, scarves, belt, etc
• First aid kit
• Insect repellent
• Swiss Army knife
• Mini sewing kit

Travelling with children? Don't forget...

• A change of clothes for the journey
• Snacks and travel sweets for the journey
• Wet wipes
• Nappies
• Enough baby food/milk for the journey (you will have to taste these when passing through security)
• Toys, games and books to keep children entertained
• Any medication your children will need while away (plus their prescription)
• Dummies/comfort blankets/soft toys

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TravelSupermarket Limited (FCA FRN 953671) is an appointed representative of MONY Group plc, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA FRN 303190). MONY Group Financial Holdings Limited, registered in England No. 3157344.