Travel insurance during pregnancy: limits and what to check
Most policies treat pregnancy differently from other medical issues. The key details are the exact week your cover stops and what it means by "complications", and these vary considerably.
By the StarHolidays Editorial Team Updated 3 min read
Key takeaways
- Week limits vary between insurers, with published examples from 23 weeks to 32 weeks for a single pregnancy.
- Routine prenatal care and planned childbirth are generally excluded.
- Multiple pregnancies and pregnancy after fertility treatment often have stricter limits.
- Your newborn may not be covered automatically if your baby arrives while you are abroad.
On this page
The cover usually has a cut-off
Many policies cover unexpected complications up to a certain week of pregnancy, then stop. The published limits we found show how wide the range is:
| Example | Cut-off for a single pregnancy | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Several Australian policies | About 23 weeks | CHOICE comparison |
| Typical New Zealand guidance | About 23 to 24 weeks | Moneyhub |
| Insure&Go (Australia) | Up to week 30, for emergency childbirth | Insurer |
| AllClear (UK) | Week 32, or week 24 for multiple pregnancies | Insurer |
Your market and policy may differ, so treat these as a sign of how much things can change. Check three things in your own policy: the actual week, how the weeks are measured, and whether the limit relates to when you travel or when you make a claim.
The counting method can matter too. Some sources measure from your last period, while others use a different calculation. Ask your insurer if you're near a limit.
What's generally covered
- Unexpected and serious complications, up to the week limit
- Emergency treatment for an unrelated illness or injury, subject to normal terms
- Cancellation because of pregnancy complications, on many policies
What's generally not covered
- Routine prenatal checkups, tests and scans
- Normal symptoms of pregnancy, such as morning sickness
- Planned childbirth abroad, or a normal delivery
- Traveling against medical advice
- Costs linked to a known high-risk pregnancy, unless the insurer has accepted it
- Simply deciding not to travel because you're pregnant, unless you have cancel for any reason cover
Premature birth may be covered in some policies, where it's defined by a certain number of weeks before your due date. Read how yours defines it.
Situations that may need closer attention
Multiple pregnancies. Twins and multiples often have an earlier cut-off, as AllClear's 24-week limit shows.
IVF or fertility treatment. Some policies apply stricter terms or exclude complications linked to these.
Known complications. Previous complications, or a pregnancy your doctor has classed as high-risk, may need to be declared as a pre-existing condition. Follow the medical questions carefully.
Getting pregnant after you bought your policy. Check whether you need to tell your insurer. Some policies treat pregnancy that starts after you buy cover more generously for cancellation.
Your newborn
If your baby arrives early, the cost of newborn care in a neonatal unit can be very high. Many policies don't automatically cover a baby who wasn't on the policy when you bought it. Look specifically for this, especially if you're traveling later in pregnancy. This may be the most important question for pregnant travelers.
Airlines have their own rules too
Separately from your insurance, many airlines limit how late in pregnancy you can fly, and may ask for a doctor's letter from a certain stage. Check with each airline on your itinerary, as rules differ between carriers and for multiple pregnancies. Cruise lines may have their own limits, too.
Questions to ask your doctor first
- Is it safe for me to travel on those dates?
- Are the destination's vaccinations or disease risks a concern? Some mosquito-borne illnesses, for example, are particularly important in pregnancy.
- Will you provide a dated letter confirming that I'm fit to travel?
- What should I do if something happens while I'm away?
Do some research on maternity care at your destination, too. Where's the nearest hospital with appropriate facilities? Does your itinerary take you far from good maternity care?
How to check your policy
- Search the wording for pregnan, childbirth and premature.
- Note the exact week limit and whether it's different for multiples.
- Check if the newborn is covered.
- If it's unclear, email your insurer with your due date and travel dates, and keep the reply.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get travel insurance when pregnant?
Usually yes, and many standard policies cover unexpected complications up to a certain week. Check the week limit against the dates of your entire trip.
Is giving birth abroad covered by travel insurance?
A planned or normal delivery generally is not. Some policies cover premature birth or complications up to set limits, so read the wording carefully.
Do I need to tell my insurer I am pregnant?
If you are asked, answer accurately. Even if you are not specifically asked, it is sensible to check, particularly if you got pregnant after buying the policy or have complications.
Will my baby be covered if born abroad?
Not automatically on many policies. This is worth checking specifically if you are traveling later in pregnancy, since newborn care can be very expensive.