I’m Pregnant – Can I Travel Overseas?
The Better Health Channel advises that travelling and flying is often safest during your second trimester. But in general traveling while pregnant is fine, as long as there are no complications and you have approval of your doctor. (Source: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Pregnancy_and_travel).
Things to take into account are:
- Airlines (both domestic and international) will have different regulations on when pregnant women can fly, so you’ll need to check their individual policies before booking your flights (for example, Qantas states that for flights over 4 hours, you can fly up to the end of the 36th week for single pregnancies)(Source: http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/medical-assistance/global/en)
- It may not be safe for you to travel to certain areas or regions if you cannot be vaccinated; while seasonal influenza vaccines are recommended, many others may not be safe for pregnant women or their babies (Source:http://www.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/handbook10-3-3)
- Long flights can also increase the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a serious condition causing blood clots in the legs; this can be prevented by wearing support stockings. (Source:http://www.babycenter.com.au/x2599/is-it-safe-to-fly-during-pregnancy)
- If you are over 35 and pregnant for the first time, it may not be good to travel or fly, according to the Better Health Channel(Source :http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Pregnancy_and_travel)
Pregnancy & travel insurance
Most travel insurance companies will provide pregnancy cover for women who desire to travel or fly.
In most cases, you won’t be covered for normal pregnancy or childbirth costs while overseas, but you will be covered for specific complications that arise from your pregnancy or birth.
These complications can include:
- Premature delivery
- Gestational diabetes or hypertension
- Pre-eclampsia
- Excessive vomiting diagnosed as hyperemesis
- Birth complications such as placental abruption or emergency caesareans
- Miscarriages or stillbirths
Make sure you check the terms and conditions of your specific policy so that you understand what you are and aren’t covered for in relation to pregnancy and childbirth.
Will you be covered for the full term?
Most travel insurance companies will cover your pregnancy up to 26-28 weeks, while others can provide cover for up to 30 weeks. (Source: http://www.canstar.com.au/media/2014/08/Travel-Insurance-2014.pdf)
There can also be other restrictions on how long you will be covered for depending on:
- If your pregnancy is single or multiple (twins, triplets etc.)
- Whether you conceived naturally or engaged the use of reproductive services to conceive
- Whether you have a routine pregnancy or are experiencing complications
- If you had any pre-existing complications or conditions before purchasing the travel insurance (in which case you need to declare this upon application as a pre-existing condition)
Did you know?
InsureandGo is one of the few travel insurance companies in Australia that provides pregnancy travel cover for up to 30 weeks (Source: http://www.canstar.com.au/media/2014/08/Travel-Insurance-2014.pdf)
Inquire now on 1300 550 606 or start your quote below.