What you need to know about travel insurance when pregnant
Travelling when pregnant, in most instances, can be safe for both you and your baby. However, you should always have a travel insurance policy in place to cover you – just like you usually would when enjoying a well-earned break.
Getting holiday insurance when pregnant is essentially the same as when you’re not expecting. Plus, you won’t have to pay a higher premium simply because you’re pregnant.
However, there may be some restrictions around:
- What you’re insured for – insurers may not pay out associated healthcare costs if you give birth abroad, for example.
- Stages of your pregnancy you’re covered for – policies might not protect you if you encounter complications after a certain number of weeks.
That’s why it’s important to read your policy documents to ensure you don’t have to worry about unexpected costs.
Is it safe to fly when pregnant?
According to officialNHS guidelines, it’s normally safe to travel by air while pregnant. This is if:
- Mother and baby are currently in good health
- Your pregnancy is straightforward
- You feel safe travelling
Before travelling during pregnancy, you should discuss it with your midwife or GP. They will be able to give you more guidance on whether it’s a good idea and is safe for you to do so.
Many women try to avoid flying during the first 12 to 15 weeks, as this is often the worst time for morning sickness and fatigue. Travelling between months four and six can be a good time to take a break, as long as your midwife and doctor are happy for you to travel.
Towards the end of your pregnancy, the thought of travelling could be less appealing, particularly on a long-haul plane journey. And, there are some restrictions that airlines place on pregnant passengers flying in their final trimester, which we discuss below.
You should also be aware that the risk of developing blood clots while flying for more than four hours could be higher when you’re pregnant. Although, according to NHS guidelines, this isn’t fully confirmed yet.
A few things can help reduce the chances of this happening:
- Wearing compression stockings
- Doing calf exercises
- Getting up and walking around, if you can
