Most of us know the importance of purchasing comprehensive travel insurance and the peace of mind it brings. So when it comes to travelling during pregnancy, whether you’re jet setting to an island resort to put your feet up, or heading to a comforting family home abroad, it’s important to get travel insurance that covers you and your unborn baby.
The good news is, several Australian companies cover expectant mothers who wish to travel, and we've done the research to make it easy to find cover.
Pregnancy Travel Insurance In Australia
Your due date and past pregnancy complications play an important role in whether you can get coverage or not. Some insurers consider pregnancy to be a pre-existing medical condition and a medical assessment may be required before you can buy cover. Many cover uncomplicated pregnancies up to a certain gestation without any fuss (usually up to around 19-24 weeks, but it can be up to 36 weeks); and there are some insurers that simply will not cover pregnancy-related complications during your travels at all.
How Many Weeks Pregnant Will You Be?
Many of the insurers listed in the table will cover you for unexpected pregnancy complications up until a certain stage in the pregnancy.
Click the 'plus sign' for more detail on the terms of cover for each insurer.
| Insurer | Single pregnancy max gestation cover | Single pregnancy without complications | Single pregnancy conceived through assisted reproduction services | Multiple pregnancy without complications | Multiple pregnancy conceived through assisted reproduction services | Pregnancy complications experienced prior to a policy being issued | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
24 Weeks | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 24th week of gestation | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 24th week of gestation providing no complications | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 19th week of gestation | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 19th week of gestation providing no complications | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | ||
23 Weeks | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 23rd week of gestation | Includes cover without complications up to 23 weeks of pregnancy. | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 19th week of gestation | No pregnancy related cover offered | No pregnancy related cover offered | ||
30 Weeks | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 30nd week of gestation. Cover also includes premature childbirth if a qualified practictioner confirms the claim comes from one of their definitions of 'complications of pregnancy and childbirth. See PDS for full definitions | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 32nd week of gestation. Cover also includes premature childbirth if a qualified practictioner confirms the claim comes from one of their definitions of 'complications of pregnancy and childbirth. See PDS for full definitions | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 20th week of gestation | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 20th week of gestation | Cover may be available up to 20 weeks. You will also need to apply for cover by submitting a medical assessment form | ||
30 Weeks | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 30nd week of gestation. Cover also includes premature childbirth if a qualified practitioner confirms the claim comes from one of their definitions of 'complications of pregnancy and childbirth. See PDS for full definitions | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 30nd week of gestation. Cover also includes premature childbirth if a qualified practitioner confirms the claim comes from one of their definitions of 'complications of pregnancy and childbirth. See PDS for full definitions | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 20th week of gestation | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 20th week of gestation | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | ||
24 Weeks | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 24th week of gestation | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 24th week of gestation providing no complications | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 19th week of gestation | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 19th week of gestation providing no complications | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | ||
36 Weeks | Covered up to and inclusive of 36th week gestation. You must declare all pre-existing conditions. | No mention of IVF or assisted pregnancy in the Product Disclosure Statement. | Covered up to and inclusive of 32nd week gestation. You must declare all pre-existing conditions. | No mention of IVF or assisted pregnancy in the Product Disclosure Statement. | Cannot declare pregnancy-related pre-existing conditions, as pregnancy is not considered unforeseen or unexpected. Other conditions must be declared.
Additional premiums may apply. | ||
23 Weeks | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 23rd week of gestation | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | ||
23 Weeks | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 23rd week of gestation | No pregnancy related cover offered | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 23rd week of gestation | No pregnancy related cover offered | No pregnancy related cover offered | ||
24 Weeks | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed | ||
23 Weeks | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 23rd week of gestation | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | ||
23 Weeks | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 23th week of gestation | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 23th week of gestation | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | ||
23 Weeks | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 23rd week of gestation. | No pregnancy related cover offered | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 23rd week of gestation | No pregnancy related cover offered | No pregnancy related cover offered | ||
23 Weeks | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 23rd week of gestation | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | ||
23 Weeks | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 23th week of gestation | No pregnancy related cover offered | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 23th week of gestation | No pregnancy related cover offered | No pregnancy related cover offered | ||
24 Weeks | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 24th week of gestation | pregnancy related cover offered | No pregnancy related cover offered | No pregnancy related cover offered | No pregnancy related cover offered | ||
23 Weeks | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 20th week of gestation | No pregnancy related cover offeredno | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 23th week of gestation | No pregnancy related cover offered | No pregnancy related cover offered | ||
22 Weeks | Cover available and includes unexpected medical complications up to 22 weeks gestation from the date the policy ends, where no complications exist | No pregnancy related cover offered | No pregnancy related cover offered | No pregnancy related cover offered | No pregnancy related cover offered | ||
26 Weeks | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 26th week of gestation | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | ||
26 Weeks | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 26th week of gestation | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 26th week of gestation | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 19th week of gestation | No pregnancy related cover offered | No pregnancy related cover offered | ||
23 Weeks | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 23rd week of gestation | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | ||
23 Weeks | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 23rd week of gestation | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | ||
23 Weeks | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 23th week of gestation | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 23th week of gestation | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 23th week of gestation | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 23th week of gestation | No cover if complications prior to start date of insurance | ||
26 Weeks | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 26th week of gestation | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 26th week of gestation | No pregnancy related cover offered | No pregnancy related cover offered | No pregnancy related cover offered | ||
23 Weeks | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 26th week of gestation | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed; up to and inclusive of the 26th week of gestation | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed; up to and inclusive of the 26th week of gestation | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed; up to and inclusive of the 26th week of gestation | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed; up to and inclusive of the 26th week of gestation | ||
22 Weeks | Cover includes unexpected medical complications up to 22 weeks of pregnancy. No additional premium is payable | No pregnancy related cover offered | No pregnancy related cover offered | No pregnancy related cover offered | No pregnancy related cover offered | ||
23 Weeks | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 23rd week of gestation. | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | ||
23 Weeks | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 23rd week of gestation | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | ||
25 Weeks | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 25th week of gestation | No pregnancy related cover offered | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 19th week of gestation | No pregnancy related cover offered | No pregnancy related cover offered | ||
26 Weeks | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 26th week of gestation | No pregnancy related cover offered | No pregnancy related cover offered | No pregnancy related cover offered | No pregnancy related cover offered | ||
26 Weeks | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 26th week of gestation | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | No pregnancy related cover offered | ||
23 Weeks | Automatically covered up to and inclusive of the 23rd week of gestation | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | Requires an online medical assessment to be completed to see if cover can be offered. Additional premiums may apply | No pregnancy related cover offered |
1Cover
Fast Cover
InsureandGo
Tick Insurance
Zoom Travel Insurance
AllClear
Allianz
Amex
Australia Post
Boomers
Bupa Australia
CommInsure
Cover-More
Easy Travel Insurance
Freely
Go insurance
Insure4Less
Medibank Private
NIB
NRMA
Real Insurance
SCTI
Travel Insurance Direct
Travel Insurance Saver
Travel Insuranz
Webjet
Westpac
Woolworths
World Nomads
World2Cover
WorldcareGeneral Advice Warning: The contents of this article were accurate at the time of writing. Insurers change their policies from time to time, so some information may have changed. You should always read the Product Disclosure Statement of your chosen insurer to understand what is covered and what isn't. The information provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account any personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your personal circumstances.
Pregnancy Cover Exclusions
It’s important to remember that exclusions apply to most policies. For example, even if you’ve found an insurer that covers your specific circumstances, you probably wouldn't have cover if:
- you travel against doctors advice
- you have complications that exist with the pregnancy and didn't declare them or obtain your insurers' approval for cover
- your trip extends beyond the maximum weeks of pregnancy permitted (expectant mothers can still buy a standard policy after the maximum gestation limit; however they won't be covered for anything related to the pregnancy)
- you went into labour, the childbirth or the health care of a newborn child is often excluded Some of these exclusions can be removed by paying an additional premium or completing a medical assessment.
What Are Pregnancy Complications?
A complication is known as a secondary diagnosis occurring prior to, during the course of, concurrent with, or as a result of pregnancy, which may adversely affect the pregnancy outcome. Each insurer will have different rules, but generally, you will need to declare these conditions. E.g:
- Toxaemia (toxins in the blood)
- Gestational diabetes (diabetes arising as a result of pregnancy)
- Pre-eclampsia
- Hyperemesis gravidarum (excessive vomiting as a result of pregnancy)
- Placenta praevia (when the placenta is in the lower part of the uterus and covers part or all of the cervix)
- and more...
5 Tips For Travelling While Pregnant
While travelling when pregnant is considered safe during your first and second trimesters, it’s still a good idea to do some fact-checking and seek medical advice before you go. Here are some things to consider:
Destination: A remote island might be the ultimate in luxury but in some instances, not the best location for your babymoon. Consider locations with good road access, transport networks and access to medical facilities.
Activities: Depending on your energy levels your pre-baby getaway may be best spent unwinding and relaxing rather than taking part in sightseeing tours and physical activities. Mums-to-be on the adventurous side should be cautious about participating in activities like scuba diving, ice-skating, rock-climbing and amusement park rides. Certain sports and activities may not be covered by your travel insurer either. Speak to your doctor about the recommended activities before you book anything up front.
Local food and drink: A pad Thai from a street vendor might be exactly what you’re craving, but can you guarantee its freshness? Be cautious about food you suspect may not have been kept refrigerated or properly cooked through, and make sure the tap water at your destination is safe to drink as well.
Vaccinations and medication: Are you suffering from heartburn or morning sickness? Make sure you’ve got any necessary medications and vitamins packed in your case rather than relying on local pharmacies. Plan any vaccinations well in advance and make sure they’re suitable for you and bub.
What happens to you when you fly: Swelling and dehydration on a plane is common - especially for those that are expecting. Sitting on a plane for eight-hours can also put you at risk of deep vein thrombosis. Make sure you get some good stretches in every couple of hours (at least), drink heaps of water, wear comfy clothes (with room to move), and wear DVT flight socks! Remember if you’re over 28 weeks you will need a letter from your doctor saying you’re fit to fly.
Why Travel Cover Is Important When Pregnant
Having the right travel insurance for your holiday is always important, but especially so when you’re pregnant. Expecting a child makes you more vulnerable than the average traveller; your body's immunity is lowered and your susceptibility to certain illnesses and infections is heightened. On the off-chance you do need to cancel your trip or require medical care abroad, travel insurance will have you covered provided you have declared any pre-existing illnesses.
Travelling while pregnant can be nerve-racking but hugely rewarding if done right. Having the right cover will allow you to put your feet up and enjoy some R&R before life as you know it changes forever.
Remember that benefits and exclusions will vary greatly from insurer to insurer, so it's vital to make sure you read the small print before you head off on your hols.
General Advice Warning: The contents of this article were accurate at the time of writing. Insurers change their policies from time to time, so some information may have changed. You should always read the Product Disclosure Statement of your chosen insurer to understand what is covered and what isn't. The information provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account any personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your personal circumstances.
pregnancy travel insurance faqs
Questions about pregnancy travel cover? You've come to the right place.
Yes, many travel insurance companies cover pregnancy. Most companies automatically cover you up to a certain gestation (typically between 19 to 32 weeks), provided that your pregnancy is free of complications. Some brands have a pregnancy add-on or medical screening for complicated pregnancies or those further along in gestation. Find out who covers pregnancy and learn more on the conditions of cover for each travel insurer using our table above.
Not usually. In most cases, insurers do not consider pregnancy to be a medical condition. If you're travelling during the first stages of your pregnancy, most brands will cover you automatically on a standard policy for single foetus pregnancies less than 20 weeks, provided that there are no medical complications. However, if you suffer from any related medical condition or complication such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, or preeclampsia, you should declare this via a medical screening process to ensure that you obtain appropriate cover. Of course, there are some variations to this; some insurers want to know about pregnancy regardless of gestation, so if you're pregnant and planning to travel be sure to understand your insurer's terms around pregnancy and medical conditions.
Most travel insurers do not consider pregnancy to be a pre-existing medical condition, and you are not required to declare your pregnancy via a screening form unless you have had complications or conceived your child through IVF. However, there are a few providers that consider pregnancy a medical condition, so be sure to read and understand any questions on this carefully. You can compare pregnancy travel cover conditions in our table above.
Generally, travel insurance will only cover you for unforeseen bodily injury or illness and unexpected pregnancy complications - not your unborn child. Childbirth is not considered to be either unforeseen or an illness or injury. Likewise, routine or regular antenatal checkups are usually excluded. However, there are a few travel insurers that do cover emergency birth provided you're travelling within their gestation limits. Discover who they are in the table above.
Almost all travel insurers cover pregnant people, either automatically or with a medical screening, provided you are under their gestation limits (how many weeks pregnant you are). You can also review the gestation limits in the table above.
Most travel insurers will insure pregnant people up to gestations of between 19 and 24 weeks, with a small number of insurers offering cover up to 32 or 33 weeks. You can compare insurers gestation limits in the above table.
Yes, many travel insurers offer cover if you are pregnant with twins. You will often find that travel cover brands will have lower gestation limits for people pregnant with twins.
Finding travel cover when your little one was conceived through IVF is increasingly common - some insurers do not even require you to declare this as a pre-existing medical condition. Check the holiday insurers' Product Disclosure Statement carefully to understand their conditions for assisted pregnancies.
If you have experienced complications during your pregnancy, you will be required to complete a medical assessment. This can often be done via a simple online medical screening where the insurer will ask you a few questions in relation to your conditions. Based on your answers, they will assess whether they can cover you, and if there is an increase in the cost of the premium. You can find which insurers have online medical screenings for pre-existing medical conditions here.
AllClear Travel Insurance is a specialist medical insurer, and they cover pregnant people up to 36 weeks - the latest gestation that we are aware of in the Australian trip cover market. Click to learn more about AllClear Travel Insurance.
Generally speaking, you don't need a different kind of travel insurance if pregnant. However, most insurers will have a gestational limit, and will require you to disclose if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, including pregnancy-related complications. Check the table above for each insurers' condition.
Generally speaking, most airlines will let women fly without medical clearance up to around halfway through a pregnancy. After that, most will require medical clearance from your doctor, and will let you fly up to around 30-36 weeks. As to whether you should fly at any stage during your specific pregnancy, contact your healthcare professional.
Eugene Wylde
Eugene is the king of insurance! Having spent more than ten years raising awareness on the importance of holiday protection, he is a self-confessed insurance geek extraordinaire when it comes to the world of travel cover. Eugene loves helping people save time, worry and loads of money with the right policy at the right price. His ideal holiday is any one where he has a pina colada in his hand. Salut!
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