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? Many Australian travel insurers offer coverage for expectant mothers. We've done the research to help you find the right policy more easily.

Pregnancy Travel Insurance In Australia: What You Need To Know

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
23 Weeks
30 Weeks
30 Weeks
24 Weeks
36 Weeks
23 Weeks
23 Weeks
24 Weeks
23 Weeks
23 Weeks
23 Weeks
23 Weeks
23 Weeks
24 Weeks
23 Weeks
22 Weeks
26 Weeks
26 Weeks
23 Weeks
23 Weeks
23 Weeks
No cover if complications prior to start date of insurance
26 Weeks
23 Weeks
22 Weeks
23 Weeks
23 Weeks
25 Weeks
26 Weeks
26 Weeks
23 Weeks

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 Cover Exclusions

It’s important to remember that exclusions apply to most policies. For example, even if you find an insurer that covers your specific circumstances, you probably won't be covered if:

  • you travel against medical advice
  • you have pregnancy complications and don't declare them or obtain your insurer's approval for cover
  • your trip extends beyond the maximum weeks of pregnancy permitted (expectant mothers may still be able to buy a standard policy after the maximum gestation limit; however they won't be covered for anything related to the pregnancy)
  • you go into labour, the childbirth and the health care of a newborn child is often excluded. Some of these exclusions may be removable by paying an additional premium or completing a medical assessment.

What Are Pregnancy Complications?

A complication is 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. Some common pregnancy complications that may need to be declared are:

  • 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

Although travelling while 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 from your care team before you go. Here are some things to consider:

Destination: A remote island might be the ultimate in luxury but usually, not the best location for your babymoon. Consider locations with good road access, accessible public transport networks and access to safe, clean 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 your food choices, avoid uncooked food (like raw vegetables), which may not have been adequately cleaned and make sure the tap water at your destination is safe to drink before you arrive.

Vaccinations and medication: Are you suffering from heartburn or morning sickness? Make sure you have all of your necessary medications and vitamins packed in your hand luggage 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 at leaste every couple of hours, drink heaps of water, wear loose, comfy clothes, and 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 even more so when you’re pregnant. Expecting a child makes you more vulnerable than the average traveller; your body's natural 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, your travel insurance will have you covered provided you have declared any pre-existing illnesses and checked the terms and conditions carefully.

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.

Eugene Wylde

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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