No, you don’t need specialist travel insurance for pregnancy. Finding travel insurance is no different than when you’re not pregnant. Pregnancy itself doesn’t count as a pre-existing medical condition, so you shouldn’t need to pay higher premiums when securing your travel insurance.

Both multi and single trip policies are suitable for pregnant travellers. You could opt for a single trip policy offering higher cover than your annual policy. This will give you peace of mind should any complications relating to pregnancy occur during your trip. Check the cover, time frames and exclusions for each policy to ensure that you have everything you need.

Although you don’t need specialist travel insurance for pregnancy, you should let your chosen provider know if you’re experiencing any pregnancy-related conditions, such as gestational diabetes or high blood pressure. If this doesn’t apply to you, you won’t need to declare that you’re pregnant to your travel insurance provider.

Your travel insurance will cover you in the same way as if you weren’t pregnant. It’s important that the insurance you choose covers overseas medical care should you experience any complications while abroad. Your policy documents will outline which medical procedures are covered.

You should also ensure that you’re covered for the cost of your holiday should you need to cancel in line with advice from a doctor or healthcare professional. Remember, your travel insurance will be invalid should you decide to travel against medical advice.

There are several things that your travel insurance covers which won’t change because you’re pregnant. This includes personal liability, personal injury, loss of luggage or devices, and cancellation due to illness. Check your chosen policy includes everything you need before you travel. You can always upgrade with your provider should you need to.

When purchasing travel insurance, you won’t usually have to declare to the provider that you’re pregnant. This is because pregnancy isn’t recognised as a medical condition^[1]. If you do have pre-existing conditions – whether these are related to your pregnancy or not – you will need to tell your provider about this.

To help correctly declare everything you need to, take a look at our guide to travel insurance with medical conditions.

Although you’re not typically required to declare your pregnancy, you can contact your travel insurance provider with any questions you may have. This will give you peace of mind you have all the cover you need before your trip.

[1] https://www.bupa.co.uk/health/health-insurance/family-health-insurance/maternity-care-and-health-insurance

https://www.bupa.co.uk/health/health-insurance/family-health-insurance/maternity-care-and-health-insurance

You’ll be able to get an annual travel insurance policy while you’re pregnant. As pregnancy isn’t seen as a medical condition, you have the option of an annual or single-trip policy. Just as you would if you weren’t expecting.

Check the policy wording carefully to ensure it provides the cover you need. If you have any questions about the policy, contact the provider.

Yes, you can fly while you’re pregnant, usually up until 37 weeks for one baby or 32 weeks for twins^[1]. This is because you could go into labour when you reach this stage of your pregnancy. You should talk to your doctor or midwife before flying to check they’re happy for you to go. They may deem it unsafe if you’ve had any complications. This will invalidate your travel insurance if you still choose to fly.

In your first trimester, you may prefer to avoid travelling as you could experience morning sickness and fatigue during this stage. Typically, the second trimester is the best time to fly during pregnancy. This is because morning sickness has usually eased, and you’ll find that you have more energy. During your third trimester, you may feel tired and experience back pain due to the rapid growth of your baby. This may make travelling less desirable as you reach the end of your pregnancy.

[1] https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/general-travel-health-advice/pregnant-travellers

It’s recommended that you let your airline know how many weeks pregnant you will be when you fly. You can typically fly up until 37 weeks pregnant, or 32 weeks with twins. The airline may ask for a letter from your doctor or midwife if you’re flying at 28 weeks pregnant or more^[1]. This will confirm your expected due date, that you and your baby are healthy, and that you’re experiencing a normal pregnancy.

Your airline might also need to know if your due date is less than four weeks after departure and whether you’re expected to have any complications during labour. Policies can differ, so research your chosen airline and their pregnancy guidelines.

[1] https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/general-travel-health-advice/pregnant-travellers#air

You should have travel insurance when travelling pregnant, even when you have a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). It may not be a compulsory requirement, but it’s important to remember that a GHIC will only cover you for healthcare. Your travel insurance will cover things like missed flights and lost luggage as well as medical care.

A GHIC or EHIC card can be used to receive the same healthcare as locals in the country you’re visiting. The cards cover EU countries along with some additional locations around the world. The GHIC is replacing the EHIC, and you can apply for one up to six months before your current card expires. You can apply for a GHIC via the NHS website, and it will be valid for up to five years.

Some travel insurance providers require individuals to have an EHIC or GHIC card, so please check your policy to be sure.

When travelling pregnant, there are a number of documents you should take with you.

• Travel insurance policy with the emergency helpline number
• Maternity notes
• A valid GHIC/EHIC
• Fit to fly document (if required)

Make sure you keep everything together in a safe place so that you can easily find your documents should you need them.

[1] https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/general-travel-health-advice/pregnant-travellers

[1] https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/general-travel-health-advice/pregnant-travellers#air

There’s always lots to think about before travelling, and there are a few extra things to consider when travelling pregnant.

• Medical advice: always check with your doctor or midwife before you travel. They will be able to tell you whether they think you’re fit to fly and can provide you with any paperwork you need to prove this. If you travel against medical advice, your travel insurance will likely be invalid.
• Health and wellbeing: there could be extra considerations depending on your destination. For example, some countries require you to have vaccinations or anti-malaria medication. Discuss this with your doctor or midwife who will be able to advise. You should avoid travelling to destinations where there is a risk of contracting Zika virus as this poses an extra risk to pregnant women and babies^[1].
• Food and drink: when pregnant, you should be cautious about what you eat and drink, especially when you’re abroad. Don’t drink tap water if advised not to, and make sure you understand which foods to avoid, such as undercooked meat and raw shellfish.
• Holiday activities: holidays provide a great opportunity to try out new activities and experiences, but some of these won’t be suitable when travelling pregnant. For example, avoid any high-impact or risky activities like waterskiing or climbing.

[1] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/zika/

You should always aim to purchase travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked your holiday as this will mean you’re covered straight away. Finding out that you’re pregnant before travelling won’t affect this and you’ll be covered as normal.

It’s likely that you’ll need to pay a cancellation fee should you choose to cancel your trip after discovering you’re pregnant. But you should be covered if your doctor or midwife advises against travel.

If you have the correct travel insurance in place, you’ll typically be covered for your medical, travel and accommodation costs should you go into labour abroad. Just find the nearest hospital and contact your travel insurance provider to see if they’ll be able to help.

Many policies won’t cover you if you planned to give birth abroad. If this is your plan, ensure that you speak to your UK doctor before travelling.

It’s worth noting that many airlines won’t allow newborns onto flights until they reach a certain number of weeks, and this could be extended should you have a premature birth while on holiday.