Pregnancy travel insurance

Does Travel Insurance Cover You When Pregnant?

You can travel while pregnant on any of our policies, but it's worth knowing exactly what that means. We don't cover normal pregnancy or normal childbirth, including routine check-ups, scans or giving birth abroad. What we do cover is unexpected pregnancy complications, such as pre-eclampsia or a medically necessary emergency caesarean, if they arise during your trip.

A few key points to know before you book:

• You don't need to declare a normal, healthy pregnancy, and it won't increase your premium.
• You're covered to travel up to the end of week 28 of a single pregnancy, or week 24 of a multiple pregnancy, as long as your airline or other transport provider is happy to carry you and you're not travelling against a doctor's advice.
• From week 29 (or week 25 for a multiple pregnancy) to week 40, medical expenses and cancellation cover only apply if a specific pregnancy complication occurs.
• If you've had pregnancy complications before, or have another medical condition such as gestational diabetes or high blood pressure, you'll need to declare it during medical screening.

For general guidance on travelling during pregnancy, the NHS and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists both publish useful advice.

Wherever You Are In Your Pregnancy, We've Got You Covered

Every pregnancy is different, and what you need from your travel insurance changes as the weeks go on.

Early and mid-pregnancy (up to week 28, or week 24 for twins) 

This is when most people travel. A normal, healthy pregnancy doesn't need to be declared and won't add anything to your premium. Your policy works as it would for any other traveller, as long as you're not travelling against medical advice and your airline is happy to carry you. Bear in mind that we don't cover routine pregnancy care or normal childbirth at any stage: cover relating to your pregnancy is there for unexpected complications. [Get a quote]

Later pregnancy (week 29 onwards, or week 25 for twins) 

From this point, medical expenses and cancellation cover relating to your pregnancy only apply if one of the specific complications listed below occurs, such as pre-eclampsia, placental abruption or a medically necessary emergency caesarean. Routine care, check-ups and normal labour or childbirth abroad are not covered. Airlines also set their own cut-off dates for flying, with earlier limits for multiple pregnancies, so check the rules for both your outward and return flights. [Get a quote]

If you've had complications or additional conditions 

A history of pregnancy complications, a multiple pregnancy, or another condition such as gestational diabetes or high blood pressure alongside the pregnancy all need declaring separately during screening. That way, your policy reflects your actual situation rather than assuming a standard pregnancy. Get a quote.

What Does Our Pregnancy Travel Insurance Cover?

Every valid policy includes emergency medical expenses and repatriation up to £10 million per person, and 24-hour access to our emergency medical assistance team by phone, wherever you're travelling.

You will be covered to travel up to week 28 of a single pregnancy, or week 24 of a multiple pregnancy, as long as your airline or other transport provider is happy to carry you and you are not travelling against a doctor's advice.

From week 29 to week 40 (or week 25 to week 40 for a multiple pregnancy), medical expenses and cancellation cover are only provided if one of the following complications occurs:

• Toxaemia
• Gestational hypertension
• Pre-eclampsia
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Molar pregnancy
• Hyperemesis gravidarum
• Placenta praevia
• Placental abruption
• Retained placental membrane
• Post-partum haemorrhage
• Miscarriage
• Stillbirth
• A medically necessary emergency caesarean
• A termination needed for medical reasons
• A premature birth more than 12 weeks before the expected delivery date (16 weeks for a multiple pregnancy)

What isn't covered 

• Normal pregnancy or normal childbirth at any stage, including routine check-ups and scans
• Denied boarding by your airline or transport provider, so always check in advance that they're happy to carry you
• Cancellation if you discover after booking that you can't have a required vaccination, or that travel is advised against, where this wasn't known at the time you booked

Does my GHIC or EHIC cover me if something happens during pregnancy abroad? 

A Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or EHIC can help with some state-provided maternity care in parts of Europe, but it has real gaps for anyone pregnant:

• It doesn't cover repatriation home if you need to be transported back to the UK.
• It doesn't cover private maternity care, which may be the only realistic option in some hospitals or regions.
• It doesn't cover cancellation if you need to pull out of a trip due to complications with your pregnancy.
• It has no validity at all outside Europe.
• Some EU countries still charge a portion of costs that GHIC won't reimburse.

A GHIC is worth carrying alongside your travel insurance, but it isn't a substitute, particularly once you're past the point where standard cover ends.

Why Choose Total Travel Protection?

We've specialised in travel insurance for people with medical conditions and older travellers since 2010, brought to you by Ancile Insurance Group. We're proud members of the Money Helper Medical Travel Insurance Directory, which exists specifically to help people with health needs find appropriate cover.

Travelling while pregnant doesn't mean paying more or answering extra questions. A normal pregnancy doesn't need declaring, and if unexpected complications arise while you're away, our 24-hour emergency medical team is there to help.

Medical Screening - How It Works 

If your pregnancy is straightforward, there's nothing to declare. If you've had complications before, have a multiple pregnancy, or another condition alongside your pregnancy, here's what to expect:

1. Tell us about your trip. Destination, dates and who's travelling with you.
2. Tell us about your pregnancy or any related condition. Any complications, and any other medical conditions you're declaring. It is also important to note how many weeks pregnant you will be when you return home. This takes a few minutes.
3. Get your personalised quote. Priced around your actual situation.

Most pregnant travellers won't need to change a thing about how they buy their policy. It's only additional conditions or a complicated history that need declaring.

How Much Does Pregnancy Travel Insurance Cost? 

A normal pregnancy doesn't need declaring and doesn't change your price. Where cost can vary is if you're declaring something alongside the pregnancy. The main factors are:

• Any pregnancy complications you've had, past or current
• Other medical conditions declared alongside the pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes or high blood pressure
• Your destination and trip length
• The level of cover you choose (Silver, Gold or Platinum)
• How many people are travelling on the policy

The best way to find your price is to get a quick quote. It takes under five minutes, and there's no obligation to buy once you've seen it.

Get a quote

Tips for Travelling While Pregnant 

Planning a trip while expecting takes a little extra preparation, but there's no reason it can't still be a good one.

• Check your airline's policy. After 28 weeks, you may need a letter from your doctor or midwife confirming your due date and that your pregnancy is uncomplicated (often called a fit to fly letter). Airlines set their own cut-offs for travel, with earlier limits for multiple pregnancies, so check the requirements for both your outward and return flights.
• Planning a cruise? Most cruise lines limit travel to 24 weeks of pregnancy, so check their rules before you book.
• Speak to your doctor or midwife before you book, especially if you have any known complications, and let them know your travel plans.
• Check vaccination requirements before booking. Some travel vaccines are generally avoided during pregnancy, so seek advice about your destination and the protection you need. Check your policy's cancellation terms, particularly if you already know you're pregnant when booking.
• Avoid travelling to areas with malaria where you can. Pregnancy increases the risk of severe malaria, so if travel can't be avoided, get specialist advice well before you go.
• Find out before you travel where you can get help for any pregnancy complications at your destination, such as the nearest hospital with maternity facilities.
• Stay hydrated and move regularly on long journeys to help with energy levels and reduce the risk of swelling.
• Keep moving during your journey. An aisle seat makes it easier to get up and walk regularly. Flex and rotate your ankles while seated to help maintain blood flow and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• Consider graduated compression stockings for longer journeys. For travel lasting more than four hours, ask your midwife, doctor or pharmacist about correctly fitted stockings and whether you need any additional precautions.
• Carry your maternity notes and your GP or midwife's contact details wherever you go.