Insurance is always an essential when travelling and it is never more important than when you are pregnant.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance policies are not all made equal. There are several different factors about your pregnancy that could affect the amount of cover or the cost of your travel insurance:

• how far through your pregnancy you are
• if you have had any pregnancy complications
• if you are having a single or multiple babies
• if your baby/s was conceived using assisted reproductive services

It may be that you are able to pay an additional premium to have some of the exclusions covered.

Be sure to disclose you are pregnant to your potential insurer. An insurance broker may be able to give you some guidance on the different policies and their restrictions and inclusions.

Generally, emergency medical treatment will be covered (subject to conditions) but common pregnancy symptoms such as heartburn, constipation and morning sickness will not be covered.

Pregnancy travel tips

As a rule, it is considered safe to travel during your first and second trimester, assuming you haven’t had any pregnancy complications.

Before you leave

• discuss your forthcoming travel with your LMC to ensure they are happy with your travel idea
• check your airlines restrictions around pregnancy and travel. Some airlines will let you fly as late as 35-36 weeks (with medical clearance) for a maximum flight duration of around 5 hours
• ensure you have your pregnancy travel well insured
• book short flights where possible – long haul is uncomfortable and challenging when pregnant.
• upgrade if you can to a seat with a bit more leg room
• check out vaccination recommendations for your destination and discuss with your doctor as some vaccinations aren’t suitable during pregnancy
• purchase compression stockings – they will help with circulation and reduce the risk of swelling and thrombosis

During your journey

• wear lose fitting and comfortable clothing and footwear
• wear the lap belt underneath your bump
• get up and move regularly during long trips
• wear your compression stockings

While on holiday

• drink bottled water to reduce the risk of tummy upsets
• plan your activities to ensure you get plenty of time to rest during the day