Pregnancy Travel Insurance Guide

Most of us know the importance of purchasing travel insurance and the peace of mind it brings. So when it comes to travelling during pregnancy, whether you're jetsetting 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 Kiwi companies will cover you for travelling when pregnant, and we've done the research to tell you who!

Typical Pregnancy Cover In New Zealand

Your due date and past pregnancy complications play an important role in whether you can get cover 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 26 weeks, but it can be up to 30 weeks); and there are some insurers that simply will not cover pregnancy related complications during your travels at all.

So Who Covers What?

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.

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 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 travelled against doctors advice
• for complications that exist with the pregnancy
• if 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)
• if the pregnancy resulted from assisted reproductive programmes (but this is covered in some cases)
• for childbirth or the health care of a newborn child
• Some of these exclusions can be removed by paying an additional premium or completing a medical assessment form

What Are Pregnancy Complications?

A complication is known as a secondary diagnosis occuring prior to, during the course of, concurrent with, or as a result of pregnancy, which may adversely affect the pregnancy outcome. 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's some things to consider:

Destination: A remote island might be the ultimate luxury but it might not be the best location for your pre-babymoon. Consider locations with good road access, transport networks and access to medical facilities.

Adventure: Your pre-baby getaway is the perfect time to relax and unwind rather than seeing the sites and inundating yourself in adventurous activities. Mums-to-be should be cautious about scuba diving, amusement park rides, anything that might rise your temperature too. Speak to your doctor about recommended activities before you book anything up.

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, and remember you can't always drink the water straight from the tap.

Vaccinations and medication: Are you suffering from heart burn or morning sickness? Make sure you've got your essential medicines 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 your bump as they're not always recommended for pregnant women.

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 8 hours and lack of movement can also mean there's a higher risk of deep vein thrombosis. Make sure you keep moving every couple of hours (at least), drink heaps of water, wear comfy clothes (with room to grow), and wear DVT flight socks! Remember if you're over 28 weeks you need a letter from your doctor saying you're fit to fly.

Time To Jetset

Having the right travel insurance for your holiday is always important, especially when you're pregnant. Expecting a child makes you more vulnerable than the average traveller to potential risk. On the off-chance you do need to cancel your trip and hurry home or require medical care, travel insurance will have you covered. Travelling while pregnant can be nerve racking. Having the right cover will allow you to put your feet up and enjoy your time away before the sleepless nights come.

Remember that benefits and exclusions vary greatly from insurer to insurer, so it's vital to make sure you real the small print before you head off on your hols.

Disclaimer: This information is provided as a general guide only and the fine print of the PDS should be read to determine whether the provider or policy is best for your circumstances.

Start comparing now to find the best policy for you and your bump!