Travel insurance in your third trimester

What you need to know about travel insurance in your third trimester
 
It’s normal to be worried about flying in your third trimester. This stage of pregnancy is notorious for being the most risky period to fly in. However, more often than not, things run smoothly, and in most cases, women in their third trimester of pregnancy can get covered by travel insurance up to a certain point. So what do you need to know?
 
Can you take out travel insurance while pregnant?
Of course you can. Many insurance brands will provide you with cover up until a certain point in your third trimester, usually the 32-week mark. However, there are often a few factors that are taken into consideration before you receive cover. For example, many insurers will only provide you with cover if you are planning to return home eight weeks or more before your due date.
 
When is pregnancy automatically covered?
Pregnancy is automatically covered under a general travel insurance policy when:

  • Any complications that arise are unexpected

  • The trip ends on or before the 26-week mark

  • The trip has not been booked in order to undergo treatment associated with reproductive programs such as IVF

 
Do you have to pay more for cover?
Travel insurance brands typically base their pricing on various risk factors and the likelihood of someone actually having to make a claim. Factors that can influence price include pre-existing medical conditions, the riskiness of the location you’re heading to and the length of your trip.
 
Because pregnancy is technically classed as a pre-existing condition, you’re legally required to disclose your pregnancy to your insurer during the application process. Although it may increase the price of your premium, if you don’t let your insurer know and you end up making a pregnancy-related claim, you may be rejected. Even though you might have to pay more, it’s worth it in order to be eligible to claim later.
 
What if you hit 32 weeks during your trip?
You shouldn’t expect your travel insurer to continue providing cover once you hit the 32-week mark. Unfortunately, it’s likely that your cover will end at this point, so try to avoid taking a trip that will extend past this date.
 
You should also notify your doctor of your travel plans in advance, especially if you’re heading overseas. If your doctor advises that you shouldn’t travel, then you most likely won’t be eligible for cover. However, if you’re advised against travelling and you’ve already booked your trip and taken out travel insurance, your policy should provide cover for the costs of cancelling your holiday. This can include cover for any cancellation fees you’re required to pay and any pre-paid deposits for accommodation, transport or tours.
 
What are the exclusions?
There are a lot of exclusions that may prevent you from being eligible to make a claim or even being able to take out cover in the first place. Exclusions can include:

  • If you have a multiple pregnancy

  • If the purpose of your trip is to undergo IVF

  • If you’ve experienced complications

  • If you’re travelling against medical advice

 
You also won’t be eligible to make a claim for any complications that arise while still in Australia or before your trip has commenced.
 
While all of this information may sound overwhelming, as long as you ensure that you’re travelling well within the time limits and that you have appropriately disclosed your pregnancy to your insurer, you should be able to receive cover. Enjoy your babymoon!

Bessie.pngBessie Hassan is an insurance expert at finder.com.au and a mother of two.