Pregnancy and Travel Insurance: What You Need to Know

Pregnancy is a time full of promise, a time when the mother-to-be often still wants to enjoy a nice trip before her child is born. Being pregnant shouldn't stop the person concerned (and their partner) from traveling abroad. However, it's important to only consider such a trip once the stability of one's physical condition is assured, since no one can be sure that a trip cancellation won't disrupt plans due to pregnancy-related complications, whatever happens.

Below, we give you some pointers regarding the cover provided in Redion's travel insurance and cancellation contracts with regard to pregnancy.

Is pregnancy covered by travel insurance?

Health complications related to pregnancy that require medical care are covered by travel insurance.
However, travel insurance contracts include a limitation or exclusion regarding pregnancy. For instance, a pregnancy of more than 28 weeks is not covered for air travel, except for trips for which written authorization has been given by the treating gynecologist and confirmed by the doctor of the airline concerned. This exclusion looks after the well-being of the mother and child and complies with the regulations airlines must follow for the safety of their passengers.

Before traveling during your pregnancy, follow this advice:

• Consult your doctor before you leave: Discuss your travel plans with your doctor at least six weeks before departure. They can assess your state of health and give you specific recommendations.
• Plan your trip during the second trimester: The second trimester is generally considered the best time to travel, since morning sickness eases and energy returns.
• Choose accessible and safe destinations: Favor destinations where quality medical care is available. Avoid remote or hard-to-reach regions.
• Be aware of disease risks: Find out about the health risks of your destination and take the necessary precautions, such as vaccinations and medication.
• Select comfortable modes of transport: Favor air or rail travel to avoid long car journeys. If you have to fly, ask for a seatbelt extender if needed. See the useful links at the bottom of the article on this topic.
• Bring comfortable clothing and essential accessories: Wear loose, comfortable clothing, as well as flat shoes. Don't forget to stay hydrated regularly and possibly wear compression stockings to help blood circulation.
• Take regular breaks: On long journeys, stop often to stretch and move around. This will help prevent the risk of thrombosis and pain.
• Prepare a first-aid kit: Bring a first-aid kit containing your medication and the phone numbers of local doctors and hospitals.
• Make sure you're well insured: Arrange good travel and cancellation insurance cover so you can prepare your trip and travel with complete peace of mind.

Is pregnancy covered by cancellation insurance?

Cancelling a trip during pregnancy is possible under Redion's NoGo contracts in the event of medical complications during pregnancy or medical pregnancy disorders (or those of a family member up to the 3rd degree of kinship).
Cancellation is also possible in the event of a premature birth occurring at least 1 month before term.

The insurance also covers your pregnancy or that of your travel companion, provided the trip was planned during the last 3 months of the pregnancy and this pregnancy was not known at the time the trip was booked.

Voluntary termination of pregnancy is not covered.

Furthermore, the other events covered by cancellation insurance can be triggered independently of your pregnancy.

To benefit from effective protection in the event of trip cancellation, the insurance must be taken out in good time, i.e. at least 30 days before the start of the trip.

Is your partner also covered for a cancellation due to pregnancy?

If you have to cancel your trip due to an event covered by your cancellation contract, your partner, who is on the same travel booking as you, can also benefit from cancelling their trip in accordance with the criteria set out in your contract. This is therefore also the case if the cancellation is due to a medical complication caused by pregnancy.

Traveling by plane, car, or train during pregnancy?

Are you considering a trip by car or train during your pregnancy?
Want to know more about medical prevention and the best time to travel?\