Your long awaited holiday is almost upon you. Planned well in advance to avoid complications and to ensure a smooth, hassle-free trip, the one eventuality that you had not foreseen at the time was the soon to be ‘addition’ to your family. You’re pregnant! This doesn’t mean that you can’t go on that long awaited and well deserved holiday. It just means that you have to make sure your travel insurance covers you and the bundle of joy that’s on its way.

A Typical Pregnancy Cover in Australia

First, you need to make sure you read the fine print in your policy. Many insurance providers will cover you, but have restrictions on the conditions of your pregnancy, while others simply will not cover you at all. The key issues surroundingthe insurance cover for you and your swollen tummy are how far along you are; are there any complications; is there more than one bump in your ‘bump’; and whether you had any IVF Dr assisted reproduction? Furthermore, most insurers consider pregnancy to be a pre-existing condition and you should, therefore, get a medical assessment so meet your insurer’s conditions.

Who Covers What?

Most insurers will cover uncomplicated pregnancies automatically up to a certain number of weeks. The key time period here is around 26 weeks so make sure what your insurer will cover, especially if your holiday extends beyond the maximum weeks of pregnancy permitted, or if you are travelling against your doctor’s advice.

Pregnancy Complications

Sounds worse than it necessarily needs to be, but a complication as far as your insurer is concerned means any condition which arises during the course of, or as a result of your pregnancy, which could affect the outcome of your pregnancy. Most common amongst these are pre-eclampsia, toxins in the blood (Toxaemia), gestational diabetes and excessive vomiting as a result of your pregnancy. Make sure that you check your insurer’s Product Disclosure Statement.

If you are expecting twins then you may need to shop around. Some insurers don’t cover multiple pregnancy while others will, provided that there are no complications.

Did You Have an Assisted Pregnancy?

If your pregnancy arose from fertility treatment, assisted reproductive technology or IVF, then you will most likely not be covered because most insurers simply won’t cover you. However, there are some insurers who do, for which you will need to complete an online medical assessment. Do make sure that you have done this and that your insurer will cover you once you have done so.

Remember that just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean that you can’t get adequate travel insurance and enjoy your holiday. The further along you are the less coverage you are likely to have,which is why it’s so importantto take out any additional coverage that you may need to be on the safe side. Travel safe, and insurance aside, remember to take all the normal travel precautions to make your trip comfortable and enjoyable!