Travelling while pregnant

While pregnancy is not considered a medical condition you should be aware of the following if travelling while pregnant.

1. Travel Up to 32 Weeks:

   • Generally, you are covered up to 32 weeks of pregnancy. You can still travel after this point if both the public transport provider and your doctor/midwife approve.

   • Important note: If you give birth prematurely after 32 weeks, you will not be covered due to the increased risk of premature birth at this stage.

2. Travel After 32 Weeks:

   • You can still travel beyond 32 weeks, but it will depend on medical advice and the airline's rules.

   • Airlines often require a fit-to-fly letter from your doctor or midwife after 28 weeks of pregnancy (or 24 weeks if expecting multiples).

   • If you travel against the airline’s rules or without medical approval, cover will not be provided.

3. Miscarriage Before Purchase:

   • If you had a miscarriage prior to purchasing the policy, and you develop an infection post-purchase, you are generally covered for cancellation, medical expenses abroad, and curtailment, as long as the miscarriage was not linked to an underlying medical condition and you're fit to travel at the time of purchase.

4. Routine Pregnancy-Related Expenses:

   • Routine check-ups, scans, or recurrent prenatal medication are not covered under IPA policies. Cover only applies to unforeseen events, accidents, illnesses, and diseases during travel.

5. Travel Restrictions:

   • Airline Rules: Always check airline policies, as they may not permit travel beyond certain weeks without medical documentation.

   • Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO): If the FCDO advises against travel to certain areas, you won’t be covered. Check FCDO for any travel warnings about areas impacted by conditions like Zika Virus.

6. Complications at Time of Purchase:

   • If you have pregnancy complications at the time of purchase, you can still be insured with a fit-to-fly letter. However, cancellation cover may not apply, as the complications are considered a known circumstance at the time of purchase.

7. IVF Treatment:

   • There is no need to declare IVF treatment (in vitro fertilization)

8. Newborn Cover:

   • If you give birth while traveling, your baby is covered, provided the mother’s cover is valid. If the mother isn’t covered, the baby will not be covered.

9. Zika Virus:

   • If you're traveling to a country with Zika Virus warnings, you’ll be covered as long as there’s no travel ban or advisory from the FCDO.

   • If your doctor advises against travel due to the Zika Virus, you can cancel your trip and be covered, but only if the doctor issues an unfit-to-travel report. If the doctor merely recommends not traveling but doesn't issue a formal statement, you will not be covered.