You are planning to fly overseas for two-week-long vacation. Oh, and you are pregnant. Should you still go?
First things first: Are you sure you want to take this trip? I mean, are you really sure? Because if you are on the fence, opt to reschedule the vacation for a later, cheaper, post-baby date. If you already have travel medical insurance, you may be eligible for a trip cancellation refund, if you have discovered your pregnancy within two weeks of the trip.
What if you can’t imagine delaying (or are unable to delay) your trip? You should know that finding international travel medical insurance is very difficult for expectant mothers. Many policies have a disclaimer which specifically excludes pregnancy or anything related to maternity. In their defense, you are in a higher-risk category than many travelers, being responsible for such a fragile and vulnerable life. Nevertheless, you may find a company which will cover you; but even these companies have stipulations. The policy may be void if you are outside of their coverage area, if you travel overseas, or if you have a pre-existing condition (aside from the one growing in your womb). Additionally, if you have to cancel your trip due to difficulties related to the pregnancy, you may be void from their cancellation refund.
However, let us assume that you have found one of the few companies which specialize in high-risk policy-holders (or a company offers a maternity rider option). There will still be many factors to consider. For example, a company may have exclusions on traveling to certain destinations or during particular phases of your gestation (very few, if any, companies will insure a woman who is more than 28 weeks along). Some international travel insurance companies will cover “complications of pregnancy,” but only if they were non-existent at the time of purchase. A “complication of pregnancy” is defined as a condition which is distinct from pregnancy, but is adversely affected or caused by pregnancy.
Talk to the insurance company extensively before signing up. Read the fine print. Make sure you know what is and isn’t covered, not only for your departure, but also for your return. (For example, if you plan to be gone for a month, will you still be covered when you fly home at 30-weeks-pregnant?)
Last but not least, remember that international travel medical insurance is necessary. The high price and excessive stipulations of temporary coverage may discourage you. They may make you think, “nothing will go wrong…I will just opt out of insurance.” However, there is a reason why this coverage is so pricey: because pregnant women are more prone to medical complications while traveling, especially to a foreign country which requires longer air-time and may expose you to unique diseases. If you are thousands of miles away from home when something goes wrong, you will want to make sure both you and your baby are safe.
