Tommy has over 15 years experience within the insurance industry, and his primary focus is helping travellers find the right cover for their medical conditions.
Many of us enjoy travelling occasionally; whether that is jetting off on a family holiday or heading to a city for work, exploring new countries can be exhilarating. However, travelling with a medical condition or while pregnant can boast new and unexpected concerns and worries that you may not otherwise have, like whether you need travel insurance for health conditions or pregnancy when travelling.
In this guide, we answer some of the questions you may have when it comes to travelling whilst pregnant, including where you can travel and when it is recommended that you stop travelling. Keep reading to find out more.
Can you travel whilst you’re pregnant?
Yes, generally, air travel is safe for pregnant women as long as the pregnancy is uncomplicated and you haven’t had any pregnancy issues. Some women often opt not to travel during their first weeks of pregnancy due to outbursts of vomiting and nausea, as well as this being one of the more common times during pregnancy for miscarriage. However, it is safe to do so if needed.
Flying isn’t harmful to you or your baby, but the chances of going into labour are higher after 37 weeks, so women often choose to stop travelling then. It is worth speaking to your midwife or doctor before travelling to make sure they are happy that you are fit to fly. Some airlines may ask for a fit-to-fly letter to make sure you are safe to fly and know what point in your pregnancy you are at, so make sure you carry a note from your midwife with you at all times when travelling.
At what week of pregnancy should you not fly?
As mentioned above, most people stop flying or travelling abroad after 37 weeks due to the higher risk of you going into labour. However, if you have a multiple pregnancy (are carrying twins, triplets etc.), then it is advised to stop travelling slightly earlier at 32 weeks.
If you have had a complicated pregnancy, travelling may come with higher risks, so speak to your midwife or doctor, and they can advise at what point you should stop travelling.
What medical requirements might I need when flying pregnant?
Most airlines won’t let you fly if you’re within a month of your due date due to the risk of you going into early labour or having complications and being unable to access a hospital or medical attention. Some travellers will need a fit-to-fly note or letter to present to the crew on the plane to allow them to fly. It is wise to carry contact details for your midwife and doctor in case they need to be contacted by a health professional in the country you are visiting.
It is also worth carrying any insurance documentation with you if you need it when travelling. These documents will cover you should you need any medical attention whilst abroad.
Are there any locations I should avoid visiting?
Tropical and destinations with high altitudes are destinations you are often advised against visiting when you’re pregnant just due to the intensity of the weather and heat, which can put the body under unnecessary stress.
There are no strict guidelines about which destinations you can or can’t visit when you’re pregnant. Still, it is worth researching beforehand to check for any outbreaks or whether you need vaccinations or jabs before travelling, as this might affect your decision.
Do I need travel insurance when travelling pregnant?
When travelling anywhere, whether you have a medical condition or you’re pregnant, you should have travel insurance in case anything should happen to you whilst you’re away. Travel insurance covers you for any travel disruptions. It covers you for any medical expenses should you need treatment whilst you’re away and allows you to enjoy your holiday without worry or concern.
Medical Travel Compared offer a wide range of travel insurance policies for all types of medical conditions, including the likes of diabetes, heart conditions, pregnancy policies and many more.
Find out more about the types of cover we offer and the answers to any questions you might have on our website, or head to our blog for more guides and articles like this.
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