Obtaining travel insurance in pregnancy

Holiday insurance is an important part of planning any trip, but especially so when a member of your travelling party is expecting. Because of the increased risk of your requiring medical care while abroad, insurance can be more expensive for pregnant women. If you are planning a trip, take a look at our travel insurance guide for those in pregnancy.

Your due date is a determining factor when it comes to the price of your travel insurance. Statistically your safest period for travel is during your tenth to twentieth week of pregnancy, as the risk of complications is at a minimum.

Your third trimester of pregnancy is deemed the highest risk travel category by insurers. The risk of developing complications increases, and birth takes place during this period, which could result in labour complications, or the need for repatriation, all of which cost insurers money. So aim to book your trip before this period if you can.

If you have a document from your GP that states tat you are fit enough to do so, you are likely to be able to travel on most airlines until you are 36 weeks pregnant. If you have had any complications with previous pregnancies, then this may drop to 28 weeks. Insurers, regardless of your level of health, are not likely o insure you if you are more than 28 weeks gone.

Besides timing your holiday so that you travel during your 2nd trimester, there are other things that you can do control the cost of your travel insurance. If you have any existing insurance products, particularly private medical insurance, or even a credit card, read through your policy details carefully. It could be that you are already partially, or fully, covered for overseas travel.

The internet can be a godsend when it comes to finding insurance, especially for specialist policies. Comparison sites make the contrasting of policy prices and details a good deal easier than phoning round companies individually. Trying as many insurers as you can for quotes is the key to finding the most affordable policy for you.

Women who cannot avoid travel during their third trimester may struggle to find an insurance company to cover them. If you have to travel, try a specialist insurer or broker, or speak to your existing insurer to see if they can tailor a special policy to meet your needs. This may cost you more, but it is far better than travelling without insurance.

Most travel insurance policies have exclusions relating to pregnancy, and so it is always vital that you read the small print. You are most likely to find a cause that deems the insurance invalid if you do not return home at least eight weeks before your due date.

For great deals on holiday insurance including annual travel insurance with cancellation cover up to £5,000, visit AA Travel Insurance.