Welcoming a new baby is an exciting and busy time. It pays to take a breather and enjoy a short getaway before the baby comes. There are a couple of things to consider if you’re wanting to travel while you’re pregnant, including medical care at your destination, and travel, health and maternity insurance coverage. If you need to take a flight, what are the limitations and do you need to check before you book? The team at Pacific Prime answer some key questions to help you plan a safe babymoon.
“When is it okay to travel when I’m pregnant, and when is it considered too late”?
Before you start making flight and hotel bookings, the first thing you should do is to consult your gynaecologist and let them know your plans. Ask if you are fit to travel and if any of your health conditions might have an effect on travel during pregnancy or vice versa.
Typically, pregnant women without any pregnancy complications are advised not to travel after the 37th week of pregnancy. Travelling during the first and third trimester is also usually not recommended as most pregnancy issues tend to appear during these periods. You’d probably also want to avoid morning sickness sessions while on your trip! Hence, the second trimester (weeks 13 to 26) is usually recommended.
Take note that if you plan to fly to your babymoon destination, most airlines allow pregnant women to fly up to 36 weeks pregnant. Even if you’ve got pregnancy travel insurance, it won’t reimburse you if you need to deliver after flying abroad following this milestone.
“What should I consider when choosing a destination?”
Depending on the place you have in mind, you might need immunisations and diarrhoea remedies. Look up travel advisories for the countries and regions you’ll be travelling to and follow the latest news on current and emerging diseases, such as the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
A key disease to look out for is the Zika virus. It can cause congenital disabilities in babies including microcephaly, a congenital disability where a baby is born with a smaller head than normal. It’s transmitted through mosquito bites, so do be aware of the risks and apply mosquito repellent regularly. You can stay updated about Zika virus cases worldwide here.
“How can I be sure I’m covered in case something happens?”
The whole idea of having a babymoon is to have some worry-free fun and an overall relaxing time. That’s why you should think ahead and purchase pregnancy travel insurance or, even better, international maternity insurance to ensure that you’re well-covered.
Pregnancy travel insurance coverage
Pregnancy travel insurance, gives you coverage in case of any maternity-related emergencies such as premature birth or sudden complications, in addition to other health emergencies.
Be aware, though, that many travel plans impose restrictions on benefits such as coverage only until the 36th week and a total exclusion for normal delivery costs. As such, be sure to read policy terms and conditions carefully so you know what’s included.
International maternity insurance
International maternity insurance is generally a better option than travel insurance when you’re pregnant. However, you need to purchase it a long time in advance. How far? Usually around 10 to 12 months before even being pregnant! This is because of the waiting periods attached to these particular plans.
Since international maternity insurance is an add-on to your existing health insurance policy, it can cover all maternity-related costs virtually anywhere in the world, on top of private health insurance benefits. This includes all pre- and post-natal check-ups and tests, pregnancy complications and medicine. Most importantly, it also includes normal delivery costs, which can be expensive in private hospitals.
Pacific Prime Singapore
18 Cross Street, China Square Central, #14-05
6346 3781 | pacificprime.sg
Read more about health and fitness in Singapore and beyond:
What are the benefits of breastfeeding?
Can I buy maternity insurance while pregnant?
