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travel Insurance & Pregnancy 

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Here at 1Cover, we want to assist you as much as possible, and that's why we cover pregnancies if you don’t have complications and if you fit in to one of the following categories:

  • single foetus pregnancies (assisted or not): up to and inclusive of the 24th week of gestation.
  • multiple pregnancies (assisted or not): up to and inclusive of the 19th week of gestation.
     

If you fall in to one of the above categories, you don’t need to disclose your pregnancy when booking travel insurance, and it will be automatically covered. This means there is provision to claim for for emergency medical and hospital expenses, cancellation or curtailment of a holiday.
 

Please note: we can’t pay medical expenses for:

  • Regular antenatal care;
  • Childbirth at any gestation; or 
  • Care of a newborn child. 
     
Read on to find out more about pregnancy and travel insurance: what's covered, what's not, travel tips, and more.

 

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 When is pregnancy not covered?

If you are beyond the 24th week of gestation for single pregnancies, or beyond the 19th week of gestation for multiple pregnancies, we won’t be able to cover your pregnancy. Additionally, we may not be able to cover you if you have pregnancy complications.

Once you’re past the coverable gestational period, all cover related to your pregnancy will end at that point. This means we won’t cover incidents that are related to your pregnancy, but you’ll still be covered for the other inclusions on your policy (eg, medical emergency unrelated to your pregnancy, cancellation, lost luggage, etc. See the PDS for details).

If you do have any pregnancy complications, we treat this as a pre-existing medical condition and you’ll need to disclose it when you’re buying travel insurance.

If you want your pregnancy to be covered for the whole trip, we recommend your trip begins and ends within the coverable gestation period.

Please note, this is general information. Please read the PDS for a full explanation of 1Cover’s pregnancy policy.

Pregnancy Complications 

Pregnancy complications are health problems or infections that occur at the same time as your pregnancy or are as a result of your pregnancy. They may adversely affect your pregnancy. If you have a complication, it’s treated as a pre-existing medical condition, and you’ll need to disclose it.

Please note the table below is not exhaustive. If you still aren’t sure, it’s best to disclose and we’ll tell you what to do.
 

Complication Description

Anemia​

Lower than normal number of healthy red blood cells

Bacterial vaginosis (BV)​

A vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

A virus that can cause disease in infants whose mothers are infected with CMV.

Depression​

Sadness or complete lack of feelings during or after pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy

When a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus.

Fetal problems

Unborn baby has a health issue, such as poor growth or heart problems

Gestational diabetes

Blood sugar levels are too high during pregnancy

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

A viral infection that can be passed to baby during birth.

High blood pressure (pregnancy related)​

High blood pressure that starts after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)

Severe vomiting that’s due to being pregnant

Influenza (flu)

Common viral infection that has a more intense effect on pregnant women.

Listeriosis

Infection that can cause early delivery or miscarriage.

Parvovirus B19 (fifth disease)

This virus can potentially infect the fetus.

Placenta previa

Placenta covers part or entire opening of cervix inside of the uterus

Placental abruption

Placenta separates from uterine wall before delivery.

Preeclampsia/Toxemia

This can start 20 weeks of pregnancy and causes high blood pressure and problems with the kidneys and other organs. Also called toxemia.

Sexually transmitted infection(STI)

STIs can cause a woman's water to break too early and can cause birth to happen too early.

Toxoplasmosis

An infection is caused by a parasite, which is found in cat feces, soil, and raw or undercooked meat. The infection can cause hearing loss, blindness, or intellectual disabilities.

Urinary tract infection (UTI)​

Bacterial infection in urinary tract. If untreated, it can spread to the kidneys, which can cause preterm labor.




What if i have a pregnancy complication?
 

If you have had complications from your pregnancy prior to purchasing your policy, you’ll need to complete a medical screening when you’re purchasing your travel insurance. At this point, we’ll make an assessment of whether we can or can’t offer you cover, or whether you need to pay an additional premium.

Please contact us if you need more information.

If you don’t tell us about the circumstances of your pregnancy, and something happens to you, we may refuse or reduce your travel insurance claim.

The above information only applies if you are within the coverable gestational period (24 weeks for single pregnancies and 19 weeks for multiple pregnancies).

If your pregnancy has passed the 19th or 24th week, we won’t be able to provide you with cover for your pregnancy (but you may still be able to get travel insurance for other things!).
 

Travel Tips for pregnant women
 

NOTE: This is general information only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for specific advice.

  • See your doctor before you travel. They’ll advise regarding when to travel, where to go and vaccinationsMany destinations are not recommended for pregnant women such as places infected by malaria, high altitude areas, and countries where there is very poor health care.
     
  • Check your airline’s pregnancy policy before booking. Some won't allow you to travel at certain times because the risk is too high.
     
  • Take a pregnancy information letter from your doctor when you travel.This should have information such your age, the date of your last menstrual period, your due date, the number and outcomes of any prior pregnancies, your risk factors for disease, outcomes of pregnancy-related tests and ultrasounds and any medical history.
     
  • Stretching and walking around helps with swelling and cramping. This is especially important while you’re flying.
     
  • Drink lots of water. This way you’ll be forced to get up and walk around! You'll also remain hydrated.
     
  • Keep your seatbelt fastened under your belly and low on your hips for the most comfort, and also to prevent injury to the baby if you were to suddenly stop (a sudden jolt could cause your placenta to separate from your uterus).
     
  • Try and travel with a companion. They can help you if something goes wrong. Plus they can always help carry and mind bags for you.
     
  • Research the food before you go.Food poisoning and certain stomach infections can harm the baby or trigger miscarriage. This is especially important in certain countries.
     

 

 

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Pregnancy Related FAQs

  • What is the maximum number of weeks into the pregnancy that is covered by the policy?
  • Up to and including the 24th week for single fetus pregnancy, and up to and including the 19th week for multiple fetus pregnancy, provided that you have had no complications with the pregnancy.

  • Are IVF pregnancies covered?
  • Yes, up to 24th week for single fetus pregnancy, and up to and including the 19th week for multiple foetus pregnancy - provided that you have had no complications with the pregnancy.  

  • What if i’m travelling against my doctor’s advice?
  • We would not be able to provide cover for you if you are travelling against the advice of of your medical advisor.

  • What if i’ve had complications with a past pregnancy?
  • If the complication you had with a past pregnancy has given rise to a pre-existing medical condition, you’ll have to disclose that condition. If you don’t have any conditions as a result of your past pregnancy complication, you don’t need to let us know.

  • What if i don’t tell you about my pregnancy and something happens to me on my trip?
  • Provided you met the automatic pregnancy cover criteria when you purchased your policy and are within the coverable gestational period at the time of the incident, you would have a provision to claim in relation to unforeseen complications.

  • When is the best time for a pregnant woman to travel?
  • Generally, it’s wise to do all of your travelling before 24 weeks. This also minimises your risk of childbirth whilst overseas as this is not covered under our pregnancy cover.

  • What if I hit 25 weeks after I've already commenced travel?
  • The cover for pregnancy will cease once you hit the 25th week. This means we won’t cover incidents that are related to your pregnancy, but you’ll still be covered for the other inclusions on your policy (eg, medical emergency unrelated to your pregnancy, cancellation, lost luggage, etc. See the PDS for details).

  • I’ve bought a Frequent Traveller policy, and now i’m pregnant. What do i do?
  • If you meet the automatic pregnancy cover criteria and you are within the gestational cover limits, you would have a provision to claim in relation to unforeseen complications.

    If you wanted your pregnancy to be covered while you hold your Frequent Traveller policy, you’d have to begin and end each trip within the coverable periods mentioned on this page.

  • Can I still get cover if my pregnancy isn’t coverable?
  • If we can’t offer you cover for your pregnancy, we may be able to still offer you cover for the other inclusions on your policy (eg, medical emergency unrelated to your pregnancy, cancellation, lost luggage, etc. See the PDS for details).

    Please note, you will still need to declare any pre-existing conditions including those that are pregnancy complications.

  • Will I Need To Provide Any Documents?
  • We would only require documentation in the event of a claim.

  • Can I Apply For cover for my pregnancy from overseas?
  • If you meet the automatic pregnancy cover criteria and you’re within the coverable gestational period, your pregnancy would be automatically covered, and you can apply for Already Overseas cover.

    If you don’t meet the automatic pregnancy criteria you can still apply for Already Overseas cover. Even though we won't be able to cover your pregnancy, you'll still need to let us know about it.

  • What if I’m pregnant and going on a cruise?
  • The same pregnancy terms apply whether you are flying or going on a cruise. We can only cover you if you are with the coverable gestational periods. Additionally, if you are going on a cruise, you will need to purchase a cruise pack.

  • I forgot to tell you about my pregnancy when I purchased my policy. What do i do?
  • If you forgot to disclose your pregnancy you can call our Customer Care Team who will discuss your circumstances and whether we can provide cover for your pregnancy.

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One Last Thing: Handy resources for pregnant travellers


This excellent fact sheet provides a summary of information relevant for women who are planning a pregnancy or are pregnant and intending to travel.


Health Direct, the Australian Government’s national public health information service, and they have a special section all about travelling while pregnant. Find out more


Be informed. Be prepared. Visit the Australian Government's SmartTraveller website, where you'll have all the latest vaccination information for your next trip.


IAMAT are a non-profit organization who help travellers plan a healthy trip,  and connect travellers with reputable English-speaking doctors. They are a useful point of contact if you haven any complications arise on your trip.

Do you need to know More about...

Vaccinations

It’s important that you have all the right vaccinations before you travel.  From malaria to meningococcal, find out what you need to know about vaccinations and travel insurance.

pre-existing Conditions

A pre-existing medical condition is something that must be disclosed when you’re purchasing travel insurance. Find out what they are and how they affect your travel insurance.

Repatriation

Repatriation is the process of returning a person home after a medical emergency or at worst case death. Being covered for repatriation is important, so read the ins and outs.

 

Still Need Some Help? Contact Us!

If you have any other questions or queries, please visit our Contact Us page. 
If you are experiencing an emergency, please use the details on our Emergency Assistance page.