Why Trust MoneySmart?While travel insurance may not be obligatory for certain destinations, opting for coverage is still advisable especially if you are an expectant mother, regardless of pre-existing conditions.
Medical emergencies can arise unexpectedly during your trips and expectant mothers may be even more vulnerable to unforeseen natural disasters, flight disruptions or other situations.
Thus, assessing available plans in accordance with your pregnancy stage, health status, and travel requirements is essential. Let’s take a look at the importance of travel insurance coverage for pregnant travellers and what are the best options available at the moment.
Why is Travel Insurance Important for Pregnant Travellers?
There are many reasons why travel insurance is so vital in terms of financial protection against sudden accidents or unpredictable weather conditions and here’s a brief overview of the key ones.
Fundamental medical coverage when travelling
Travel insurance provides essential medical coverage for pregnant travellers, ensuring access to medical care in case of unexpected complications or emergencies during the trip. This coverage can include expenses related to prenatal care, childbirth, and any unforeseen medical issues that may arise.
Moreover, various travel insurance options cater to pregnancy and related pre-existing conditions, ranging from those which are better known for affordable premiums, to comprehensive coverage tailored to specific needs, and it helps to have knowledge of these options to pick a suitable one.
Trip cancellation and disruption protection
Pregnancy can be unpredictable, and complications may arise that necessitate cancelling or interrupting travel plans. Travel insurance plans can provide coverage for trip cancellation or interruption due to pregnancy-related issues, such as medical complications or advisories from a healthcare provider.
Given that there is such a wide variety of plans to choose from, you would want to pick wisely to avoid overpaying for unnecessary coverage or getting inadequate coverage, and this includes consideration of the length of your trip, the activities that you’ll be doing there, and other factors.
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Lack of international health insurance coverage
Travel insurance with pregnancy-related coverage becomes particularly important if you do not have an international health insurance plan. While travel insurance with pregnancy-related benefits may cover some aspects of pregnancy-related care abroad, it's often limited in scope and may not provide comprehensive coverage for all potential situations, especially emergencies related to pregnancy.
International health insurance is often specifically tailored to pregnancy, and can offer additional protections such as coverage for unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations due to pregnancy complications, or emergency medical evacuation if necessary. Therefore, having travel insurance with pregnancy-related coverage can provide peace of mind and financial protection during your travels, especially if you lack an international health insurance plan.
Airline and immigration regulations
Being refused service by an airline because of normal pregnancy is often not a covered reason for trip cancellation, and ticket change fees and penalties usually cannot be waived for pregnancy. Here are some examples of some common airline pregnancy policies that require paperwork from your end.
Medical certificates are sometimes required by the airlines so that you are eligible to fly within four weeks of your delivery date in a normal, uncomplicated pregnancy.
Travel is not often not permitted within seven days of your due date on domestic flights under five hours, or within four weeks of your due date on international flights, unless you get a medical certificate and clearance from the airline staff (via email or in-person at the airline ticket/customer service counter).
To fly in or after your 36th week of pregnancy, you must provide the original and two copies of an obstetrician’s certificate, dated within 72 hours (which is about 3 days) prior to your flight departure, that states clearly that you’re fit to fly.
Certain countries have specific regulations regarding pregnant visitors, including restrictions on entry at certain stages of pregnancy or requirements for additional documents.
Best Travel Insurance With Pregnancy Coverage Benefits
Best for | Travel insurance plan | Estimated premium rate* |
|---|---|---|
Abnormal pregnancy or vital complications of pregnancy endangering mother/child | From S$18.25 | |
Unlimited emergency medical evacuation coverage (including for pregnancy-related conditions) | From S$53 | |
Affordable coverage for overseas medical expenses as a result of pregnancy-related illness | From S$51 |
*Estimated premium rates are based on a 5D4N single-trip plan to a country in Southeast Asia, all data are accurate at the time of writing as of time of writing. Promo prices are subject to change without prior notice.
Explore Travel Insurance With Pregnancy Coverage Options in Singapore
Common Exclusions of Pregnancy-Related Coverage in Travel Insurance
Common exclusions for travel insurance with pregnancy-related coverage benefits can vary depending on the specific policy and provider, but some typical exclusions may include:
Pregnancy during the initial trimester, spanning from zero to 12 weeks.
Events such as ectopic pregnancy, childbirth, or stillbirth.
Exclusion of coverage for the care and treatment of newborns.
Exceptions for abortion or miscarriage unless stemming from an injury.
Tests or treatments relating to fertility, contraception, sterilisation, birth defects, or congenital disorders.
Exemption for perinatal mental illnesses like depression or anxiety disorders.
Exclusion of any treatment for pregnancies conceived through medical assistance.
Medical expenses incurred in the insured person's home country or their country of permanent residence with the local government.
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