Including information on travel insurance for pregnant women over 32 weeks

If you are you looking for travel insurance whilst pregnant you will need to refer to the specific policy wordings to see the cover provided, based on your due date.

You can get your quote for travel insurance when pregnant here. Use our confidential online screening service and you can get a quote within minutes. You will need to declare if you have had any complications with this pregnancy or any other previous pregnancy in the past.
 
I you are looking forward to your trip but are worried about travelling while pregnant then you can try our tips for making your holiday as enjoyable as possible during pregnancy. Thanks to BabyCentre for some of these tips.
 

Tips for travel during pregnancy

Speak to your doctor

Make sure that your doctor and midwife are aware of your travel plans and that you are not travelling against medical advice.

Travel plans

Airlines and cruise companies have their own restrictions due to health and safety requirements. You should check with them or any other mode of transport before you book.

Pregnancy and travel insurance

Don’t forget your travel insurance for pregnant travellers. You are not covered if you fail to comply with the carrier’s conveyance of pregnant women policy so make sure that you check that too (This is the specific restrictions that a transport provider has in place for the travel of pregnant women, due to their own health and safety requirements.) This means that if you were refused permission to board a plane, coach or train because you do not comply with the carrier’s rules on carrying pregnant women, this insurance will not pay for missed departure, cancellation or curtailment, as it is up to you to make sure you comply before travelling.

Reduce stress

Thinking ahead and planning your journey will definitely help. Allow yourself plenty of time to travel, and then a bit more for delays, getting lost, traffic jams, extra toilet stops and so on. That way you won’t be worrying about missing your plane, train or ferry and rushing when you get there. It can be hard enough to organise travel at the best of times, but when you’re pregnant it can be even harder to concentrate. Try to write lists of everything you need from drinks, snacks and a book to directions and travel documents.

Opt for a more relaxing holiday

Even if you normally prefer adventure activities, non-stop shopping and lengthy sightseeing expeditions, you might want to think about a more relaxing holiday while you’re pregnant. Your body is working hard to grow your baby, you are carrying extra weight and your hormone levels are changing. Naturally you are feeling more tired so give yourself several breaks a day to relax with your feet up. Sit still, absorb the atmosphere of a new place and recharge your batteries. You could read on the beach, sit in cafes and people watch or stay in with room service and a film? Once your energy is restored, you’ll enjoy your trip far more.

Holiday activities

It may sound dull, but you have to use your common sense when you are pregnant. Avoid activities that put you at risk of falling, such as snowboarding, riding, waterskiing, windsurfing and climbing. Stay away from amusement park rides and waterslides as well – forceful landings and sudden acceleration or deceleration aren’t good for you! It’s wise to stay out of the hot tub and sauna too. However, maybe you could take this opportunity to try a different activity on holiday, that you wouldn’t normally do. How about yoga, Pilates, a massage, taking a pottery, art lesson or make-up lesson or going to a show?

Travel food

You may be grazing all day now that you’re pregnant. Going more than a couple of hours without food and drink could leave you feeling sick or faint. So plan ahead and take plenty of snacks, such as dried fruit and cereal bars. It’s also important to avoid dehydration, so have a bottle of water too. If you worry about getting fresh food when you are away, ask your doctor or midwife about taking vitamin or mineral supplements.

Air travel

Choosing an aisle seat on the plane or train will mean you can move about without disturbing other passengers. Don’t sit still for too long either, as you may find your feet and ankles swell and your legs cramp. Walk about and do some simple stretches on planes and trains at least every hour. If you’re in a car, aim to take breaks at least every 90 minutes. Wearing properly fitting compression stockings (flight socks), on flights and other long journeys can help keep your circulation moving. Keeping your blood flowing properly is vital to reduce the chances of deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins. If you are suffering with backache, try a spare rolled up sweatshirt in the small of your back.

Travel vaccinations when pregnant

The best rule is simply not to travel during your pregnancy to countries where vaccinations are needed. If you are going somewhere that requires travel vaccinations, see your doctor. Your doctor will know which ones you need for the country you are visiting and which ones are safe during pregnancy.

Packing

Comfortable, supportive shoes such as trainers are a good for travelling and useful if you’re expecting to do lots of walking. Pack blister pads too, as even comfortable shoes can rub if your feet swell up. Depending how long you are away, your shape may change, so check there is room for growth in the clothes you are packing.