Is it safe to fly when pregnant?
If you take the proper precautions, travelling during pregnancy should be perfectly safe.
Current NHS advice doesn’t advise against travelling while pregnant. But the first 12 weeks of pregnancy can be associated with nausea, vomiting, tiredness, and higher risks such as miscarriage. This may mean you want to avoid travelling during this time. We recommend reading NHS guidelines before deciding to travel abroad.
Travelling towards the end of your pregnancy can be tiring and uncomfortable, but it’s also generally riskier. The chances of going into labour increase at around 37 weeks (32 if you’re carrying twins), so you may want to avoid travelling after this time.
Can I fly when pregnant?
During your first 2 trimesters, most airlines shouldn't have any issues with you travelling when pregnant. In your third trimester, some airlines won’t let you fly with them. Some might ask you for a letter from your doctor or midwife confirming your due date, and that you’re not at risk of complications.
Each airline has different procedures in place when it comes to flying while pregnant. So before booking any flights, check with the airline on the policies they have in place on travelling while pregnant.
It's also worth speaking to your doctor before deciding to travel.
Is pregnancy classed as a medical condition for travel insurance?
No, most insurers don't consider pregnancy to be a medical condition. So getting a travel insurance policy while you're pregnant shouldn't cause any issues.
It's worth thinking about what stage of your pregnancy you'll be in when you're travelling. Speaking to your doctor will help clear up any concerns you have about travelling.
If you have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you should carry this with you. It's not a replacement for travel insurance, but it will entitle you to state-level medical care in most European countries.
If you have a serious pre-existing medical condition, you can still use our site to get a quote. These conditions could include:
- Cancer
- Stroke
- Heart conditions
- Respiratory conditions
- Terminal conditions
You need to declare any pre-existing conditions before buying your policy. If you try to claim for a medical condition you didn’t declare, your insurer might not pay out.
Some insurers might not cover you if you already have a serious medical condition, or if you have a number of conditions. Others might only offer insurance at a much higher price.
If you’re unable to find suitable cover, the Money and Pension Service (MaPS) has also set up a directory of insurers willing to cover customers with pre-existing medical conditions.
You can find their directory of insurers on the MaPS website or you can telephone 0800 138 7777 for free impartial advice.
Expert quote
You might think that getting travel insurance when you're pregnant is more difficult, but you can get a quote just as easily as you did before. Most insurers don't consider pregnancy to be a medical condition, so it shouldn't impact the cost of your policy.
Jac Morris
Travel insurance product executive
Need more help?
What happens if I go into labour abroad?
If you go into labour while abroad, you’ll need medical treatment in the local hospital wherever you are. This is why it's best to have a travel insurance policy with the right level of cover in place.
This could include cover for medical expenses, costs for accommodation and travel to get you home after you’ve given birth.
Carrying a valid EHIC or GHIC card will also provide you with state-level care in most European states.
When should I buy pregnancy travel insurance?
You should buy your travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked your holiday. This is so you’re covered for any cancellations to your travel and accommodation as you get closer to your trip.
How easy is it to get a quote if I’m pregnant?
Getting a travel insurance quote when you’re pregnant is no different to getting one when you’re not pregnant. But you'll have peace of mind knowing that if anything unexpected happens, you're covered and eligible for local medical treatment.
What isn't covered?
Most travel insurance policies won’t cover:
- Travelling against Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advice.
- Not declaring a pre-existing medical condition before you travel. If you need medical treatment or assistance on your trip for that specific condition, you won’t be covered.
- Any incidents involving alcohol or drugs.
- Delays in reporting incidents. Always report any stolen or lost property within 24 hours of the incident.
What are the different types of travel insurance?
European travel insurance
it will cover you for any holidays that you've got planned in Europe this year.
Family travel insurance
means you can get one policy that covers everyone, rather than buying individual policies.
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