Advice on good travel insurance for later pregnancy

[Fidgetsmum]

I'm travelling to the USA this summer and I will be somewhere between 24 and 28 weeks pregnant. I'm very keen to be completely covered for all pregnancy related medical eventualities whilst I'm out there.

I normally just get basic travel insurance through my bank but wondered if anyone can recommend more specialist/detailed policies they've taken out?

Thanks

[nymom]

I am interested in any replies as I will be in the US between 20 and 24 weeks and didnt think I needed to get a different policy then my current one.

[Fuschia]

It would be wise to ensure you are covered FM< in case of (perish the thought!) premature birth.

[Fidgetsmum]

Just what I thought Fuschia. Having recently had a miscarriage, I'm pretty keen to be covered for all eventualities with this pregnancy - and not end up footing the medical bills myself if things do go wrong.

[Fuschia]

I did get specialist cover myself to fly and scuba dive although I have a preexisting medical condition (DVT)

I found a company via google where you specify your circumstances and they get you a quote (online broker)

Sorry I can't remember the name!

[The Nappy Lady]

Many of the 'main stream' insurers will only cover you until about 20-25 weeks pregnant so it is really important to check if you have a policy that comes with your bank account etc. as there is a good chance you would not be covered.

However, there are companies who will cover you up to 36 weeks (I know as I flew back from Spain at exactly that with my 2nd).

I found mine via Google, think it was IHI or IHA, based out of Sweden?? but offering excellent service, spoke perfect English on the phone etc. Check level of cover, whether it includes flying you and baby back to the UK if born early etc. once fit to travel, and of course accommodation overseas in the meantime and any medical costs. Better to be safe than sorry. Sorry I can't remember the exact name for you, but there are a few out there so think you'll find cover OK.

Also, do check with your airline as to what their cut off date is (sure you'll be OK), but they may require you to have a letter from either your doctor or midwife confirming how many weeks you are, and that you are fit to fly.

Finally - don't forget your maternity notes - I photocopied mine and left the originals in the UK but you must have them with you.

Oh - and knee high DVT socks are recommended (though a nightmare to get on when heavily pregnant believe me) - had my hubby and best friend wrestling mine on once on the plane as refused to wear with Birkenstocks in airport during a very hot August (can you imagine :-$). Still giggling at the memory.

Oh, and here's a tip....when they boarded people with children first I waddled up and asked if I qualified (didn't have older daughter with us as she was coming out later with Granny), anyway.... they let me go on so I got a good pick of seats and didn't have to cope with the mad charge when the let 'everyone else' get on board.

Happy flying!

Best wishes, Molly

x

[apenn]

Definitely check your exiting policy - you may be covered. I found that a lot of policies cover up to 28 weeks. Ironically, most airlines let you fly up to 36, so it was a bit of a paradox. I nearly had to cancel a trip to the States until I found a policy with Egg. They cover you as long as the airline is happy to let you fly regardless of how many weeks you are.

-A

[Fidgetsmum]

Thanks Molly and A, very helpful information. I'll be online with Google tonight then! My mum lives out there, so accomodation wise we'd be fine, but it'd be medical costs, and flights home etc that I'd be most concerned about.

[BeccaL]

I got cover for 2 weeks in the US when I was about 26 weeks preg with direct line - can't remember price but was about ?60 ish - didn't think too bad given the peace of mind.