Travel Insurance for Pregnant Women- What You Need to Know

Best Insurance for Travelling During Pregnancy

The good news is that you can find a variety of alternatives to make your travel worry-free during pregnancy. One such option is international health insurance. This type of insurance provides you coverage for all maternity-related issues, whether you are traveling to or from the UAE. 

In addition, it’s also important to note that pregnancy coverage is mandated by the DHA under health insurance policies. This ensures maternity benefits to women across the UAE, covering pregnancy-related expenses, such as: Pre-natal care, post-natal care, newborn care, and more. Furthermore, if you are a would-be mother, you will require a no objection certificate (NOC) from your doctor or midwife. This certificate confirms that you are fit to travel. 

What Should I Consider While Buying Travel Insurance During Pregnancy? 

You need to consider the following factors while getting travel insurance during pregnancy —

Your Pregnancy Stage

While planning a trip, it’s important to consider your pregnancy stage and overall medical condition. Travelling is generally advisable during mid-pregnancy. In fact, many airlines allow expectant mothers to fly with travel insurance for pregnancy up to 36 weeks, while some restrict travel beyond 29 weeks.

Additional Tip: After 29 to 36 weeks, the chances of labour and pregnancy-related complications increase. Thus, it’s usually recommended to avoid travelling during this stage.

Type of Travel Insurance Plan 

You should also consider the type of plan you need for your trip, such as single-trip or multi-trip travel insurance. If you’re planning a short getaway or travelling just once a year, a single-trip plan is ideal. However, if you plan to explore multiple destinations during pregnancy, opting for an annual multi-trip travel insurance plan would be more suitable.

Premature Birth Cover

As mentioned earlier, you cannot easily find travel insurance that covers pregnancy. This is because most plans don’t cover pregnancy-related issues. However, some policies may offer limited coverage for premature birth or if you deliver before a certain stage of pregnancy (usually up to the 27th week). This coverage, however, is not comprehensive and may be limited to emergency evacuations or trip cancellations.

Make sure to check whether the policy covers your newborn and whether your chosen plan provides this type of emergency coverage.

Review Your Current Coverage

If you already have a travel insurance plan, it’s important to review the coverage it offers. There’s a possibility that it may not include certain benefits you need, as pregnancy is a sensitive stage where your body undergoes several changes that could affect your trip. If you notice any gaps in your coverage, contact your insurer to upgrade your plan or add extensions to ensure you have the necessary protection.

Policy Exclusions

A travel policy offers several valuable benefits, but it also comes with certain limitations in the form of exclusions. This is why it’s important to review your policy document carefully and understand the common exclusions — such as pre-existing medical conditions, mental health disorders, and adventure sports. Being aware of this helps you avoid misunderstandings and ensures smoother, dispute-free assistance from your insurer when you need to make a claim.

Travel Destination and Healthcare Services

When planning a trip during pregnancy, you must choose a safe destination with advanced and affordable healthcare services. Avoid travel destinations with poor hygiene or those affected by certain diseases or illnesses. Whether you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies (not directly with the pregnancy) and other uncertainties, it’s vital to take safe steps and choose a destination wisely. 

Airline Guidelines for Pregnant Women in the UAE

Each airline has its own set of rules for flying while pregnant. Here's a quick look at the guidelines of some major UAE-based airlines:

Emirates

• You don’t need to present any medical certificate for up to 29 weeks of pregnancy. 
• You require a medical certificate to travel during the 29 to 36 weeks of pregnancy. 
• Traveling beyond 36 weeks is not permitted by this airline (special permission is required from the Medical Department of the airline). 

Etihad Airways

• There are no travel restrictions if you are traveling during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy. 
• You need to submit a medical certificate from the concerned doctor if you are 29–36 weeks pregnant. 
• After 37 weeks, you are not allowed to travel with Etihad Airways. 

Flydubai

• Traveling is permitted up to 28 weeks of pregnancy. 
• An official medical report is required to fly during 29–36 weeks of pregnancy. 
• Travel is not permitted after 36 weeks with Flydubai. 

Air Arabia 

• Pregnant women can travel up to the end of 35 weeks with a medical certificate. 
• From 36 weeks onwards, they are not permitted to travel. 

✍️Note: Always carry your maternity file, a recent ultrasound report, and a doctor’s stamp confirming you're fit to travel while flying.

What is the Best Time to Travel During Pregnancy? 

According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the safest and most comfortable time to travel during pregnancy is the second trimester, between 14 to 28 weeks. During this time, your energy levels are relatively higher, and the risks of miscarriage or premature labour are lower. Since each pregnancy is unique, it is important to consult with your doctor before making any travel plans. 

It is advisable to avoid traveling during the first trimester due to the increased risk of nausea and miscarriage. Furthermore, traveling during the late third trimester also poses various challenges, such as preterm labour and travel restrictions.

What Documents Do I Need to Carry While Travelling During Pregnancy?

Whether you are travelling domestically or internationally, it’s vital to carry the following documents —

• Travel insurance pregnancy policy and the contact number of the insurer 
• Medical certificate signed by a doctor 
• Maternity notes
• Medications
• Travel itinerary (in some cases)

Some airlines may require you to fill out certain forms, so check with the airline in advance and ensure that you provide all details accurately. 

How to Get the Right Travel Insurance for Pregnant Women in the UAE? 

On Policybazaar.ae, you can find the best travel insurance for pregnant women. This platform makes it easy to compare multiple leading providers and choose the most suitable option. The best part? You can compare multiple plans online and find the plan right from the comfort of your place!

Follow these steps to get the best plan instantly —

➡️ On the homepage of Policybazaar.ae, select ‘Travel Insurance’ 

➡️ Choose the travel option — domestic or international 

➡️ Fill out the form with details like the travel destination, plan type, trip date, and more

➡️ Compare plans on the next page and choose the ideal option 

➡️ You can also take assistance from our experts to customise a policy

When buying travel insurance during pregnancy, it’s important to choose a plan that best fits your needs. Even though you may not find travel insurance covering pregnancy in the UAE, we can help you secure the right coverage that ensures a comfortable journey and protects you from other travel-related risks. This way, you can enjoy your trip with complete peace of mind.

Travel Tips While You Are Pregnant 

Here are some essential tips for a smooth and safe journey for pregnant women:

✨Consult your doctor before making travel plans

✨Stay hydrated and carry healthy snacks

✨Wear compression socks to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

✨Book an aisle seat for easy access to the restroom and mobility

✨Avoid heavy luggage lifting, as it can lead to complications 

✨Take regular walks during long flights to improve circulation

✨Pack essential medications and prenatal documents

✨Avoid risky destinations with poor medical infrastructure

For added protection, consider combining the benefits of both comprehensive health insurance and a travel insurance policy. While health insurance ensures you have access to quality medical care, even when you're abroad, a travel cover plan safeguards you against common travel disruptions such as emergency medical evacuation, flight delays, or lost baggage. Together, they offer double the safety and peace of mind for your trip, whether it’s domestic or international.