A Must-Read Guide To Pregnancy Travel Insurance

Relish the excitement of your travel plans with your blossoming baby bump by securing the right cover.

Enjoying a journey with a little one on the way? The thrill of travel is irresistible, but let’s face it – the logistics can pile up faster than you can say ‘jetlag’, and Mama – you’ve got enough on your plate. If your adventurous side still calls, despite having a baby on board, navigating the realm of travel insurance becomes a whole new adventure. Fear not, we’ve got everything you need to know about travel insurance when you’re pregnant right here.

Key things to consider before buying coverage

When you’re planning your trip with a baby on board, there are some things you’ll need to consider straight-up.

How far along are you?

We know you’ve heard the question a million times, but here’s where it really counts. When it comes to pregnancy and travel insurance, most insurers graciously cover single, uncomplicated pregnancies following natural conception. However, there’s a catch – the coverage window varies.

a pregnant woman hiking — The best time to travel is within your second trimester.

Some providers extend their umbrella up to 30 weeks, while others gently fold it at 23 to 26 weeks pregnant. Most importantly, remember – the stork won’t deliver coverage for birth-related costs or newborn expenses. So, if you can, keep your window wide and travel within the sweet spot (more on that later).

Is pregnancy considered a ‘pre-existing medical condition’?

Thankfully, pregnancy isn’t generally considered a pre-existing medical condition when you’re obtaining travel insurance. If you’re under 26 weeks (at the time of travel) with just one bub on board, you may not need to declare it at all. However, honesty is key, especially if you’re dealing with a more complex pregnancy. Disclose the details to your insurer to make sure you’re covered.

a pregnant woman in red with luggage about to ride a train — Be prepared with pregnancy travel insurance for your safety.

What to look for in a pregnancy travel insurance policy

It’s time to dig into the details. Here’s what you’ll need to keep an eye out for in your travel insurance to make sure you and your bump have a smooth ride.

a pregnant woman on sunset background — Travelling while pregnant can be a fulfilling experience. (Image: Josh Bean)

The benefits buffet

Navigating pregnancy with travel insurance is like entering an extensive buffet – enticing, filled with numerous options, and just a tad overwhelming. Yet, the crucial factor lies in the details. Delve into the fine print to ensure you grasp the details of the nitty gritty.

a pregnant woman posing on a yellow background — Tick off the benefits of your pregnancy coverage.

If you identify any gaps, ask your insurer about tailored policy add-ons for a personalised experience. Alternatively, explore other options that cater specifically to your unique pregnancy needs.

Make sure your policy covers (on top of standard travel insurance staples):
Unforeseen pregnancy challenges.
Emergency medical coverage abroad: including expenses for unexpected illnesses, complications, or severe injuries related to your pregnancy.
Trip cancellation protection.
Around-the-clock travel assistance.

a pregnant woman looking out the airplane window — Make sure that your policy covers unexpected pregnancy challenges.

Cancellation considerations

If there’s ever a time when last-minute travel plans can swiftly change, it’s during pregnancy. Your pregnancy might even be a time when you consider locking in your coverage before finalising your booking. Locking in coverage ensures that in the event of unexpected pregnancy complications leading to a trip cancellation, you’re covered – no strings attached.

a pregnant woman travelling with a child — Consider last-minute travel changes especially when you’re travelling with a child.

Find out what’s excluded

Navigate the exclusion territory carefully. Be aware that certain conditions, like conception through IVF, expecting multiples, or planning travel after the approved gestational weeks, may lead to limited or no coverage.

Common exclusions:

Conception through assisted reproduction (IVF).
Seeking reimbursement for childbirth or newborn healthcare expenses if you give birth on your trip.
Travelling against medical advice from your doctor.
Expecting twins (or more!).
Planning travel beyond the approved weeks according to your provider.
Dealing with pregnancy complications (previous miscarriages or premature labour, gestational diabetes etc.) – disclose them to avoid issues.
Routine pregnancy check-ups abroad.

Remember, some exclusions can be lifted with premium payments or a medical assessment.

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Trimester travel tactics: A travel roadmap for every stage

When planning your travels, take your pregnancy stage into account for a seamlessly enjoyable journey tailored to each trimester.

First-trimester trail

The first 12 weeks are the opening act of your pregnancy journey. While generally safe for travel, be aware that morning sickness might steal the show. Consider scheduling your adventures post-week 12 to dodge any queasy interludes.

a pregnant woman admiring the beautiful scenery — You may experience morning sickness during your first trimester.

Second-trimester bliss

The perfect time for a babymoon, your second trimester offers you a golden ticket to travel bliss, sans complications. Chat to your doctor, pack your bags, and make the most of this worry-free window.

a pregnant woman hiking through the Pointe de Sur Cou Mountain in France — Always check with your doctor for any pregnancy reminders before travelling. (Image: Lucas Favre)

Third-trimester reality check

Some airlines may give side-eye glances if you’re deep into the third trimester, and many travel insurance providers will cap their coverage around the 26-week mark. If leisure is the plan, think twice before boarding that flight.

travelling with a companion — It’s best to travel with a companion.

As you embark on this exciting journey with a baby on board, remember that a well-informed approach to travel insurance during pregnancy is your ticket to peace of mind. From navigating coverage windows to crafting your personalised pregnancy passport and considering trimester-specific tactics, your wanderlust need not be put on hold. Embrace the adventure, plan wisely, and savour every moment of this unique chapter in your globetrotting story. Safe travels, mama!

a couple kissing behind a scenic backdrop — Travelling during pregnancy can be your first milestone as a family.

For more tips and advice, read our travel insurance hub to help you navigate the ins and outs of what to do before you head overseas.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

Pregnancy travel insurance – here’s what to know before you book