Pregnancy is an exciting time for expectant parents and there is no better way to celebrate the pending arrival of your bundle of joy than with a babymoon.

However, while this time should be full of excitement and preparation for your new arrival, there are several important factors that all expectant parents need to be aware of if they plan to travel overseas while pregnant.

Jess Strange, Chief Customer Officer at Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI), shares the important things you need to know before you book your overseas babymoon.

Most travel insurers will only cover you automatically for the first 24 weeks of your pregnancy

We know that with proper precautions, most women can travel safely well into the third trimester. However, as a pregnancy progresses into the third trimester, there are many factors that need to be considered, including the types of medical outcomes of pregnancy-related complications and the cost of childbirth and neo-natal care in different destinations, where levels of care can vary widely. For example, the average cost of a pregnancy (pregnancy, delivery and post-partum care) in the USA is USD19,000 (approximately $29,000 AUD).

SCTI policies offer automatic cover for pregnant  travellers for costs or losses related to pregnancy up until the 24th week (the first 23 weeks and 6 days) at no extra charge, provided they have experienced no pregnancy complications before the policy was purchased. However, cover is not provided for common symptoms of pregnancy.

Ms Strange said: “With our International Comprehensive policy for example, cover is provided for a single pregnancy, for a multiple pregnancy and a pregnancy achieved through fertility treatment and also offers mental health cover and support while travelling”.

What about pregnancy complications?

Like many travel insurers, SCTI considers any pregnancy complications as pre-existing conditions, which are not usually covered by travel insurance unless they are disclosed by the policyholder when purchasing their policy.

Ms Strange explains, “If a traveller has had any pregnancy complications for pregnancies in the three years prior to buying their policy, including pre-eclampsia, or three or more consecutive miscarriages, they are not automatically covered.”

“However, if they complete a medical assessment, either online or over the phone, we may be able to cover them. If cover is approved, the customer pays an extra premium.”

What if I discover I'm pregnant while I'm abroad? How flexible are they in emergencies?

Travellers who discover they are pregnant while abroad have cover for pregnancy up to the 24th week of gestation, subject to the terms and conditions of their policy. Similar to travellers who know they are pregnant before going overseas, someone who discovers a pregnancy while overseas will not have automatic cover for pregnancy complications if they are considered pre-existing medical conditions.

Ms Strange advises, “We always urge our customers to let us know about any changes to their health, no matter how big or small, so they know what cover is available to them. If they contact SCTI to tell us about their pregnancy and pregnancy complications, we can guide them through the process of completing a medical assessment, if necessary, and we may be able to cover pre-existing pregnancy complications up to the 24th week.”

Can parents be supported through the shock, trauma, and uncertainty of repatriating a sick or premature baby?

SCTI provides cover for childbirth overseas up until the 24th week and neo-natal care of the newborn child (born up to the 24th week of gestation) until the date and time of return to Australia. On their return, travellers should receive public healthcare and support, provided they are eligible.

Strange states, “Parents can be reassured that should there be a pregnancy-related unexpected event that they can claim for, which means they are unable to return home as planned, SCTI will extend their cover at no extra charge.

“Repatriation to Australia will only be done when our medical team gives the green light that everyone involved is fit to travel.

“This takes the pressure off any uncertainty customers may have of insurance cover 'running out' during a stressful situation. Expert emergency help and advice is available 24/7 – every day of the year.”

Some key statistics:

• From 1 July 2024 through to the end of June 2025, SCTI processed 21 claims from pregnant travellers for issues ranging from gastroenteritis and low blood pressure through to bleeding, and, very sadly, ectopic pregnancies and miscarriage.
• In 13 cases, medical treatment or intervention was required, with the average claim coming in at $7,414. In six cases, customers were no longer able to travel and had to postpone or cancel a holiday, with the average claim totalling $2,495. This is where travel insurance proves its worth. Cancelling or changing a journey before departure over the same period amounted to more than $25,000 in claim payments.

Tips for travelling overseas as expectant parents

●  Get excited about your new arrival, then make a plan. Ensure you meet the terms of the travel insurance policy. If in doubt, call your travel insurer!

●  Follow all the necessary precautions including discussing pregnancy complications with a doctor or midwife before setting off

●  Check with your airline to see if they have a limit on travel while pregnant

●  Carry a letter from a doctor or midwife confirming you are not at risk of complications or detailing any complications you have.

●  If you have any questions about your cover, speak to your insurer so you know exactly what your policy covers