Pregnant and travelling? Here's how the right holiday insurance protects you

Travelling while pregnant can be an exciting adventure, but it also requires extra planning and protection.

The right travel insurance gives you the peace of mind you need, should anything unexpected happen before or during your trip.

Key takeaways:

Table of Contents

• Why do pregnant travellers need specific holiday insurance?
• What pregnancy-related events does travel insurance typically cover?
• What pregnancy-related events are usually not covered?
• When should you buy travel insurance during pregnancy?
• How to claim for pregnancy-related travel issues with Santam
• What is covered and what is not covered on a Santam travel insurance policy when you are pregnant?
• How to choose the right pregnancy travel insurance?
• Conclusion
• FAQ's

Why do pregnant travellers need specific holiday insurance?

Pregnancy is a beautiful time but also one where your health needs change quickly. Travel insurance tailored for pregnancy ensures that if you need to cancel, delay or get medical help abroad, you're financially protected.

This type of cover links directly to medical travel insurance, trip cancellation, and emergency repatriation offering a safety net for you.

What pregnancy-related events does travel insurance typically cover?

Every insurer has different terms, but good-quality travel insurance for pregnancy generally covers:

• Unexpected pregnancy complications
• Emergency medical treatment abroad
• Trip Disruption if you need to return home early
• Hospital stays or extra accommodation for recovery

With Santam, you get the added benefit of fast online claims and a dedicated support team who understand the sensitivity of these events.

What pregnancy-related events are usually not covered?

It's important to understand the exclusions, so there are no surprises later. Most travel insurance policies do not cover:

• Travel after a certain stage of pregnancy (usually 26-32 weeks)
• Routine pregnancy care or planned births abroad
• Travelling against medical advice
• Complications from pre-existing conditions
• IVF-related pregnancies, unless specifically included

Tip: Always read the insurer's Conditions and Exclusions page carefully before buying.

When should you buy travel insurance during pregnancy?

Buy as soon as you book your trip. This gives you maximum cover if pregnancy complications arise later.

Early purchase also ensures:

• You're covered for trip cancellations from the beginning.
• You avoid issues with new medical developments being treated as pre-existing.
• You gain eligibility for full benefit limits.

How to claim for pregnancy-related travel issues with Santam

Santam makes it easy and fast to get support when it matters most. Here's how:

1. Get documentation from your doctor (medical reports or flight restriction letters).
2. Log into the Santam online claims portal.
3. Upload your documents and complete the guided claim process.
4. Receive feedback quickly, with clear next steps and support.

Santam's team is available 24/7 for emergencies while abroad, ensuring you're not alone in stressful moments.

What is covered and what is not covered on a Santam travel insurance policy when you are pregnant?

Not all insurers include pregnancy in their travel insurance, but Santam does.

Rather than purchasing a special policy, pregnant travellers are supported under Santam's comprehensive cover up to the 25^th week of pregnancy.

This table breaks down what's typically included and excluded, so you know exactly what to expect.

How to choose the right pregnancy travel insurance?

When comparing travel insurance options, check for:

• Medical complications cover during pregnancy
• Cancellation cover for unexpected pregnancy-related reasons
• Clear week limits (e.g. not flying after 26 weeks)
• Fast claims process
• 24/7 support while abroad

Look for insurers like Santam that explicitly address pregnancy in their policy wording.

Conclusion

Pregnancy should never stop you from exploring the world. With the right travel insurance, you can enjoy your holiday knowing you are protected before take-off and after landing. Choose a provider that understands the unique needs of expecting travellers, so your journey is safe, supported, and memorable for all the right reasons. Get a quote today to secure the coverage you need for peace of mind while traveling.