Have you seen families traveling the world—or couples relocating to a new country for work—while navigating pregnancy abroad? Whether you are a digital nomad, an expat spouse, or just planning a long trip while expecting, finding the right travel insurance for pregnancy is essential—but often confusing.
Most standard travel insurance plans don’t cover pregnancy beyond emergencies. If you want coverage for prenatal care, delivery, or complications, you’ll need to look into international health insurance that includes maternity benefits.
This guide breaks it all down:
What’s covered, what’s not, and how to prepare for a safe pregnancy while living or traveling abroad—so you can plan confidently, wherever life takes you.
Table of Contents
- Why Travel Insurance for Pregnancy as a Nomad Is So Complicated
- What Travel Insurance for Pregnancy Covers — and What It Doesn’t
- Waiting Periods, Pregnancy Declarations & Limitations
- Geography Matters: The Global Patchwork of Pregnancy Coverage
- Travel Insurance vs. International Health Insurance vs. Credit Card Coverage for Pregnant Women
- Key Insurance Terms to Know (Mini Glossary)
- Best Travel Insurance for Pregnancy For Nomads – Comparison Table
- Key Considerations for Choosing Pregnancy & Maternity Travel Coverage
- Pros and Cons of Travel Insurance Plans for Pregnancy
- Real-Life Nomadic Scenarios and Planning Tips
- Travel Insurance Checklist for Pregnant Nomads
- Final Thoughts + FAQs
1. Why Travel Insurance for Pregnancy as a Nomad Is So Complicated
A growing, often overlooked need: More digital nomads and remote-working couples are in their childbearing years—and some are choosing to grow their families while living abroad. But navigating travel insurance for pregnancy is far from straightforward.
Common questions many expecting nomads face:
- Will my travel insurance cover pregnancy abroad?
- What happens if I give birth unexpectedly in another country?
- How do local healthcare systems, visa rules, or out-of-pocket costs affect my access to care?
Here’s why it gets tricky:
- Most travel insurance policies treat pregnancy like a pre-existing condition—with limited or no coverage after a certain number of weeks.
- Coverage varies widely by insurer, country, and policy type (travel insurance vs. international health insurance).
- Nomads often don’t discover the gaps until a complication arises, when it may be too late to switch plans or get reimbursed.
2. What Travel Insurance for Pregnancy Covers — and What It Doesn’t
Most people assume travel insurance for pregnancy works like regular health insurance. But that’s where things get complicated.
Here’s the reality:
| Usually Covered | Usually Not Covered |
|---|---|
| Emergency care for pregnancy complications | Childbirth and newborn care |
| Miscarriage-related emergencies | Routine prenatal or postnatal visits |
| Trip cancellation due to early pregnancy issues | Traveling past gestational limits (e.g., 28+ weeks) |
Why the confusion?
Some travel insurance plans, like Genki Traveler or SafetyWing Essential, only offer emergency coverage for pregnancy complications. These plans are not suitable for planned pregnancy-related services or delivery.
➡️ Travel insurance is designed for short-term emergencies and unexpected events during a trip. While it may cover pregnancy complications up to a certain week of gestation, it typically does not include routine prenatal care, childbirth, or extended hospital stays.
If you’re expecting and need comprehensive maternity care, travel insurance may not be enough. In that case, consider looking into international health insurance for more extensive coverage.
➡️ International health insurance, on the other hand, is made for expats, long-term travelers, or digital nomads. Some plans include full maternity coverage, including prenatal checkups, childbirth, and newborn care—if you meet waiting periods and eligibility requirements.
3. Waiting Periods, Pregnancy Declarations & Limitations
Even if you find a plan that offers travel insurance for pregnancy, there are important catches to be aware of—especially if you’re already pregnant.
⏳ Waiting Periods: Don’t Skip This Fine Print
Most international health insurance plans with maternity coverage have waiting periods of 10 to 12 months before benefits kick in. That means:
- If you’re already pregnant when you buy the plan, you won’t be covered.
- To qualify, you need to be on the plan before conception.
💡 Tip: If you’re planning to conceive while abroad, it’s wise to secure maternity coverage well in advance.
📢 Declare Your Pregnancy (If Required)
Some insurers require you to formally declare your pregnancy soon after confirming it—especially if complications arise later. If you don’t:
- Claims could be denied
- Your policy might not cover emergency care
🚨 Emergency-Only Plans = Very Limited Coverage
Many basic travel insurance policies only cover unforeseen medical emergencies. This usually excludes all routine pregnancy care, such as:
- Prenatal checkups
- Childbirth
- Postnatal care or newborn expenses
If you’re traveling past a certain point in your pregnancy (e.g., 24 or 28 weeks), even emergency care may be denied unless it’s life-threatening.
4. Geography Matters: The Global Patchwork of Pregnancy Coverage
Pregnancy coverage isn’t the same everywhere—and your destination plays a major role in what’s included in your plan.
🌍 Coverage Varies by Destination:
- Thailand: Affordable, quality care available in both public and private hospitals.
- Costa Rica: High-quality maternal care, though many expats prefer private hospitals.
- USA: Expensive and often excluded from standard travel insurance. Be sure to check specific policy details for U.S. coverage.
🧭 Additional Factors to Consider:
- Zika Virus Zones: Some countries, like parts of Central/South America, may have health warnings or exclusions due to risks like Zika.
- Malaria or High Altitude: Areas like Peru may present additional risks for pregnant travelers, which can impact care or coverage.
- Country Exclusions: Some insurers may exclude coverage for specific countries altogether. Always check where your plan applies.
5. Travel Insurance vs. International Health Insurance vs. Credit Card Coverage for Pregnant Women
Not all insurance plans are created equal. Here’s a quick breakdown of your options:
| Type | Best For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Insurance | Short-term trips & emergencies | Doesn’t cover routine maternity or childbirth. |
| International Health Plans | Long-term digital nomads | Can be expensive, may require early application & waiting for maternity coverage. |
| Credit Card Coverage | Emergency-only backup | Very limited maternity coverage, often only for life-threatening emergencies. |
💡 Tip: If you’re planning a long-term stay or pregnancy abroad, consider opting for international health insurance. This is typically more comprehensive but requires more planning.
6. Key Insurance Terms to Know (Mini Glossary)
- Pre-existing Condition: A medical condition that existed before your insurance coverage begins. Many plans, including pregnancy-related care, might consider this a pre-existing condition, leading to exclusions.
- Waiting Period: The time period you must wait before certain benefits (like maternity care) become active. For maternity benefits, this could range from 10 to 12 months, depending on the insurer.
- Deductible: The amount you need to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance begins covering the costs. Some plans, like IMG Global, offer flexible deductibles, but others may not require one for certain services.
- Emergency vs. Routine Care: Emergency care covers urgent, unplanned medical situations (like complications during pregnancy), while routine care refers to regular check-ups and non-urgent services, like prenatal visits. Many travel insurance policies exclude routine pregnancy care but will cover complications that arise unexpectedly.
- Geographic Coverage: Refers to the areas where your insurance applies. Some insurers exclude countries like the U.S. but have optional add-on (e.g., SafetyWing) or may have global limits with exclusions for certain regions (like Hong Kong or Singapore for some plans).
7: Best Travel Insurance for Pregnancy For Nomads – Comparison Table
Here’s a snapshot of the top options for pregnancy and maternity coverage, including complication coverage, delivery coverage, waiting periods, and coverage limits:
| Provider | Coverage Highlights | Waiting Period | Coverage Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SafetyWing Nomad Insurance Complete | Complications, delivery, and newborn care within 30 days included | 10 months | $2,500 limit for maternity care $50,000 limit for Newborn coverage and Maternity Complications | Global coverage, except Hong Kong, Singapore, and U.S. |
| COVRD.EE | Complications, delivery, prenatal care and newborn care (all plans) included | 10 months | No limit | Can Choose Coverage Worldwide with / without USA and Canada |
| Genki Native Premium | Complications, delivery, prenatal, postnatal care and newborn care included | 12 months | No limit | Limited Coverage in Canada & U.S. |
| IMG Global Medical Platinum | Complications, delivery, prenatal, postnatal care and newborn care included | 10 or 24 months (varies) | Lifetime Maximum: $50,000. | Maternity Deductible: $2,500 (In addition to plan Deductible) Requires pre-certification |
Cigna Global International Health Plans Gold, Platinum | Maternity add-on: complications, prenatal, postnatal care and newborn care included | 12 months | Customizable | Covers infertility investigations and treatments, genetic testing |
| April International MyHealth International Essential, Comfort, Premium | Maternity add-on: complications, prenatal, postnatal care and newborn care included, no limit on complications | 12 months | No limit | Higher limits for surgical delivery; pre-approval required, Medically assisted reproduction as optional benefit |
💡 Key Tips:
Coverage Scope: Always verify the exact coverage for complications, delivery, and newborn care, as it can vary widely between providers.
Maternity Add-Ons: Some providers, like Cigna Global, offer maternity coverage through an add-on, so be sure to check if you need to include it in your plan.
Waiting Periods: Most plans have a waiting period of 10–12 months
8. Key Considerations for Choosing Pregnancy & Maternity Travel Coverage
Customizability: Some plans, like Cigna Global, allow you to customize your coverage with add-ons. Tailoring your plan can help ensure that you get the exact coverage you need for maternity.
Gestation Limits: Check the gestation period limit for each insurer to ensure you can access maternity care throughout your pregnancy. Some plans only cover until a certain number of weeks.
Complications & Delivery Coverage: Not all plans cover complications or delivery. Ensure that your plan offers adequate coverage for any unexpected events during pregnancy or childbirth.
Waiting Periods: Most international insurance plans require a waiting period of 10–12 months (sometimes up to 24 months) before maternity benefits are active. Plan ahead and enroll early to avoid delays.
Region Limits: Be aware of regional restrictions, as some insurers may not provide coverage in specific countries or regions.
9. Pros and Cons of Travel Insurance Plans for Pregnancy
🛡 SafetyWing Nomad Complete (Detailed Booklet)
Ideal for: Budget-conscious travelers seeking emergency-only coverage
Pros:
- Affordable for emergency-only coverage.
- Covers some complications and newborn care.
- Those looking for basic support in case of unexpected pregnancy complications or premature delivery
Cons:
- Limited coverage compared to other international health plans.
- Not sufficient for complete pregnancy care or planning a birth abroad.
- Does not cover fertility treatments
🌍 COVRD.EE (Detailed Booklet)
Ideal for: Digital nomads looking for a straightforward, comprehensive plan that includes both maternity and newborn care.
Pros:
- Covers complications, delivery, prenatal care and newborn care with no coverage limits.
- Extended prenatal care offered with the “Best” plan.
- Outpatient cash benefit for home birth in the “Best” plan.
Cons:
- Requires enrollment well before pregnancy.
- Premium pricing may not be ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
- Higher-level plans needed to access full maternity coverage.
🧼 Genki Native Premium (Detailed Booklet)
Ideal for: Long-term digital nomads or expats living in one country for extended periods
Pros:
- Includes prenatal checkups, ultrasounds, first-trimester screening, amniocentesis, childbirth (hospital or home), and postnatal care.
- Covers pregnancy complications and medically necessary termination with no waiting period.
- Provides coverage for newborns immediately if at least one parent has been insured for 3 months and the newborn is registered within 2 months of birth.
- Covers costs for midwives, birth assistants, obstetric support, preparation courses, and postnatal exercises, up to €500 per pregnancy.
Cons:
- 12 month waiting period for maternity benefits.
- Does not cover infertility treatments or non-medically necessary terminations.
- Not designed for short-term travelers or those with an unpredictable schedule.
🌐 IMG Global Medical Platinum (Detailed Booklet)
Ideal for: Nomads or expats looking for a more comprehensive, long-term solution, including maternity care (if enrolled before pregnancy).
Pros:
- Covers both complications and delivery.
- Customizable plans with flexible deductibles.
- Extensive experience serving expats and long-term travelers.
Cons:
- Long waiting period depending on underwriting (10 or 24 months).
- Complex pricing and underwriting process.
- Maternity Deductible of $2500 on top of existing deductible and lifetime maximum of $50,000
- Does not cover pregnancy as a result of IVF, artificial insemination or infertility treatment
🏥 Cigna Global (Detailed Booklet)
Ideal for: Expats or high-income nomads planning pregnancy well in advance who need full maternity care abroad.
Pros:
- Full maternity coverage, including prenatal, postnatal, and newborn care.
- Highly customizable plans with solid support.
- Covers infertility investigations and treatments.
Cons:
- Most expensive option on this list.
- Requires enrollment before pregnancy and comes with a waiting period.
- May be overkill if you’re not pregnant or planning a child.
- Complex plan selection with many modules to choose from.
🏥 April International (Detailed Booklet)
Ideal for: Expats or nomads seeking higher maternity coverage limits and willing to pay extra for additional benefits.
Pros:
- Maternity add-ons available with coverage limits ranging from €3,000 to €12,000.
- Covers complications without limits.
- High maternity coverage for medically required surgical delivery.
- Extensive newborn care included in higher-level plans.
- Medically assisted reproduction as optional benefit
Cons:
- Add-on required for maternity coverage.
- 12-month waiting period for full maternity benefits.
- Coverage limits to different zones or certain travel destinations
10. Real-Life Nomadic Scenarios and Planning Tips
👶 Scenario 1: Pregnant and Backpacking Across Southeast Asia at 10 Weeks
You’re 10 weeks pregnant and on a long-term backpacking adventure in Southeast Asia. With no immediate plans to stop traveling, you face the challenge of finding reliable healthcare and navigating insurance coverage.
What You Need to Know:
- Travel insurance may cover emergency complications but exclude routine prenatal care.
- It’s essential to research local healthcare facilities for pregnancy-related care in each country.
- Always have access to digital and printed medical records, including details of your pregnancy.
- Register with your embassy to ensure support in case of an emergency or evacuation.
💼 Scenario 2: Find Out You’re Pregnant While Abroad Unexpectedly
You’re already living and working abroad as a digital nomad when you discover you’re pregnant. You need to navigate the complexities of insurance, maternity care options, and your visa status.
What You Need to Know:
- Contact your insurance provider immediately to confirm coverage for pregnancy-related emergencies.
- Many plans require you to declare pregnancy early, so make sure you understand the deadlines and conditions.
- Know the nearest hospitals and OB/GYNs in your area and ensure that the quality of care meets your expectations.
- If you’re in a region with limited healthcare options, consider repatriation coverage to return to your home country for delivery.
🌐 Scenario 3: Planning Birth Abroad for Dual Citizenship Benefits
You’re planning to give birth abroad to secure dual citizenship for your child. While you’re excited about the benefits, you must also prepare for the complexities of pregnancy care and insurance coverage.
What You Need to Know:
- Research local regulations for citizenship and birth requirements, as these can affect your coverage and timing.
- Make sure your insurance policy covers birth abroad, as many providers limit coverage to certain regions or may require a maternity add-on.
- Have a clear plan for healthcare providers in the country where you plan to give birth, and make sure you meet the local maternity care standards.
✅ Practical Advice:
Secure insurance coverage early, and make sure your policy has no exclusions that would limit your maternity care.
Always carry both digital and printed copies of your prenatal records to avoid language barriers and ensure seamless care.
Know the nearest OB/GYN and hospitals wherever you are, especially if you’re in remote locations.
Register with your embassy to receive assistance and alerts for any local emergencies or changes in health guidelines.
📝 Travel Insurance Checklist for Pregnant Nomads
- Before embarking on your journey as a pregnant digital nomad, ensure you are fully prepared with this handy checklist:
- ✅ Confirm coverage before departure: Double-check your policy to ensure it includes pregnancy complications and delivery coverage if necessary.
- ✅ Declare pregnancy if required: Be upfront with your insurance provider to avoid claim denials.
- ✅ Research hospital quality and availability: Know the best hospitals and OB/GYNs in your destination, especially if you plan on traveling to remote or developing areas.
- ✅ Know emergency contact details: Always have local emergency numbers, embassy contact info, and your insurance provider’s emergency hotline.
- ✅ Understand repatriation options: If the local healthcare doesn’t meet your needs, ensure that your insurance covers repatriation to a home country or a location with better medical facilities.
- ✅ Compare public vs private hospitals: Some countries have excellent private hospitals that are far superior in care. However, they can be expensive. Weigh the pros and cons of both options.
💬 Final Thoughts + FAQ
Traveling in your third trimester isn’t always advised—especially after 28 to 32 weeks, when the risk of preterm labor increases. Most travel insurance plans won’t cover routine childbirth abroad, and some stop covering pregnancy-related emergencies entirely in the late stages. If you must travel, double-check your policy’s gestational week limits and get written confirmation of what’s covered.
Usually, standard travel insurance doesn’t cover routine childbirth, only complications or life-threatening emergencies. If you’re planning to give birth overseas, you’ll need a specialized international health insurance plan with maternity benefits. These plans can include prenatal care, delivery (hospital or home), and newborn coverage—but often have waiting periods, so it’s important to plan ahead.
Failing to declare your pregnancy could lead to a denial of coverage for any pregnancy-related claims. Always inform your insurer early and check for exclusions or waiting periods.
It depends on the insurer and how far along you are. Some plans may offer limited coverage or none at all for pregnancy if you’re already expecting. Specialized maternity coverage or international health plans are more likely to cover pregnancies, but early planning is key.
📩 Closing Tip:
If you’re unsure about your insurance coverage or have additional questions about travel during pregnancy for nomads, remote workers or expats, maker sure to reach out to your provider.
Besides travel insurance during pregnancy, don’t forget to get Travel Vaccines, Nomad Insurance for Your Partner and Medication Travel Kit!
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only. Always confirm details with your insurance provider and consult with a healthcare professional before making any decisions about travel during pregnancy.