Things that you need to know before taking a babymoon
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One in five parents are squeezing in one last holiday as a couple before their baby arrives, according to new research by finder.com.au
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The survey of over 2,000 parents with children under 12, shows 22% of couples are enjoying one last getaway in the third trimester before the sleepless nights begin
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The majority (16%) of those who holiday in the final trimester of pregnancy do so within Australia while 5% travel internationally.
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Travelling while pregnant was most popular with young mothers - with the figures showing almost one in four (24%) under 30-year-olds holiday before their due date, compared to just 16% of those mothers aged over 40.
Whilst a babymoon is a chance to relax you need to be aware of travel insurance and airline restrictions. These could put a dampner on your babymoon if something unexpected happens.
Travel insurance restrictions:
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Many soon-to-be parents may not realise that most travel insurers won't cover you for the entire length of your pregnancy - with some cutting off cover as early as the second trimester.
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The cut off dates for travel insurance range from 18-32 weeks. More information on a number of travel insurance brands and their cut-off dates here: https://www.finder.com.au/
travel-insurance-for-pregnancy -
Most insurers won't cover pregnancy related complications if the baby was conceived as a result of IVF.
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Just like IVF babies, many insurers exclude cover for twins or multiple pregnancies, again because of the increased risk.
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The cost of travel insurance with cover for pregnancy is usually slightly higher due to risk factors.
- https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/when-babymoon-holidays-during-pregnancy-go-wrong-20150712-giaj5t.html
TOP 10 babymoon escapes in Australia
http://mumsgrapevine.com.au/2017/09/babymoon-bliss-10-amazing-escapes-in-australia/
Airline restrictions
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Most airlines have rules and restrictions for pregnant women travelling in the third trimester, with most requiring medical clearance after 28 weeks.
Major Australian airlines and their requirements for flying pregnant overseas:
|
Airline |
Time period |
Requirement |
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Virgin |
28 - 36 weeks |
Medical certificate stating fit for travel. |
|
Flight more than 4 hours 36+ weeks (single birth) 32+ weeks (multiple births) |
You will not be accepted to travel. |
|
|
Flight less than 4 hours 38+ weeks (single birth) 36+ weeks (multiple births) |
You will not be accepted to travel. |
|
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Qantas & Jetstar |
28 - 36 weeks |
Medical certificate stating fit for travel. |
|
Flight more than 4 hours 36+ weeks (single birth) 32+ weeks (multiple births) |
You will not be accepted to travel. |
|
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Flight less than 4 hours Within 7 days of due date (single birth) 38+ weeks (multiple births) |
Medical clearance required. |
Commentary from Bessie Hassan, Insurance Expert at finder.com.au:
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"For those couples set to welcome their first child, a babymoon can be the perfect time to relax and take a holiday on your own terms."
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"However, premature birth can happen without warning and could seriously disrupt what was supposed to be a relaxing holiday."
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"You are normally required to carry a medical certificate with you when flying after the second trimester, as flying can become more risky closer to the due date. Seek medical advice from your doctor prior to hopping on the plane so you have that clarity."
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"It's also a good idea to check whether your travel insurance policy covers pregnancy, as you may not be eligible to claim if something goes wrong."
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"Bear in mind that you likely won't be covered for any pregnancy-related complications if you're travelling against medical advice, or are pregnant as the result of assisted reproductive technologies."
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"With this peace of mind you'll be able to enjoy your last child-free holiday."
