- The Best Pregnancy Travel Insurance Plans
- What is pregnancy travel insurance?
- The price of pregnancy travel insurance
- What pregnancy travel insurance covers
- The conditions of pregnancy travel insurance
- Why take out pregnancy travel insurance?
- Choosing the right pregnancy travel insurance
- Pregnancy Travel Insurance and Your Current Policies
- FAQ
pregnancy travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: It covers unexpected medical emergencies related to your pregnancy while you are travelling abroad.
2. Price: For a one-week trip to Europe, expect to pay between 60 and 120 CAD.
3. Coverage: It typically covers emergency complications but excludes routine check-ups and childbirth after the 31st week.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Provincial plans (OHIP, RAMQ) and credit cards offer very limited or no specific pregnancy coverage.
5. Tips: Always verify the maximum gestational week covered and ensure the policy includes emergency newborn care.
6. Other useful info: You must always declare your pregnancy to the insurer to ensure your policy remains valid.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best pregnancy travel insurance.
The Best Pregnancy Travel Insurance Plans
Here is a selection of the best pregnancy travel insurance plans available for residents of Canada in 2025. These policies stand out for their high medical limits, low deductibles and simplified terms, providing optimal protection during pregnancy-related travel.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $5,000,000 CAD | $0 CAD | • Covers emergency pregnancy complications abroad. • Premature birth care included. • 24/7 multilingual assistance. • No upfront payment, direct billing available. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $5,000,000 CAD | $0 CAD | • Trip cancellation for medical pregnancy reasons. • Medical evacuation covered. • Early care for newborn. • 24/7 emergency hotline. |
| Tourist Card | $1,000,000 CAD | $100 CAD | • App for fast claims management. • Emergency childbirth included up to 28 weeks. • Covers trip interruption. • Covers multiple destinations. |
| World Travel | $1,500,000 CAD | $100 CAD | • Emergency medical repatriation. • Support for medical pregnancy emergencies. • Refund for premature birth care. • Flexible for couples. |
| Globe Partner | $1,000,000 CAD | $0 CAD | • Covers pregnancy emergencies worldwide. • 100% online enrolment. • No age limit. • Immediate policy delivery. |
| Globe Traveller | $1,000,000 CAD | $0 CAD | • Covers long stays abroad during pregnancy. • Direct payment to clinics. • Assistance in multiple languages. • Dedicated helpline for complications. |
• Premature birth care included.
• 24/7 multilingual assistance.
• No upfront payment, direct billing available.
• Medical evacuation covered.
• Early care for newborn.
• 24/7 emergency hotline.
• Emergency childbirth included up to 28 weeks.
• Covers trip interruption.
• Covers multiple destinations.
• Support for medical pregnancy emergencies.
• Refund for premature birth care.
• Flexible for couples.
• 100% online enrolment.
• No age limit.
• Immediate policy delivery.
• Direct payment to clinics.
• Assistance in multiple languages.
• Dedicated helpline for complications.
The best pregnancy travel insurance will vary depending on your personal needs. We invite you to use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the plan that suits you best and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance policies for freeI compareWhat is pregnancy travel insurance?
Pregnancy travel insurance is a specific policy that protects pregnant travellers during trips, covering medical emergencies and certain complications related to pregnancy outside their home province or country.
It usually includes emergency care for pregnancy complications, premature birth, hospitalization, and sometimes trip cancellation for pregnancy-related reasons.
Coverage is often limited by gestational week, with routine prenatal care or childbirth at term usually excluded.
This is often offered as an option or add-on to a standard travel insurance policy.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where purchasing pregnancy travel insurance is especially important for residents of Canada:
- When traveling outside of Canada, where provincial health plans are insufficient.
- For trips to countries with high medical costs like the USA.
- If traveling during the second or third trimester of your pregnancy.
- In cases of a high-risk or multiple pregnancy, such as twins.
- When your credit card insurance excludes pregnancy-related complications or childbirth.
- To cover potential costs of premature birth and neonatal care abroad.
- If you have any pre-existing conditions that could affect your pregnancy.
The price of pregnancy travel insurance
On average, pregnancy travel insurance costs between 5% and 10% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days in the United States | 2,000 | 100 to 180 |
| 2 weeks in France | 4,000 | 200 to 350 |
| 10 days all-inclusive in Mexico | 2,500 | 120 to 210 |
| 2 weeks family visit within Canada | 1,800 | 90 to 170 |
These prices are provided as an indication and may vary depending on the type of plan chosen (standard or premium) and the specific conditions of each insurer.
The price of your pregnancy travel insurance depends on several factors:
- stage of pregnancy: coverage is usually limited for later pregnancy weeks, and higher gestational age can increase the price.
- trip duration: longer trips have higher insurance costs.
- destination: travel to countries with expensive healthcare, such as the United States, results in higher premiums.
- medical history: pre-existing pregnancy complications or related health conditions can affect eligibility and cost.
- coverage limits: higher medical and newborn care limits, lower deductibles, or extra options increase the premium.
What pregnancy travel insurance covers
Pregnancy travel insurance is a policy designed to protect you from unexpected medical and travel issues related to pregnancy while abroad. It addresses specific risks faced during pregnancy at different travel stages and is distinct from standard travel insurance.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refund if you cancel for covered pregnancy-related medical reasons before travel. | Choose at least $5,000 per trip, no deductible over $50. Routine cancellations, planned birth, or travel against medical advice are often excluded. |
| 🚫 Missed departure | Covers extra transport if pregnancy complications cause you to miss a flight. | A minimum of $300 is advised, deductible under $50. Missed flights unrelated to pregnancy or insufficient documentation are not covered. |
| 🏥 Emergency medical expenses | Key guarantee. Pays for urgent pregnancy-related medical care or complications abroad. | Look for at least $1M, ideally $5M cover with no deductible above $100. Routine check-ups and complications after 32 weeks are excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical repatriation | Key guarantee. Pays for return to Canada if an emergency develops during pregnancy. | This should be unlimited, or at least $250,000, with no deductible. Non-urgent repatriation and voluntary returns are excluded. |
| 🏨 Hospitalization | Covers hospital stays for emergency pregnancy complications abroad. | Minimum $500,000 cover, deductible under $100. Stays due to routine childbirth or after 32 weeks are excluded. |
| 👶 Emergency childbirth | Covers expenses for an emergency delivery due to complications. | At least $25,000 coverage, no deductible is best. Planned birth and elective C-sections or after 32 weeks are excluded. |
| 👼 Premature birth care | Pays for urgent newborn care if premature birth occurs abroad. | At least $25,000 for neonatal care, no deductible preferred. Full-term or voluntary births and care after 32 weeks are usually not covered. |
| 💊 Prescription drugs | Covers urgent prescription medication needed for pregnancy emergencies. | Choose $5,000 minimum, deductible under $50. Vitamins, supplements, and routine medicines are not covered. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss or delay | Compensation for lost or delayed baggage, including items needed for pregnancy care. | At least $1,000 coverage, no deductible over $50. Unattended baggage and non-essential items are excluded. |
| ☎️ 24/7 assistance services | 24/7 emergency support line for pregnancy-related or general insurance questions. | Insist on full 24/7 multilingual support. There are no common exclusions, but service quality may vary by insurer. |
Routine cancellations, planned birth, or travel against medical advice are often excluded.
Missed flights unrelated to pregnancy or insufficient documentation are not covered.
Routine check-ups and complications after 32 weeks are excluded.
Non-urgent repatriation and voluntary returns are excluded.
Stays due to routine childbirth or after 32 weeks are excluded.
Planned birth and elective C-sections or after 32 weeks are excluded.
Full-term or voluntary births and care after 32 weeks are usually not covered.
Vitamins, supplements, and routine medicines are not covered.
Unattended baggage and non-essential items are excluded.
There are no common exclusions, but service quality may vary by insurer.
Reimbursement limits vary depending on the insurer and the plan selected (eco, standard, premium). They must always be checked in the general terms and conditions.
To find the pregnancy travel insurance best suited to your needs and destination, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of pregnancy travel insurance
To activate your pregnancy travel insurance and make benefits valid, several main conditions must be met for coverage to apply.
- Timing of purchase: you must buy the policy before departing from Canada and while still eligible based on gestational week.
- Maximum pregnancy week: most coverage only applies until a certain week, typically up to 28 or 32 weeks of pregnancy.
- Residency status: you must be a legal resident of Canada at the time of policy application.
- No travel already started: coverage is not available if you are already abroad when purchasing the insurance.
- Medical disclosure: you must fully declare your pregnancy and any pre-existing complications during the application process.
- Covered events: only unforeseen medical emergencies, complications, or premature birth are usually covered, not routine care or planned childbirth.
- Trip duration compliance: your trip must not exceed the maximum duration covered by the insurer, such as 30 or 60 days.
- Destination restrictions: travel to countries under official Canadian government advisories may void your pregnancy insurance coverage.
Watch out!
A common mistake for Canadians is assuming pregnancy travel insurance automatically covers the newborn if born prematurely abroad. Newborn care is often a separate clause or excluded entirely. Always verify your policy explicitly covers emergency neonatal care to avoid potentially catastrophic hospital bills, especially in the U.S.
Why take out pregnancy travel insurance?
When travelling during pregnancy, unexpected medical issues or emergencies can lead to substantial costs that are far higher abroad than in Canada.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation and care for pregnancy complications |
| Up to $1,000,000 or 100%, plan limit |
| Emergency C-section |
| Up to $25,000, depending on policy |
| Premature birth care (NICU, 1 week) |
| Up to $50,000, often plan max |
| Hospitalization for pregnancy complications |
| Usually up to $2,000,000 |
| Repatriation for medical reasons to Canada |
| Often 100% if medically necessary |
- Europe: $1,200
- North America: $4,000
- Asia: $900
- Europe: $7,000
- North America: $20,000
- Asia: $6,000
- Europe: $10,000
- North America: $50,000+
- Asia: $8,000
- Europe: $5,000
- North America: $15,000
- Asia: $3,500
- Europe: $15,000
- North America: $25,000
- Asia: $12,000
Coverage varies greatly depending on the plan chosen (standard or premium) and the insurer. Refer to the general conditions and always compare with tools like HelloSafe.
In addition to medical expenses, pregnancy travel insurance may also include other useful guarantees when travelling: trip cancellation or interruption due to pregnancy issues, neonatal or newborn care, repatriation assistance, lost or stolen baggage, or emergency medical advice services.
Good to know
Your provincial plan won't cover pregnancy complications abroad. An emergency C-section can cost over $20,000, and premature birth even more. A dedicated policy from an insurer like Chapka protects your finances and peace of mind, ensuring you and your baby are covered.
Choosing the right pregnancy travel insurance
Not all pregnancy travel insurance policies offer the same protections or reimbursement limits.
That is why it is important to compare options and understand which criteria really affect coverage quality.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Determines the maximum the insurer pays per claim or incident. | Select at least $1,000,000 for emergency medical, and ensure newborn care is included. |
| 📉 Deductible | This is what you must pay yourself before insurance applies. | Look for policies with no deductible, especially for medical emergencies during pregnancy. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Can define weeks covered, exclusions, and documentation required. | Read conditions for gestational week limits and any medical certificate requirements before purchase. |
| 👩 Traveller profile | Pregnancy coverage depends on age, pregnancy week, and health status. | Declare your pregnancy, expected due date, and history to avoid claim rejection due to non-disclosure. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Some plans only cover short periods or have restrictions after certain weeks. | Ensure your entire trip is covered and check if coverage ends at a specific week of pregnancy. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Medical costs and available cover differ by destination. | Choose global coverage, particularly when visiting countries with high maternity care costs like the US. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Public or employer plans rarely cover pregnancy abroad. | Check what travel, employer, or bank insurance actually provides before buying an additional plan. |
| 👶 Premature birth care | Expenses for premature birth can be extremely high abroad. | Confirm the policy covers premature birth, NICU, and repatriation for both mother and child. |
| 🖥️ Online subscription | Easy access, rapid confirmation, and policy documents by email. | Opt for insurers offering digital purchase and instant proof of coverage for border checks and claims. |
Pregnancy Travel Insurance and Your Current Policies
It is completely reasonable to question whether your current insurance, such as credit card coverage or public health insurance, could meet the needs of pregnancy travel insurance. Unfortunately, these options are often inadequate.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Pregnancy travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (OHIP, RAMQ) | Never | Emergency hospital care abroad, up to $400 per day, $50 per visit. No coverage for pregnancy complications, childbirth, or emergency repatriation when abroad. | Travel insurance can cover up to $5,000,000 CAD, including complications, childbirth, and repatriation, which public plans exclude. |
| Private health insurance (Sun Life, Manulife) | Almost Never | Emergency medical for brief travel, up to $1,000,000. No coverage for pregnancy over 32 weeks, childbirth, or care for premature newborns abroad. | Travel insurance offers up to $5,000,000 CAD, covering both pregnancy emergencies and newborn care during trips. |
| Classic credit card (TD Classic, RBC Classic Visa) | Never | May cover general emergencies, trip delay up to $1,000, but excludes pregnancy complications or birth. No emergency childbirth or premature newborn support available abroad. | Travel insurance can cover up to $25,000 for emergency childbirth, with much broader protection for mother and baby. |
| Premium credit card (CIBC Aventura, BMO World Elite) | Limited coverage | Emergency medical care up to $2,000,000–$5,000,000 but excludes pregnancy after 31 weeks and most complications. No routine pregnancy, delivery, or newborn care abroad. | Travel insurance includes up to $50,000 for premature birth and higher limits for emergencies, which premium cards do not include. |
No coverage for pregnancy complications, childbirth, or emergency repatriation when abroad.
No coverage for pregnancy over 32 weeks, childbirth, or care for premature newborns abroad.
No emergency childbirth or premature newborn support available abroad.
No routine pregnancy, delivery, or newborn care abroad.
Expert advice
Canadians, be aware: your bank card or provincial health plan often excludes trip interruption for a relative’s illness or death. Read policy details carefully to avoid costly surprises abroad. For peace of mind, it's always safer and more reassuring to purchase dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is pregnancy travel insurance mandatory?
Pregnancy travel insurance is rarely mandatory, but some countries—like Cuba or Schengen states—may require proof of valid travel medical insurance for visa entry, which often must cover pregnancy complications. Even where not required, it is strongly recommended for any international travel while pregnant; a sudden medical complication abroad can lead to significant expenses and evacuation costs, especially in the USA or Europe.
When is it recommended to purchase pregnancy travel insurance?
It is best to buy pregnancy travel insurance immediately after booking your trip, ideally before your departure date approaches. Early purchase ensures instant coverage for both emergency pregnancy complications and trip cancellation due to pregnancy-related issues. Buying in advance also prevents exclusions due to health changes that may occur before buying your policy.
How do I purchase pregnancy travel insurance?
1/ Compare: Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to review specialized policies and prices.
2/ Check guarantees and exclusions: Carefully examine what is covered, age or pregnancy week limits, and any specific conditions.
3/ Purchase online: Finalize your insurance application securely through the insurer’s website.
4/ Receive the certificate: After purchase, you’ll promptly get your insurance certificate by email, often needed for visa applications.
Can I purchase pregnancy travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you may buy pregnancy travel insurance after booking, but benefits like trip cancellation for pregnancy-related reasons often only apply if insurance is purchased soon after booking. Insurers may exclude pre-existing issues that arise before you get coverage. For full protection, arrange insurance promptly and clarify waiting periods.
How do I make a claim under pregnancy travel insurance?
To make a claim, immediately contact your insurer’s emergency support line and follow their instructions. Collect all medical records, expense receipts, and proof of travel. Most insurers allow claims to be filed online or through a mobile app. Be honest about your pregnancy status and provide complete documentation for a smooth claims process.
What pregnancy complications are covered by pregnancy travel insurance?
Most policies cover unforeseen emergency complications such as preterm labor, miscarriage, or necessary hospitalization up to a defined pregnancy week—commonly the 28th or 32nd. Routine checkups, planned births, and complications known before traveling are typically excluded. Always consult your insurer’s list of covered complications before purchasing.
Is the baby covered if premature birth occurs during travel?
Some specialized pregnancy travel insurance plans offer limited coverage for premature newborn care in emergencies, but this is not automatic on all policies. Coverage limits may apply to neonatal intensive care, and care is usually only provided up to a certain week of gestation. Confirm in writing with your insurer whether newborn costs are included for your planned trip.
Is pregnancy travel insurance mandatory?
Pregnancy travel insurance is rarely mandatory, but some countries—like Cuba or Schengen states—may require proof of valid travel medical insurance for visa entry, which often must cover pregnancy complications. Even where not required, it is strongly recommended for any international travel while pregnant; a sudden medical complication abroad can lead to significant expenses and evacuation costs, especially in the USA or Europe.
When is it recommended to purchase pregnancy travel insurance?
It is best to buy pregnancy travel insurance immediately after booking your trip, ideally before your departure date approaches. Early purchase ensures instant coverage for both emergency pregnancy complications and trip cancellation due to pregnancy-related issues. Buying in advance also prevents exclusions due to health changes that may occur before buying your policy.
How do I purchase pregnancy travel insurance?
1/ Compare: Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to review specialized policies and prices.
2/ Check guarantees and exclusions: Carefully examine what is covered, age or pregnancy week limits, and any specific conditions.
3/ Purchase online: Finalize your insurance application securely through the insurer’s website.
4/ Receive the certificate: After purchase, you’ll promptly get your insurance certificate by email, often needed for visa applications.
Can I purchase pregnancy travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you may buy pregnancy travel insurance after booking, but benefits like trip cancellation for pregnancy-related reasons often only apply if insurance is purchased soon after booking. Insurers may exclude pre-existing issues that arise before you get coverage. For full protection, arrange insurance promptly and clarify waiting periods.
How do I make a claim under pregnancy travel insurance?
To make a claim, immediately contact your insurer’s emergency support line and follow their instructions. Collect all medical records, expense receipts, and proof of travel. Most insurers allow claims to be filed online or through a mobile app. Be honest about your pregnancy status and provide complete documentation for a smooth claims process.
What pregnancy complications are covered by pregnancy travel insurance?
Most policies cover unforeseen emergency complications such as preterm labor, miscarriage, or necessary hospitalization up to a defined pregnancy week—commonly the 28th or 32nd. Routine checkups, planned births, and complications known before traveling are typically excluded. Always consult your insurer’s list of covered complications before purchasing.
Is the baby covered if premature birth occurs during travel?
Some specialized pregnancy travel insurance plans offer limited coverage for premature newborn care in emergencies, but this is not automatic on all policies. Coverage limits may apply to neonatal intensive care, and care is usually only provided up to a certain week of gestation. Confirm in writing with your insurer whether newborn costs are included for your planned trip.
