Important notice: this guide is informative and reflects usual sector conditions. It does NOT replace your gynaecologist's medical judgement on whether it is wise to travel in your specific case, nor the current particular conditions of your IATI policy. Consult both before making decisions.
1. The framework: 3 questions that intersect
When a pregnant traveller asks whether she can travel, there are three independent decisions that are often confused:
- Will the airline let you board? Each company has its own limit (usually 28-36 weeks depending on the route), and from a certain week onwards it requires a "fit to fly" medical certificate. This limit is independent of the insurance.
- Does your gynaecologist recommend it? This is the medical decision: assess trimester, type of pregnancy, destination, duration, activities.
- Will the insurance cover a pregnancy-related incident? This is where IATI comes in: up to which week and with which exclusions.
2. Weeks of pregnancy: the key limits
Most travel policies in the sector apply a cover limit for pregnancy-related incidents between week 28 and 32 (varies by product). From that point:
- General medical assistance for causes NOT related to pregnancy remains covered.
- Complications linked to gestation may be EXCLUDED.
- A birth (even premature) after that week may fall outside.
Indicative range by trimester:
| Trimester / week | Usual insurance cover | Observations |
|---|---|---|
| Wk. 1-12 (T1) | Broad cover | Period with highest risk of natural miscarriage: covered |
| Wk. 13-27 (T2) | Broad cover | Most "comfortable" trimester to travel |
| Wk. 28-32 (early T3) | Usual cover limit | Check the exact week in the conditions |
| Wk. 33+ (late T3) | Pregnancy complications excluded | General medical assistance remains covered |
3. What is usually covered
- General medical assistance for any cause not related to pregnancy (accidents, flu, gastroenteritis, etc.), with no specific week limit.
- Unforeseen and sudden pregnancy complications up to the week limit: threatened miscarriage, unexpected bleeding, unexpected hypertension, isolated premature contractions, etc.
- Medical repatriation if a doctor determines that the transfer is the best option on clinical grounds.
- Trip cancellation before departure if there is documented medical complication advising against travelling (with cancellation cover contracted).
- Trip interruption due to a serious complication requiring early return.
4. What is NOT usually covered
- Complications from the week limit onwards (28-32 depending on product).
- Scheduled birth or elective caesarean.
- Complications arising from conditions already diagnosed before signing: known high-risk pregnancy, diagnosed placenta praevia, previous gestational hypertension, already diagnosed threat of premature labour, etc.
- Fertility and assisted reproduction: cover, follow-up or complications of IVF, ICSI treatments, etc.
- Voluntary termination / abortion.
- Routine check-ups and ultrasounds of the pregnancy (they are not "emergency medical assistance").
- Full cover of the newborn after a birth abroad: the baby is not included in the maternal policy; neonatal assistance may fall partially or fully outside.
- Travel to destinations with official advice against for relevant pregnancy causes (for example, areas with active Zika virus at particular moments).
5. Before signing the insurance: key steps
- Consult your gynaecologist on whether it is wise to travel according to trimester, type of pregnancy and destination.
- Check the maximum week covered for pregnancy incidents in the particular conditions (search for "pregnancy", "birth", "gestation").
- Check whether there are previously diagnosed complications that may be excluded (even if your pregnancy is going well, previous diagnoses need reviewing).
- Contract cancellation cover if the trip includes significant non-refundable expenses.
- Scope and capital appropriate to the destination: USA/Canada high capital; Europe medium capital ok.
- Keep the medical report with the date of the last ultrasound and estimated due date: it may be requested.
6. Considerations by destination type
Europe (Erasmus, getaways, short trips)
EHIC useful for public assistance. IATI covers the rest. Common risks: falls (streets, stairs), digestive issues.
Latin America
Check altitude: destinations like Cusco (3,400m), Bogotá (2,640m), La Paz (3,600m) may not be recommended depending on trimester. Dehydration risk in tropical areas.
Tropical / South-East Asia zones
Watch out for vaccines: yellow fever, typhoid contraindicated during pregnancy. Mosquito repellent: use DEET only with medical recommendation, consider alternatives (icaridin).
USA / Canada
HIGH medical capital (500,000€+). An uncovered premature birth can involve bills exceeding $100,000. Assess whether it is wise to travel depending on the week.
Cruises
Many cruise lines have a week 24-26 limit to embark. Evacuation cover from open sea is more complex and expensive. Check specific limitations.
7. Common scenarios
Unexpected bleeding at week 18 during a getaway to Rome
Usual cover within medical assistance. Contact IATI's 24h helpline before going to a private hospital. Keep all medical reports and invoices.
Threat of premature labour at week 30 during a family trip to Mexico
Right at the usual limit. Check the policy contracted. If covered: assistance + possible repatriation. If not: more complex handling, consider consular support.
Cancellation of a planned trip to Thailand at week 12 due to severe nausea and diagnosed dehydration
Cancellation cover if contracted, with a medical report from the gynaecologist advising against the trip. Reimbursement of non-recoverable expenses (flights, non-refundable hotel, prepaid excursions).
Routine check-up abroad
NOT covered. Scheduled check-ups and follow-up ultrasounds are not "emergency medical assistance" and fall outside travel insurance.
8. Before travelling: checklist
- Recent medical consultation with green light to travel.
- Physical + digital copy of the report with estimated due date.
- Copy of the insurance certificate + 24h helpline number.
- Addresses of reference hospitals at your destination.
- Basic documentation translated if travelling outside the EU.
- Repellent and sun protection suitable for pregnancy.
- Comfortable shoes, compression stockings for long flights (thrombosis risk).
- Basic kit: paracetamol (allowed), rehydration salts.
- Emergency contacts in Spain, including your gynaecologist.
Frequently asked questions
Up to what week can I travel covered by IATI?
Usual limit 28-32 depending on product for pregnancy-related incidents. Check in the particular conditions.
Does it cover pregnancy complications?
Unforeseen and sudden ones up to the week limit, yes. Those arising from prior diagnoses, no.
What happens if I go into premature labour?
Before the week limit: covered complication for the mother. Newborn with limited cover. Handled with the 24h helpline.
Can I take out IATI Estrella while pregnant?
Yes, provided you are below the week limit and without previously diagnosed excluded complications.
Does it cover cancellation for a complicated pregnancy before departure?
Yes with cancellation cover + documented medical evidence. Not the personal decision without diagnosis.
Have you travelled pregnant with IATI or had a related incident? Sharing your experience helps other travellers know what to actually expect.
Notice: this guide is indicative and reflects public sector information as of September 2026. Exact cover, week limits and exclusions may vary between IATI products and over time. Always check the current particular conditions on the official website before signing and consult your gynaecologist before travelling. This content does NOT constitute medical advice nor does it replace professional judgement.