Frequently Asked Questions about Visitor Insurance for Pregnancy

Frequently Asked Questions about Visitor Insurance for Pregnancy

Pregnant women traveling to the US can surely have a lot of questions in their minds. Is there any insurance plan that can cover them? What happens if there is a new complication? What happens if they fall sick? In most cases, it is rare to find visitor insurance plans that cover pregnancy and related issues. Let us understand the frequently asked question so that it becomes easier for women to make well-informed decisions.

1. Does travel insurance plans cover pregnancy?

Most travel insurance plans do not cover pregnancy and other related issues like morning sickness, routine check-ups, going into labor, and more. In the US, if you visit a doctor for your pregnancy-related issues, or if you go into labor, or if you have to stay a week in the hospital due to some complications, you need to pay all the medical expenses.

Most of the insurance plans can cover any new ailment, or complications, or health issues that may come from pregnancy, and not the ones that are expected in a normal pregnancy. Depending on the plan, complications like miscarriage, eclampsia, pre-eclampsia, or hyperemesis gravidarum may be covered. However, remember that even if a health insurance plan offers coverage, it will be limited.

2. Is pregnancy a pre-existing condition?

Yes, pregnancy is considered a pre-existing condition. Hence, you cannot be covered for pregnancy even if the plan covers any acute onset of pre-existing condition. When you are purchasing a travel insurance plan while being pregnant, select a  comprehensive insurance plan that can offer you some protection  for a new complication that may arise during pregnancy. Reviewing the benefits for the plan to see what is considered a complication is important.

3. How to choose a suitable insurance plan during pregnancy?

As already mentioned, health insurance plans do not cover pregnancy. This does not mean that you  should not get yourself insured before taking a trip abroad. Healthcare costs in the US are expensive in comparison to other parts of the world, hence, purchasing insurance is most necessary

Now, when you are pregnant, you may not find many plans that suit your travelling and medical needs. Insurance brokers, like us, have different plans on the website so that you can compare and find the best deal.

4. Which popular insurance plans cover pregnancy?

Two plans offer limited coverage to complications of pregnancy, but one needs to remember that none of these plans cover normal pregnancy-related issues.

• Atlas International– It offers coverage for complications of pregnancy during the first 26 weeks of gestation.
• Safe Travel USA Comprehensive– The plan covers emergency medical treatment of pregnancy up to $1,000 per policy period.

Also, the weeks of pregnancy calculated in the US may be different than in your home country. In many countries, pregnancy may be calculated from the conception day, while in the US, it is calculated from the last date of menstruation.

5. Why don’t insurance companies cover pregnancy?

Insurance companies do not cover pregnancies because it is considered a pre-existing condition if you are already pregnant. . The insurance plans are intended to cover new accidents, illnesses, injuries, and wounds while you are traveling, and pregnancy does not fall under any of the categories.

6. What does complication of pregnancy mean?

To understand pregnancy complications, you need to go through the brochure or certificate of each plan because every policy differs. Complications of pregnancy means illnesses whose diagnoses are distinct from pregnancy but are caused/affected by a pregnancy, including spontaneous abortion, ectopic pregnancy, eclampsia, hyperemesis gravidarum, pre-eclampsia, and other severity. Complications of pregnancy do not include prescribed tests, prolonged labor, edema, false labor, and more that are associated with a normal pregnancy.

7. What can be your expenses if you wish to deliver your baby in the US?

Insurance companies or agents cannot estimate the cost of delivery in the US as medical expenses vary greatly. For a normal delivery with no complications, you should be prepared to pay at least $20,000 to $25,000. Please keep in mind that if any complication arises, or if the mother/child needs to stay in the hospital for a few days or weeks, you will need to pay thousands of dollars in medical bills.

8. What should you do if you cannot pay pregnancy medical bills?

You should try to avoid traveling as much as possible during pregnancy. If there are chances of complications, the probability may increase while traveling abroad. Now, if the travel is for personal or business purposes, you need to be prepared to pay a hefty sum for any kind of complications. Those who are sponsoring a pregnant woman in the US will be held responsible for paying all the bills.

9. Can pregnant women get help from Medicaid?

To be eligible for Medicaid you need to be a US citizen and fall into the low-income category. Unfortunately, visitors to the US are not eligible for Medicaid.

10. Are there any airline rules for pregnant women?

Each airline has a set of rules for pregnant women, especially how many weeks you can pregnant before boarding the flight. Those rules can change frequently, and the airlines may ask you to provide them with a fitness certificate for air travel during pregnancy. Talk to the airlines directly for any confusion.

These are a few questions that are commonly asked by pregnant ladies or those who are planning for pregnancy anytime soon. If you have any more questions/queries, call Visitor Guard® for assistance.