Pregnant women or women planning to conceive may have many questions in their minds while planning a trip to the US. Most people look for insurance plans that can cover their pregnancies. Here are the top 15 questions that visitors ask about pregnancy so that they can make informed decisions.
1. Does a travel insurance plan cover pregnancy?
Typically, travel insurance plans do not cover pregnancy and related issues like routine checkups, morning sickness, etc. So, if you come to the US and go into labor, you will be responsible for paying the medical expenses. Or even if you stay in the hospital for a few days for any pregnancy-related complications, the plan will not cover you.
Most travel insurance plans cover new illnesses and injuries. It may cover complications of pregnancy (as defined by the policy) in the first 26 weeks of pregnancy but 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.
2. How to choose an insurance plan during pregnancy?
Visitor insurance plans do not cover pregnancy, but this does not mean that you cannot visit the US without an insurance plan. Healthcare costs in the US are expensive, so it will be best if you carry a comprehensive plan to protect yourself from unforeseen incidents, other than pregnancy coverage.
3. What pregnancy complications can be covered and not covered in travel insurance plans?
Some travel medical insurances can cover unforeseen pregnancy complications, but not for medical expenses relating to a normal pregnancy. Acute nephritis, cardiac decompensation, non-elective cesarean section, and nephrosis are some conditions that may be covered. However, travel plans do not cover false labor, bed rest, morning sickness, and regular checkups.
4. Is pregnancy a pre-existing condition?
Yes, pregnancy is a pre-existing condition. Typically Pregnancy and delivery is not covered by any plans, and neither does buy the acute onset of a pre-existing condition benefit. If you are buying a plan while pregnant, make sure to read and understand what the plan covers for new complications that can arise from pregnancy.
5. Are there any insurance plans that can cover complications of pregnancy?
Visitor insurance plans do not cover pregnancy, but some plans can cover new complications from pregnancy for the first couple of weeks and offer limited coverage for pregnancy complications.
- Atlas Travel– It covers complications of pregnancy during the first 26 weeks (about 6 months) of gestation.
- Safe Travel USA Comprehensive– It covers emergency medical treatment of pregnancy up to $1,000 per policy period.
- Student Secure– It covers maternity care for covered pregnancy up to $25,000 (Elite), $10,000 (Select), and $5,000 (Budget). All plans cover therapeutic termination of pregnancy for up to $500.
- Safe Travels Elite– It covers emergency medical treatment of pregnancy up to $1,000 per policy period.
- Visit USA– It covers complications of pregnancy during the first 26 weeks (about 6 months) of gestation.
- Study USA– It covers maternity care for covered pregnancy 80% of eligible expenses, after the deductible, up to the overall maximum within the PPO network if conception occurs after the effective date. Outside the US, 100% coinsurance is up to the overall maximum after the deductible. In addition, the plan covers therapeutic termination of pregnancy for up to $500.
6. Can pregnancy be covered under the trip cancellation benefit?
Trip cancellation insurance reimburses you for prepaid and nonrefundable trip deposits if you cancel the trip due to unforeseeable events in your policy. These reasons can include severe weather, injury, or a medical emergency. Typically, issues related to normal pregnancy are not covered. However, cancellations due to pregnancy-related medical emergencies can be covered.
Suppose you have already conceived while buying a trip cancellation plan. You are diagnosed with a new complication listed in your policy a week before your trip. You can file a claim. But you will not be covered if you cancel the trip for a doctor’s appointment or face severe morning sickness.
7. Can you deliver your baby in the US?
You can deliver your baby in the US, but you must remember that you will not receive any healthcare benefits from the US government or insurance companies. You should be ready to pay all the medical expenses out of pocket. It can be between $20,000 to $50,000 or more. To be eligible for government programs like Medicaid, you must be a US citizen.
Visitors to the US do not qualify for government programs. But children born in the US will gain American citizenship for life unless they carry out some action that results in the loss of their nationality.
8. Can your plan cover you if you get pregnant after purchasing a plan?
No, the visitor insurance plan does not cover pregnancy and pre-existing conditions. buyingAs visitor insurance plans typically provide coverage for short trips, something major like pregnancy is typically not covered under such policies. That’s why if you get pregnant after buying a plan, you will not be covered.
9. Why do visitor insurance plans not cover pregnancy?
Visitor insurance policies do not cover any pregnancy, maternity, or childbirth-related expenses due to the short-term nature of the plans. Pregnancy is viewed as a high-risk period, and because of this, insurance companies do not provide coverage. Visitor insurance is designed only for new illness/injuries that may arise after the effective date of the policy or a sudden and unexpected recurrence of a pre-existing condition.
10. Why should I buy it if visitor insurance does not offer pregnancy coverage?
Though a visitor insurance plan does not cover pregnancy, it can cover unanticipated medical emergencies. For example, if you fall sick or have an accident during your vacation, your insurance plan can cover you. You can receive cashless treatment in clinics and hospitals. The plan can also cover medical evacuation and repatriation. In short, the visitor insurance plans can cover you for a new eligible illness/injury.
11. If I am not pregnant, can I buy a plan that covers pregnancy complications?
Visitors can buy Atlas Travel plans and Safe Travel USA Comprehensive plans. International students can opt for Study USA and Student Secure. These are plans that provide some coverage for complications of pregnancy as defined in the certificate.
12. What is defined as pregnancy complications?
Complications of Pregnancy means illnesses whose diagnoses are distinct from pregnancy but are adversely affected by pregnancy or caused by pregnancy and not associated with a normal pregnancy. This includes ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, hyperemesis gravidarum, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, missed abortion, and conditions of comparable severity.
Complications of Pregnancy do not include false labor, edema, prolonged labor, prescribed rest during the period of pregnancy, morning sickness, and conditions of comparable severity associated with management of a difficult pregnancy and do not constitute a medically specific condition.
Each plan has its definition of pregnancy complications, so it is necessary to check the policy brochure or certificate.
13. Can a pregnant visitor be denied entry to the US?
Though there are no specific regulations prohibiting pregnant foreigners from entering the US, entry is allowed or denied at the discretion of the admitting US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer. The CBP officer will consider the delivery date and the length of stay in the US.
However, On January 24, 2020, the Department of State amended its nonimmigrant visa regulation to address birth tourism. Under this amended regulation, any B visa application can be denied if the consular officer believes the applicant is traveling for the primary purpose of giving birth to obtain US citizenship for her child.
14. Should pregnant women travel to the US?
It totally depends on the health and comfort of the visitor and how much risk she is willing to take during the trip. As visitor insurance plans will not cover pregnancy-related issues, she must have enough money to bear all the expenses if there is any medical emergency. Therefore, pregnant women must avoid traveling owing to their health and unnecessary medical costs, especially if they are closer to their due date.
15. What is the general advice for an expected mother?
Try to limit your travels to your first and second trimesters and avoid any traveling during your third and final trimesters. Be sure to visit a doctor before embarking on your journeys to ensure that traveling is safe for you and the baby and to stock up on any medication you may need throughout your trip. Moreover, avoid traveling to destinations with extremely hot temperatures, taking part in extreme activities, and regions prone to diseases.
16. What are the airline restrictions for a pregnant woman?
Each airline has its policies around pregnancies. Pregnancy is not a flight risk; you can fly for up to 36 weeks (about 8 and a half months) without safety issues. In the US, you can fly in the third trimester through the 36th week. For international vacations, traveling may be denied after 28 weeks (about 6 and a half months).
Nevertheless, you may not be able to fly at all if you have pregnancy complications. American Airlines may require you to provide a note from your doctor confirming it is safe to fly within four weeks of your due date. Delta Airlines currently has no restrictions on flying pregnant.
These are some frequently asked questions by ladies who are pregnant or are planning to conceive. For more assistance, call NRIOL.net. We would be happy to answer your queries and suggest a robust travel insurance plan so you can have a safe trip to the US.