"Your Peace of Mind: Essential Tips, Packing List, and Recommended Insurance for Traveling Abroad During Pregnancy"

2020.01.05 published

Pregnancy Discovered! What to Do About Your Overseas Wedding and Honeymoon Plans?

It’s not uncommon for people who have already made plans for an overseas wedding or honeymoon to find out they are pregnant!

There may be times when you need to cancel or postpone your plans for the sake of your health and the baby, but sometimes it’s just too difficult to do so.

Traveling abroad while pregnant, referred to as “mama travel,” is not rare in today’s world. Many celebrities also post about their “mama travel” experiences on their blogs.

However, going abroad while pregnant can feel quite anxiety-inducing for various reasons.

This time, we’ve summarized things to keep in mind for those planning to travel abroad during pregnancy.

Make sure to gather information and prepare in advance so you don’t regret being unprepared on the day!

◆◆Contents◆◆

① About Overseas Insurance

② About Flights

③ Hospital Permissions

④ Antibody Tests and Vaccinations

⑤ Researching Hospitals at Your Destination

⑥ Packing List

Things to Be Careful About for Overseas Weddings and Honeymoons During Pregnancy ① Travel Insurance

You cannot use Japanese health insurance abroad, so it’s common for pregnant women, like anyone traveling internationally, to obtain travel insurance.

However, most overseas travel insurance plans or those bundled with credit cards do not cover expenses related to pregnancy, childbirth, premature birth, miscarriage, or stillbirth.

Consequently, if something occurs, all expenses will be out-of-pocket.

In 2014, a Canadian couple received a medical bill exceeding 100 million yen after undergoing an emergency birth while vacationing in Hawaii, which became a hot topic online.

Being uninsured while traveling abroad could lead to bankruptcy—it's not a joke.

Make sure to obtain insurance that covers treatment or childbirth related to pregnancy.

◆◆ Up to 22 Weeks Pregnant ◆◆

For early pregnancy (up to 22 weeks), AIG Insurance's international travel insurance is recommended.

Even if the treatment is related to pregnancy, insurance will cover the expenses just like any other medical treatment.

There are branches in Japan, and they provide 24-hour Japanese language support, so it’s reassuring. Applications can also be made in Japanese.

➡ Click here for AIG Insurance

The overseas insurance from JTB Group's JI Injury Fire Insurance also covers treatments for complications during early pregnancy.

➡ Click here for t@biho

◆◆ From 23 to 26 Weeks Pregnant ◆◆

Unfortunately, after 22 weeks, there are no insurance companies in Japan that you can sign up with.

Therefore, you'll need to enroll in an overseas insurance plan.

The Atlas Travel Medical Insurance from the United States covers treatments related to pregnancy up to 26 weeks.

There is no Japanese website, so you will need to apply in English, but the application process itself isn’t difficult.

➡ Click here for Atlas Travel

If you are apprehensive about the process or have questions, there are agencies that support Japanese speakers, so applying through them might be a good option.

➡ Click here for the Atlas Travel agency site

◆◆ 27 Weeks and Beyond ◆◆

For those over 26 weeks, you can choose a policy from Bupa Global in the UK which allows coverage.

However, there are restrictions; for example, if carrying multiples or if pregnancy is a result of fertility treatment, coverage may not apply after 18 weeks.

There is no support in Japanese, so you will need to have at least a basic level of English proficiency to communicate and negotiate if something occurs.

➡ Click here for Bupa Global

Also, if your doctor has indicated that there is a risk of premature birth, or if you have been diagnosed with pregnancy-induced hypertension, there have been cases where insurance did not payout under the claim of “traveling despite having a risky pregnancy.”

If this applies to you, be sure to contact your insurance company in advance.

Things to Be Careful About for Overseas Weddings and Honeymoons During Pregnancy ② Flights

Long flights during pregnancy can impose a certain degree of stress on both the mother and the fetus.

Try to book direct flights with the shortest possible duration as early as you can.

◆◆ Points to Remember ◆◆

☑ Confirm the cancellation policy with the travel agency

→ It’s essential to check if you will receive a refund or have the option to postpone in case of illness leading to last-minute cancellation.

☑ If you are making arrangements yourself, book directly from the airline's website

→ In case of cancellation, many airlines allow refunds after deducting a cancellation fee of around 30,000 yen. Be cautious, as using comparison sites or other booking sites often results in non-refundable payments post-transaction.

☑ Reserve your seat at the time of booking

→ If you have a prominent belly, try to choose seats that offer more space, such as those in the front or near the emergency exit. Seats near the restroom or by the window and aisle tend to fill up quickly, so it’s best to secure them early.

☑ Conduct web check-in

→ At the check-in counter, you may have to wait long lines, sometimes for over an hour. Completing the web check-in in advance will help ensure a smooth boarding process.

☑ Inform the staff that you are pregnant before boarding

Letting someone know at the check-in counter allows the staff to keep an eye on you during the flight. Don’t hesitate to ask for extra blankets or drinks as needed!♡

Things to Be Careful About for Overseas Weddings and Honeymoons During Pregnancy ③ Hospital Permissions

Make sure to inform your attending doctors at your prenatal clinic about your overseas travel plans.

Depending on your medical history and the length of your cervix, there may be a chance of a doctor’s restrictions.

Additionally, conditions may change unexpectedly, so it’s recommended to visit the clinic a few days before departure.

Some hospitals may prescribe medication for cramps or to prevent miscarriage, so consult your doctor.

Things to Be Careful About for Overseas Weddings and Honeymoons During Pregnancy ④ Antibody Tests and Vaccinations

Falling ill while pregnant can seriously affect the fetus's life.

Many diseases that don't require vaccination in Japan may require it abroad, so it's important to check whether you have the antibodies and get vaccinated if necessary.

The four diseases pregnant women should be particularly careful of are:

☑ Rubella

☑ Chickenpox

☑ Measles

☑ Mumps

Some vaccines cannot be administered during pregnancy, so ideally, you should check before becoming pregnant.

If you find you lack antibodies, take precautions such as wearing masks outdoors and avoiding crowded places.

Additionally, flu vaccinations can be received during pregnancy, so getting vaccinated for safety is advisable.

Things to Be Careful About for Overseas Weddings and Honeymoons During Pregnancy ⑤ Research Hospitals Near Your Accommodation

In case of emergencies, make sure to research hospitals you may need to contact.

Most countries have fewer hospitals than Japan, so it’s important to check which is the closest to your hotel and whether there are Japanese-speaking clinics.

It’s reassuring to have the names, locations, and phone numbers of hospitals noted down and on hand.

Additionally, request a diagnosis summary in English from your medical provider that outlines your medical history.

For instance, information like blood pressure, urinary protein presence, placenta position, and estimated fetal weight can be helpful to convey to local doctors.

◆◆ Phrases to Memorize in English ◆◆

☑I'm pregnant. (妊娠しています)

☑I'm 〇 weeks pregnant. (妊娠〇週目です)

☑My due date is 〇. (出産予定日は〇月〇日です)

☑I'm suffering from morning sickness. (つわりが辛いです)

☑I feel my baby kicking. (胎動を感じます)

☑My baby is in breech position. (赤ちゃんは逆子です)

☑My water broke 〇 minutes ago. (〇分前に破水しました)

☑My contractions are 〇 minutes apart. (〇分置きに陣痛が来ています)

Things to Be Careful About for Overseas Weddings and Honeymoons During Pregnancy ⑥ Packing List

In addition to the usual packing items for traveling abroad, there are specific items needed for pregnant women.

◆◆ Essential Packing Items ◆◆

☑ Health Insurance Card and Maternal and Child Health Handbook

→ For emergencies on the way to and from the airport or home.

☑ Prescribed Medications

→ If you have any underlying conditions or have been prescribed pregnancy-safe medications, make sure to bring extra.

☑ Etiquette Bag for Morning Sickness

→ Even in a stable period, nausea can occur depending on the condition. Always carry an etiquette bag for peace of mind.

☑ Sanitary Products

→ Just in case of bleeding or water breaking.

☑ Masks

→ Wear masks in crowded spaces like airports or onboard whenever possible.

◆◆ Packing Items for Peace of Mind ◆◆

☑ Maternal and Child Health Handbook and English Medical Certificate

→ Having any information ready can be comforting if you need to visit a different obstetrician.

☑ Maternity Belt/Abdominal Support

→ Helps alleviate strain on the back and hips.

☑ Compression Socks and Tights

→ Recommended as swelling is common during pregnancy.

☑ Fetal Doppler

→ Provides peace of mind by allowing you to check the fetal heartbeat daily.

☑ Medication for Cramps

→ Given the increased movement during travel, it would be reassuring to have this prescribed.

☑ Disinfecting Hand Gel

→ Always disinfect your hands with gel before meals to help prevent illness.

Travel Safely During Pregnancy ◎

For pregnant women who need to travel overseas for weddings, honeymoons, or work, we have summarized important considerations.

While staying abroad, be mindful not to overschedule and allow ample time for relaxation.

You don’t want to start a fun overseas trip with lingering anxiety; let’s ensure you’re well-prepared for a safe and enjoyable “mama travel!”