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    International health insurance with maternity cover

    International Health Insurance with Maternity Cover

    If you’re planning to start or grow a family while living abroad, international private health insurance including maternity care can help provide peace of mind.

    Health insurance with maternity cover may help you to be better prepared for giving birth, and can help ensure you have access to maternity care throughout your pregnancy journey.

    greenLeaf

    In Summary

    Routine Maternity Support

    Get routine maternity cover as standard when you choose a Gold or Platinum plan, subject to applicable waiting periods, benefit limits, exclusions and policy terms.

    Global Pregnancy
    Cover

    Help manage eligible maternity healthcare costs while living abroad, with private health insurance including pregnancy cover for expats and internationally mobile families

    Worldwide Care Network

    Access treatment near you with our global network of over 2.2 million hospitals and healthcare providers.

    Cigna Leaf

    What is international health insurance with maternity cover?

    If you’re planning to raise your family in a different country, a private health insurance plan with pregnancy benefits could help to relieve uncertainty and provide you with the support you need.

    Depending on the plan and optional benefits selected, international health insurance with maternity cover may include:

    • Core – childbirth support, complications in maternity
      • Outpatient (optional) – eligible pre and post-natal check-ups and scans

      Our aim is to help you access appropriate support while living abroad.

      With hospital stays, medical treatments, outpatient care and more available, international maternity insurance can help you access eligible hospital, medical and outpatient care throughout pregnancy and beyond, depending on the cover selected.

    Cigna Leaf

    Why choose health insurance with maternity cover from Cigna?

    We’re here to make things simple at a truly significant time in your life.

    Peace of mind is so important for expat parents giving birth abroad. We help expectant mothers around the world access international health plans with maternity cover.

    Some of our global health benefits include:

    • Local and global coverage
    • Around-the-clock support
    • Support for mind and body
    • Digital tools and resources
    • Emergency & inpatient care
    • Flexible payment options

    Our Gold and Platinum level products come with routine maternity benefits and cover for certain maternity complications. Benefits relating to congenital conditions and newborn care may also be available, subject to eligibility requirements, waiting periods, benefit limits, exclusions and policy terms.

    Having maternity benefits included in your international health insurance plan can help you plan for eligible healthcare costs and access maternity services while living abroad.

    Find out more about Cigna international health insurance

    Finding the right international health insurance with maternity cover

    Often, maternity cover is not a specific type of insurance product on its own. Instead, it’s an add-on for regular expat or family health insurance packages.

    In most cases, you can add maternity cover before you purchase any medical insurance

    You should consider exactly what you need from your international maternity insurance, as this can differ from person to person. However, here are a few common features that you might want to ensure you have included in your cover:

    Prenatal

    Prenatal care can support you throughout pregnancy and may include services such as blood tests, ultrasounds and healthcare appointments.

    Routine delivery

    Depending on the selected plan, your maternity health insurance may cover eligible hospital costs for routine deliveries and medically necessary Caesarean sections. Eligible midwife, obstetrician and anaesthetist fees may also be covered, subject to policy terms and benefit limits.

    Delivery complications

    Although it can be difficult to think about possible birth complications, it’s always better to be prepared. Having cover that includes delivery complications may help with eligible treatment costs if complications arise.

    Postnatal/Newborn

    You’ll want to ensure that you and your newborn are cared for after childbirth. This can include services such as lactation support, counseling, immunizations and well-being check-ups for your baby.

    Cigna Leaf

    What to consider when choosing health insurance with maternity cover

    Having access to quality medical care is an important consideration – but even more so when you’re expecting. Depending on where you live and your situation, maternity care can be expensive.

    That’s why it’s important to understand the available options when choosing maternity healthcare cover.

    Consider:

    • The level of care and support you will need before and after giving birth
    • Any congenital conditions or circumstances you may need to disclose

    Things to consider about maternity when living or moving abroad

    If you’re planning on having a child while living abroad, you’ll want the process to be as smooth and stress-free as possible. Things to consider include:

    Flight restrictions

    Many people can fly during an uncomplicated pregnancy, but airline policies and individual medical circumstances vary. Some airlines restrict travel towards the end of pregnancy or require medical documentation after a particular stage. Check with your airline and speak to your doctor or midwife before travelling.

    • Most commercial airlines will allow you to travel when you’re up to 36 weeks for single pregnancies, or up to 32 weeks for multiple pregnancies but you must always check with your airline before flying (e.g. twins).
    • Travelling while four to six months pregnant is usually considered the most ideal time – being viewed as a suitable halfway mark.

    Always check with your doctor or midwife before departure to ensure that you’re safe to fly. Some airlines require written documentation of this.

    Travel vaccinations while pregnant

    Some travel vaccinations may be suitable during pregnancy, depending on the vaccine, destination and individual circumstances. Speak to your doctor, midwife or travel health professional before receiving a travel vaccination.

    Maternity care in your country of residence

    Prior to your move, take time to research the available maternity care in your new destination.

    Consider the following:

    • Where to find available care
    • How to register for care
    • Do you have to pay for appointments?
    • Will you be covered under maternity health insurance?
    • How far in advance do you need to book appointments?
    • Are there any language barriers?

    Finding a new doctor

    Find a doctor close to where you plan to stay and think about how you will travel to the clinic for appointments. Look at reviews, too, to ensure that your chosen service meets your needs. Cigna's support team can help you locate providers within our healthcare network.

    Once you’ve selected your new healthcare provider, schedule an appointment well in advance for when you arrive.

    Prepare your documents

    If possible, gather your medical records and documents before you depart to a new country. This can often be done electronically.

    Moving to a country where a different language is spoken? If so, it could be useful to get your documents translated.

    Practical planning

    Last but certainly not least, you’ll need to do some practical planning for your birth. Consider factors like:

    • How you’ll register your baby’s birth
    • How to get a birth certificate
    • Will your baby hold dual nationality?
    • Are there any local support groups for new parents?
    • Organising maternity leave at work (if applicable)
    • Childcare options for the future

    Want to learn more about moving abroad while pregnant? Check out our helpful guide on pregnancy care abroad.

    FAQs

    Is it worth getting maternity insurance?

    International maternity insurance can help manage the cost of eligible maternity care if you plan to give birth abroad. Maternity care can be expensive, and any costs that are not covered by your policy will remain your responsibility.

    A maternity insurance plan usually covers costs for complications during pregnancy and delivery, childbirth, and newborn care – helping you prepare for the cost and practicalities of maternity care abroad. You will also often have the option to add cover for routine pre and post-natal appointments and scans.

    When should you not fly internationally when you’re pregnant?

    Airline restrictions and medical recommendations vary depending on the stage and circumstances of your pregnancy. Some airlines may request confirmation from a doctor or midwife after 28 weeks and may restrict travel towards the end of pregnancy. Check the airline’s policy and consult your healthcare provider before travelling.

    Can I move abroad if I’m pregnant?

    You should be able to move abroad when you’re pregnant if it’s safe to do so for both you and your baby. If you’re past your 28th week, some airlines may request that you provide a letter from your healthcare provider to prove that you’re safe to fly.

    Moving abroad can be an eventful process, so bear this in mind when making your decision. Maternity benefits commonly have eligibility requirements and waiting periods, and cover may not be available for an existing pregnancy. Check the relevant policy terms before purchasing cover.

    Can I go abroad when I’m seven months pregnant?

    Whether you can travel at seven months pregnant will depend on your individual circumstances, your healthcare provider’s advice and the airline’s policy. The airline may also require medical documentation.

    Is it safe to fly internationally at 30 weeks pregnant?

    Whether it is appropriate to fly internationally at 30 weeks pregnant depends on your individual circumstances, your healthcare provider’s advice and the airline’s policy. Some airlines may require medical documentation before you travel.

    Is pregnancy insurance necessary?

    Private pregnancy health insurance can help expats access maternity-related healthcare and manage eligible medical costs while living internationally.

    © Cigna Healthcare. All rights reserved.

    *Please note, this is a representation of the benefits available and does not contain the terms, conditions, and exclusions specific to each benefit. The benefits may be subject to change. Some benefits may be part of an optional module. Please see the Customer Guide for full details.

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