In an Australian first, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued an update to its travel advice, saying: Do Not Travel to anywhere overseas, at this time.
Today Smartraveller announced the unthinkable: Do Not Travel to any overseas destination. This has massive implications for travel insurance as we are directed by government statements that include ‘Do Not Travel’.
We now advise all Australians: do not travel overseas at this time. This is our highest advice level (level 4 of 4). If you are already overseas and wish to return to Australia, we recommend you do so as soon as possible by commercial means. Regardless of your destination, age or health, our advice is do not travel at this time.
– Australian DFAT, Smartraveller
As more countries close their borders or introduce travel restrictions, overseas travel is becoming more complex and difficult. You may not be able to return to Australia when you had planned to. Consider whether you have access to health care and support systems if you get sick while overseas. If you decide to return to Australia, do so as soon as possible. Commercial options may become less available.
If you are overseas and cannot, or do not want to, return to Australia, follow the advice of local authorities. Take care to minimise your risk of exposure to coronavirus including by self-isolating. If you choose to stay, note our ability to provide consular assistance in some places may be limited due to restrictions on movement and other services.
If you decide to return to Australia, you will now be required to self-isolate for 14 days. This applies to all travellers, including Australian citizens. For details see the Australian Border Force website.
Contact your airline, travel agent or insurance company to discuss your travel plans and options for cancelling or postponing current bookings, or to arrange commercial flights back to Australia.
All cruise ships which have sailed from a foreign port have been banned from entering Australian ports for 30 days.
For more information see Smartraveller’s COVID-19 updates.
For urgent consular assistance contact:
+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
1300 555 135 from within Australia
+61 421 269 080 from SMS
For non-urgent inquiries, email smartraveller@dfat.gov.au
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Here’s how Travel with Jane’s standard policies and tailored Pregnancy Pack work for pregnant travellers.
Am I covered while pregnant?
If you’re heading off on a babymoon, or for any other reason while pregnant, you’re definitely covered for most items listed in your travel insurance policy. So for claims like lost luggage, trip cancellation, legal liability and some medical, you’re covered.
Where it gets a little technical is if you’re needing to claim for certain hospital or medical emergency expenses that are related to your pregnancy, including childbirth.
Pregnancy is viewed as a pre-existing medical condition and your due date play an important role in whether you can get cover or not.
On all of Travel with Jane’s policies, except our Domestic, you are covered for any pregnancy-related claim, up to 26 weeks in the case of a single baby, and 19 weeks in the case of a multiple pregnancy. Cover is provided to you, but not provided for childbirth or the health of a newborn child.
If I give birth overseas, will I be covered?
Having a baby overseas in a medical emergency is no doubt the last thing you’d want. Unfortunately, childbirth is not covered on our standard policies. So for any of these, you won’t be able to claim on medical costs.
Read our full guide on airline rules and flying while pregnant, here.
And with the pregnancy pack, is birth covered?
For extended cover while pregnant overseas, we offer an additional product called our Pregnancy Add-on. First, you’ll get an extension on the week’s you’re allowed to claim at – so this means you have more time to be able to claim for trip cancellations, and pregnancy related medical bills.
- Single pregnancy up to and including 32 weeks gestation
- Multiple pregnancy up to and including 23 weeks gestation
If you’re up to 32 weeks pregnant with a single child, or up to 23 weeks with twins when an incident occurs, and you have written certification from a medical practitioner that you are fit to travel up to ten days prior to your departure, your emergency medical costs are covered under our Pregnancy Pack. The maximum payout under this benefit is is $1 million.
Just to be clear, even with our Pregnancy Add-on, emergency childbirth coverage includes the costs related to your birth and post-birth medical care. It won’t cover your newborn’s medical costs. The costs that come with looking after a newborn after an emergency birth can vary greatly. If we covered this risk, it pushes up premiums across the boar
What does the pregnancy pack cover, and not cover?
Conditions you’re covered for
If you purchase the Pregnancy Add-on, many medical expenses that stem from pregnancy-related complications, otherwise excluded by our standard policy benefits, are covered. This includes:
- toxaemia
- gestational diabetes
- gestational hypertension
- pre-eclampsia
- ectopic pregnancy
- molar pregnancy or hydatidiform mole
- post-partum haemorrhage retained placenta membrane
- placental abruption
- hyperemesis gravidarum
- placenta praevia
- stillbirth
- miscarriage
- emergency caesarean section
- a termination needed for medical reasons
- premature birth more than 8 weeks (or 16 weeks if you know you are having more than one baby) before the expected delivery date.
What you are not covered for
Your pregnancy-related medical costs will not be covered by Travel with Jane’s Pregnancy Add-on in these situations:
- if you have experienced any pregnancy complications prior to purchasing your policy.
- multiple pregnancies arising from services or treatment associated with an assisted reproductive program, including but not limited to in vitro fertilisation.
- a single pregnancy after 32 weeks
- a pregnancy with twins after 23 weeks
- neonatal care
Why are newborn’s not covered?
Even with our Pregnancy Add-on, emergency childbirth coverage includes the costs related to your birth and post-birth medical care. It won’t cover your newborn’s neonatal medical costs. The costs that come with looking after a newborn after an emergency birth can vary greatly. If we covered this risk, it would push medical cover premiums across the board. For your safety, and the safety on your baby, the overriding message is to avoid all chances of giving birth overseas.
Am I covered for fertility treatment?
Unfortunately not. Fertility treatment at any time, including any resulting pregnancy, is not covered by our emergency medical benefits, nor under our Pregnancy Add-on. For claims related to lost luggage, trip cancellations, and legal liability – not related to your treatment, you are eligible to claim
Am I covered for trip cancellations?
Yes – provided you are under 26 weeks or 19 weeks with twins, or 32 weeks and 23 weeks with twins under our Pregnancy Add-on. , you are eligible to claim for the costs of not being able to go on your trip. You’re also able to claim of you need to cancel a portion of your trip, your, or activity. So for example, if you discover you’re pregnant while on our trip, and are not able partake in pre-booked strenuous activities, you are eligible to claim for lost deposits or full payments.
What should I do if I’m pregnant and have a medical emergency overseas?
For medical emergencies overseas like broken limbs, a severe and sudden toothache or becoming seriously ill with pneumonia for instance – you’re covered whether on one of our regular policies, or under the Pregnancy Add-on.
When it comes to pregnancy-related medical emergencies, your ambulance or hospital bills are only covered by our Pregnancy Add-on.
In both cases, you’re first action should be to contact our trained customer care team. We’re available 24/7 by phone, and during business hours on live chat and email.
If I need to claim while on a holiday in Australia, what am I covered for?
The key thing about travel insurance and domestic travel, is that although we offer a domestic policy for trip cancellations, legal liability and so on, we can’t cover medical claims. That’s because in Australia, emergency medical care is covered by Medicare, and when possible, private health insurance.
As the Pregnancy Add-on is geared to assist with medical claims, it cannot be added to a Domestic policy.
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Our community of female travellers has really taken to Airbnb, mostly because we love to ‘live like a local’. But should something go wrong, is Airbnb covered by travel insurance?
While Airbnb has been around a good 16 years now, country-specific rules and regulations are still playing catch-up. This has created many a grey area, and in some cases, legal complications. So if you’re a regular Airbnb-er, you’ve probably wondered how travel insurance views the whole setup, and whether your claims would be covered?
Accommodation claims
Wondering if travel insurance will pay an Airbnb claim? Fortunately, the answer is yes. Travel insurance covers you in an Airbnb property in the same way it covers a traditional hotel. So you’re covered for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, personal belongings and legal liability – provided you took good care of your belongings and acted responsibly.
Travel cancellations
As Airbnb is considered pre-booked accommodation, Travel with Jane covers the value of the unused dates if you suddenly need to cancel a trip, like becoming too ill to travel or being made redundant.
And if you need to make an emergency trip back home that cuts your Airbnb stay short? Policies with cancellation cover can take care of recovering your costs too. With Jane, that would be our Basic, Comprehensive and Domestic plans, and not our Saver plan. See here for more on trip cancellation cover.
TIP Remember to always buy travel insurance before you book your accommodation and flights, so that you’re covered for changes you need to make before your trip start.
Lost or stolen personal belongings
When it comes to Airbnb claims for lost, stolen or damaged luggage, you’re covered if you’ve booked out the whole house.
If you’ve only booked a private room, then the house is considered to be a ‘public place’ that you’re sharing with other people. Therefore, your luggage and belongings will now need to be inside your locked room for cover to apply. See here for more on personal belongings cover.
Medical emergencies
Booked into the Airbnb of your dreams? Say you seriously hurt yourself walking into a glass sliding door, or falling down a staircase? Your Airbnb-related medical bills will be covered by travel insurance too.
Claim from Airbnb first
In all cases, you’ll first need to claim from Airbnb, which offers insurance to cover the host’s property for public liability as well as specific damages within the property by the guest. We step in when accommodation providers including Airbnb, hotels and hostels, are unable to pay, or pay only a portion of your claim.
The coronavirus has affected every aspect of global travel. For Aussie travellers, there’s a range of ways that the outbreak could affect your upcoming travel plans. But will your travel insurance cover you?
As the Australian Government’s travel advice for China has been upgraded to ‘Do not travel‘, you may want to cancel an upcoming trip to China, or cancel a portion of your trip including flights, tours and accommodation. You may even need to cancel or rebook air travel or other arrangements due to being quarantined or instructed to self-isolate. Or worse still, you might need to claim medical costs due to being treated for coronavirus (COVID-19) Here’s how the coronavirus impacts Travel with Jane claims.
You’re probably wondering if a travel insurance claim would cover these, and similar scenarios related to the outbreak? The short answer is that a travel insurance claim related to a natural disaster or major global event depends completely on the date on which your policy was bought.
Remember, travel insurance is there to cover unforeseen events, emergencies, mishaps and accidents, so your eligibility to claim depends on whether you knew about the virus or not.
Insurers need to draw a line in the sand, and 20 January has been determined as the date by when Australian’s should have been sufficiently aware of the epidemic.
Do you cover coronavirus cancellations?
Yes, if…
You’re covered if you purchased prior to 19 Jan 2020. If your travel insurance was purchased prior to 19 January, then yes, your travel insurance policy will cover cancellation claims related to Coronavirus, up to your plan’s limits*. This could include assisting you with flight cancellation costs, tour cancellation costs, and accommodation cancellations costs. We only cover cancellations if the destinations you are travelling to have been assigned a ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory warning by the Australian Government at Smartraveller.gov.au. We do not cover cancellation for change or mind or fear.
*Cancellation cover is only available on Basic, Comprehensive and Domestic policies.
No, because…
You’re not covered if you purchased after 20 Jan 2020. If you purchased travel insurance after 20 January 2020 you will not be covered for any cancellation claims related to coronavirus. This is due to the fact that as of 20 January, the virus outbreak was widely publicised, and health and travel authorities had advised that travellers take all necessary precautions. Customers purchasing travel insurance post 20 January do so in the knowledge that travel may be impacted by Coronavirus.
Can I cancel my trip if I or one of the travellers on the policy becomes ill with the coronavirus before we leave Australia?
Yes…
You’re covered. Regardless of when you purchased your travel insurance policy, cancellation cover is available if you need to cancel due to the unforeseeable death or illness due to coronavirus of your relative, business associate or travelling companion who is resident in Australia and who is in Australia at the time the event occurs. Limits apply*.
Alternatively we may cover the cost of rescheduling your trip prior to departure provided the cost of rescheduling does not exceed the cost of cancellation. This benefit can only be claimed once per policy per insured person.
*Cancellation cover is only available on Basic, Comprehensive and Domestic policies.
What happens if I contract coronavirus while I’m overseas? Am I covered?
Yes, if…
You’re covered. If your travel insurance was purchased prior to 19 January and you have followed all advice from the government or any other official body and you become sick for any reason while you are away, including due to coronavirus, your medical treatment or hospitalisation is covered under our overseas medical and hospital benefit. This benefit is available on all plans.
No, because…
You’re not covered. If your travel insurance was purchased after 20 January and you become sick due to the coronavirus your medical treatment is not covered, nor are the costs for any changes to your travel plans due to becoming ill with this virus. This is due to the fact that as of 20 January, the virus outbreak was widely publicised, and health and travel authorities had advised that travellers take all necessary precautions. Customers purchasing travel insurance post 20 January do so in the knowledge that travel may be impacted by coronavirus.
What happens if I need to be repatriated home due to the Coronavirus?
Yes, if…
You’re covered. If your travel insurance was purchased prior to 19 January, and you have followed all advice from the government or any other official body and you need emergency transport back home to Australia, due to becoming ill with coronavirus, we can arrange and cover your journey home.
This cover is available under our emergency medical transport & repatriation benefit, offered on Basic and Comprehensive plans only.
No, because…
You’re not covered. If your travel insurance was purchased after 20 January, and you need emergency transport back home to Australia, due to becoming ill with coronavirus, we cannot cover your journey home. This is due to the fact that as of 20 January, the virus outbreak was widely publicised, and health and travel authorities had advised that travellers take all necessary precautions. Customers purchasing travel insurance post 20 January do so in the knowledge that travel may be impacted by coronavirus.
What will happen if I get quarantined in a country for 14 days or I need to self-isolate and I have to miss flight and tours? Can I claim?
Yes, if…
You’re covered. If your travel insurance was purchased prior to 19 January, and you need to cancel flights or bookings due to being quarantined, cancellation cover is available on Basic, Comprehensive and Domestic policies.
No, because…
You’re not covered. If your travel insurance was purchased after 20 January, and you need to cancel flights or bookings due to being quarantined, cancellation cover is not available. This is due to the fact that as of 20 January, the virus outbreak was widely publicised, and health and travel authorities had advised that travellers take all necessary precautions. Customers purchasing travel insurance post 20 January do so in the knowledge that travel may be impacted by coronavirus.
I am transiting through Hong Kong. What happens if the country I am travelling to won’t allow inbound flights from Hong Kong? Can I claim?
If you are travelling via Hong Kong to another country there may be specific bans and procedures in place. The following countries have banned all flights from Hong Kong:
- Italy suspended all flights from China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan until 28 April 2020.
- The Philippines widened a travel ban previously imposed on visitors from Hubei province to include all of China, Hong Kong and Macau.
The Hong Kong Government has also stated that commercial services such as cross-border transport (including flights, trains, ferries and buses) within mainland China may be unavailable or limited.
For all other countries please check with your travel provider and follow the advice of local authorities.
If you are booking a trip today and including flights via China, HK or Macau you should not expect cover. Airlines might be selling fares transiting through HK today but there’s a real chance this will change in the coming weeks and airlines won’t be able to transit through these destinations and it wouldn’t be unexpected. If you’re booking a trip today for travel in the next 2 months you should be transiting through an alternate part of the world, i.e. UAE.
Yes, if…
You’re covered. If your travel arrangements and your travel insurance was purchased prior to 19 January and a portion of your journey is impacted by travel bans related to coronavirus, cancellation cover is available on Basic and Comprehensive policies.
No, because…
You’re not covered. If your travel insurance was purchased after 20 January, and a portion of your journey is impacted by travel bans related to coronavirus, cancellation cover not available. This is due to the fact that as of 20 January, the virus outbreak was widely publicised, and health and travel authorities had advised that travellers take all necessary precautions. Customers purchasing travel insurance post 20 January do so in the knowledge that travel may be impacted by coronavirus.
What are some of the measures in place in some Airports to combat the spread of Coronavirus and how may these affect my travel?
- You may undergo temperature screening at all border control points
- Passengers with fevers may not be allowed to board their flight
- You may have to undergo further medical examination if you are suspected to be infected. You may be taken to an appropriate healthcare facility and kept in isolation.
- Some airports have a health questionnaire that travellers need to fill prior to check-in and arrival
If you still have questions about the coronavirus please contact our customer support team.
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Travel insurance exists to cover the cost of the unforeseen, such as an unexpected illness, accident and medical emergency or the theft of your devices and belongings.
Travel insurance is also there if you have to cancel your trip before departing, or need to return early due to an emergency. But before you buy, here are 10 things you need to know.
1. Buy ASAP to cover cancellations
Forked out a ton on tours, hotels and flights? Buy travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked to cover trip cancellation and cancellations due to illness, redundancy or other unforeseen reasons. Know that cancellation cover is typically offered only on Comprehensive policies.
2. Buy the right policy for you, your destination and activities
Make sure a travel insurance policy is right for your needs by checking the table of benefits. Certain destinations offer excellent medical care, while others do not. In many cases, anything less than Comprehensive cover won’t take care of cancellations and medical evacuations. Similarly you made need to by optional extra cover for certain risky activities like scuba diving and water sports and winter sports at the snow.
3. Not all pre-existing medical conditions are covered
Check that your medical conditions are covered. Many pre-existing medical conditions are automatically covered by travel insurance. If yours is not on the list and you need to claim medical cover because of it, your claim may be rejected.
4. Comprehensive cover may be compulsory
Certain countries require proof of travel insurance in order to apply for entry visas or visas for longer stays. In most cases comprehensive cover is required to cover medical and hospital costs as we all medical transport and evacuations. This applies to countries in the Schengen Zone including Greece, Italy and Spain.
Apart from country restrictions, many tour operators and accommodation providers need to know that you’re adequately covered for medical emergencies. These include Contiki Tours and Stray Asia tours.
5. Read terms and conditions of credit card cover
Think your credit card insurance will be enough? Do your homework and read the fine print. The cover provided by credit cards is often limited and restricted to products or services bought using the card.
6. Cruise holidays need specialised cover
Going on a cruise? For cruise trips longer than 2 days you will need travel insurance in order to claim for cancellation and medical costs. Travel with Jane offers a Cruise Add-on with specialised cover for cruise, yacht and ferry trips in Australia and abroad.
7. Snowboarding and skiing needs extra cover
Heading to snow? You’ll most certainly need special winter sports cover to look after injuries or medical emergencies due to snowboarding and skiing. Due to the high probability of serious injuries, and the exorbitant cost of airlifting injured travellers off remote mountain tops, travel insurance providers require you to add specific snow cover to your policy. See our Snow Add-on.
8. Limits apply for pregnant travellers
Travelling while pregnant? There’s a limit to the days you’re allowed to fly up to, as well as be covered by travel insurance. In the event of an emergency birth overseas, your medical bill may be covered, but the costs of your newborn are definitely not covered. Learn more about how travel insurance works while pregnant, and check out Jane’s Pregnancy Add-on
9. Travel must start and end in Australia
You’re only covered if your policy is bought while you’re in Australia, not once you’ve left or arrived at your overseas destination. If you land, only to discover you need travel insurance as an entry visa condition, or a stipulation by your tour operator, you will be able to buy Australian travel insurance online, but any claim you make won’t be supported.
10. Natural disasters and disease outbreaks
Once a natural disaster, pandemic, or major global event with impacts on travel has been adequately announced in the media like the coronavirus, and by travel or health authorities, and you buy travel insurance, you’ll probably not be covered for a related claim.
That’s because travel insurance is there to take care of unforeseen events. Once an event is common knowledge, and a travel advisory to ‘do not travel’ has been issued by the Australian government, travellers buying flights, accomodation and insurance do so in full knowledge that their trip may be impacted.
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Has your mobile phone gone missing? Whether it was lost or stolen, travel insurance can help recoup some of the costs. But we’ll need to know your IMEI number first.
When it comes to claiming for a lost, stolen or damaged mobile phone, tablet or sim-enabled device, the success of your claim depends on you being able to supply the IMEI number for your phone.
You will also need to have blocked the IMEI number with your Australian telecommunication provider in order to be eligible to claim. And, you’ll need to provide your lost or stolen phone’s IMEI code with your claim.
FYI, blocking your IMEI is different to blocking your SIM.
What is an IMEI number?
Every mobile phone or mobile broadband device has a unique 15 digit code, called an IMEI number (International Mobile Equipment Identity).
Where can I find my IMEI number?
You can find your IMEI in the following ways:
- by entering *#06# on your phone’s call screen.
- Searching within your phone’s settings
- Look to see if it’s printed either on the back of your device, or underneath your device’s battery
How can I contact my mobile phone provider?
Your provider should be contactable during business hours. Click on the links to reach the contact details of a few of Australia’s main mobile phone companies.
Mobile phone claim tips
Once your IMEI has been blocked by your mobile phone provider, you’ll need to tick a few more boxes before you can claim from travel insurance.
- Report the theft or permanent misplacement to police, a transport carrier or travel operator, within 24 hours. Keep a copy of the police report, you’ll need to submit this with your claim.
- Find receipts, phone contracts or invoices that prove your ownership of the lost phone. As with all insurance claims on belongings, you need to be able to prove that you owned the mobile phone in the first place.
Ready to claim a lost phone?
If your phone or device is stolen or damaged on your trip Travel with Jane will pay to repair or replace up to a total of $2,000 on Basic cover, $10,000 on Comprehensive and Domestic cover levels. This benefit is not available on Saver cover.
The maximum amount Travel with Jane will pay for any item (single item limit) is:
- $3,000 for personal computers, video recorders or cameras;
- $1,000 for mobile phones (including PDA’s and any items with phone capabilities)
- $750 for all other Luggage and Personal Effects.
Remember you can claim online with Travel with Jane.
Want more cover for your mobile?
Is standard cover not enough for you? Add Travel with Jane’s Device add-on to your police. You will have extra cover for up to five devices. That’s up to $5,000 for one device ,and up to a total of $10,000 for up to five devices.
Pregnant and want to travel? If your doc gives you the a-ok, here how your travel insurance covers you, in case of a medical emergency or bump-related travel cancellation.
Planning a babymoon? Or a third trimester trip? Will your travel insurance cover you? Use our guide to answer all your pregnancy-related travel insurance concerns. We’ll look at:
- When it’s safe to travel pregnant
- Airline rules for pregnancy
- Standard travel insurance cover
- Optional extra cover for pregnancy
- What you’re not covered for
- Health risks while travelling pregnant
How many weeks?
Bringing a little explorer into the world? We’re excited for you! And if you’re sneaking in a little exploring of your own before D day, we’re even happier for you! That’s because we believe in the magic travel, and expecting mothers should be no exception.
If you’re thinking of taking a holiday overseas while pregnant, you’re not alone. According to research by finder.com.au, one in five mums take a holiday in their third trimester. The study found that younger mothers are more likely to make the trip, with almost a quarter of mums under 30 enjoying a getaway while pregnant, compared to 16% of those aged over 40. Unsurprisingly, most mums are looking to stay closer to home that late in their pregnancy, and are about three times as likely to travel domestically rather than overseas. But that doesn’t stop 5% of expecting mums from jetting off overseas, even while heavily pregnant.
The World Health Organization (WHO) however, advises against air travel for pregnant women after the 36th week of pregnancy or four weeks before the expected date of childbirth. Since labour can begin at any time during the last few weeks, it is recommended to avoid traveling during this period. Instead, WHO recommends that the safest time for expecting mums to travel is in the second trimester.
Airlines and pregnancy
It’s also important for you to know any airline restrictions placed on pregnant travellers before you book your trip. Airline restrictions around flying while pregnant vary. Another factor is length of the flight itself.
Both Qantas and Virgin Australia for example, allow women without pregnancy complications to travel on flights more than four hours in length up to the end of the 36th week for single pregnancies, and the end of the 32nd week for twins or more.
For flights less than four hours, you can usually travel up to the end of the 40th week in a single pregnancy and the 36th week for a multiple pregnancy.
But both airlines require women travelling after 28 weeks of pregnancy to carry a note from their doctor or midwife confirming their due date and pregnancy details. For Virgin Australia travellers, this letter needs to be dated no more than 10 days before travel.
And if you have complications, you have to travel with a medical clearance form signed by your doctor.
Check out the pregnancy policies of popular airlines departing Australia:
Air Asia, Emirates, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Qantas, Singapore Airlines.
What to expect from Australian travel insurers
Typically, travel insurance offers cover for emergency medical treatment while travelling, and this extends to medical emergencies pregnant women might experience. So if you’re pregnant, and you fall sick, or break a leg, and these events are in no way related to your pregnancy, you’ll be able to claim the hospital trip.
It’s really important to know that cover is provided to you, but not provided for childbirth or the health of a newborn child. When a medical emergency is pregnancy related – let’s say you need help with debilitating nausea – your ability to claim is going to largely depend on 3 questions – your due date, our doctor’s approval, and whether or not your emergency relates to fertility treatment, triplets and known complications.
Travel with Jane looks after expecting mums with two levels of cover. First we’ll look at the benefits offered under our standard cover, and then we’ll explore an optional extra for pregnancy – our Pregnancy Add-on.
What we cover as standard
Travel with Jane offers emergency medical cover for expecting mums up to 26 weeks in the case of a single baby, and 19 weeks in the case twins. That’s 2 weeks more than a lot of the competition.
What you are not covered for
Pregnancy-related costs will not be covered in any of the following circumstances if you have not purchased a Pregnancy Add-on. (More on that next)
- if you have experienced any pregnancy complications prior to purchasing your policy
- multiple pregnancies arising from services or treatment associated with an assisted reproductive program, including but not limited to in vitro fertilisation;
- a single pregnancy after 26 weeks
- a pregnancy with twins after 19 weeks
- for childbirth at any time
- neonatal care
What we cover in our optional extra Pregnancy Add-on
Get extra cover for more weeks with our Pregnancy Add-on. We’re really proud of this! An optional extra made specifically for pregnant women.
- Single pregnancy up to and including 32 weeks gestation
- Multiple pregnancy up to and including 23 weeks gestation
If you’re up to 32 weeks pregnant with a single child, or up to 23 weeks with twins when an incident occurs, and you have written certification from a medical practitioner that you are fit to travel up to ten days prior to your departure, your emergency medical costs are covered under our Pregnancy Add-on. The maximum payout under this benefit is is $1 million.
Just to be clear, even with our Pregnancy Add-on, emergency childbirth coverage includes the costs related to your birth and post-birth medical care. It won’t cover your newborn’s medical costs. The costs that come with looking after a newborn after an emergency birth can vary greatly. If we covered this risk, it pushes up premiums across the board.
Conditions you’re covered for
If you purchase the Pregnancy Add-on, any medical expenses related to specific pregnancy-related complications otherwise excluded by this policy (see: What we don’t cover at all p. 59 of the PDS) are covered subject to policy limits and exclusion. This includes:
-
- toxaemia (toxins in the blood);
- gestational diabetes (diabetes arising as a result of pregnancy)
- gestational hypertension (high blood pressure arising as a result
of pregnancy) - pre-eclampsia (where you develop high blood pressure, carry abnormal fluid and have protein in your urine during the second half of pregnancy)
- ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that develops outside of the uterus)
- molar pregnancy or hydatidiform mole (a pregnancy in which a tumour develops from the placental tissue
- post-partum haemorrhage (excessive bleeding following childbirth);
- retained placenta membrane (part or all of the placenta is left behind in the uterus after delivery)
- placental abruption (part or all of the placenta separates from the wall
of the uterus) - hyperemesis gravidarum (excessive vomiting as a result of pregnancy);
- placenta praevia (when the placenta is in the lower part of the uterus and covers part or all of the cervix)
- stillbirth
- miscarriage
- emergency caesarean section
- a termination needed for medical reasons
- premature birth more than 8 weeks (or 16 weeks if you know you are having more than one baby) before the expected delivery date.
What you are not covered for
Your pregnancy-related medical costs will not be covered by Travel with Jane’s Pregnancy Add-on in this situations:
- if you have experienced any pregnancy complications prior to purchasing your policy
- multiple pregnancies arising from services or treatment associated with an assisted reproductive program, including but not limited to in vitro fertilisation;
- a single pregnancy after 32 weeks
- a pregnancy with twins after 23 weeks
- neonatal care
Main health risks of flying
Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is the main health concern for pregnant women on planes.
This is when a blood clot forms in a deep vein of the leg, which can cause complications such as pain, inflammation and swelling. The greater danger with these clots is that they can dislodge and travel through the circulatory system, blocking blood supply to the lungs.
The risk of DVT is higher when pregnant and being immobile for long periods is also a risk factor, so it’s worth keeping in mind for any sort of travel, including long car trips.
To reduce your risk keep well hydrated, make sure you’re well mobilised during the flight and wear compression stockings.
Childbirth overseas
If you are travelling in your third trimester OR you unexpectedly go into labour overseas there are a few things to consider. Citizenship rules change from country to country, so it’s a good idea to understand the local laws before travelling.
If you are an Australian citizen and you give birth overseas, you’ll need to apply for your child’s Australian citizenship and passport before you can return home. For application forms and more information visit the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website.
Vaccinations for pregnant women
As a pregnant woman, you are at risk of serious complications if you contract malaria or viral hepatitis E. Certain standard vaccinations can also be harmful to your baby when you’re pregnant.
We recommend you get in touch with your doc before you travel to ensure you have the right vaccinations for your trip. Nothing is more important than protecting the health of you and your baby.
Check here to see the list of vaccines recommended by the Australian Department of Health
Babymoons
Whether it’s a week in the tropics or a local trip reached by car, planning a babymoon is one of the latest trends in pregnancy. But what is a babymoon exactly? It’s a chance for expecting parents to get away, unwind and emotionally prepare for the exciting changes that lie ahead.
Choose the Best Seat
If you’re travelling by airplane, try to get a spot on the aisle so you can get up and stretch your legs. The same goes for a car ride -factor in time to stop along the way so you can get out and take a short stroll and toilet break. Take care of your feet and legs, where swelling can really take hold.
Take It Slow
A babymoon probably isn’t the time for mountain biking or other strenuous physical activity. Be smart by pacing yourself and building in lots of downtime to nap and read.
Suitable accommodation
You’ll want to make sure that wherever you pick, you have access to:
- A large comfy bed with extra pillows
- Healthy menu options
- Quality, hygienic food service setup
- Day spa with staff trained in ante-natal massage and therapies
- A nearby hospital or doctors
A local OB/GYN
Try not to worry in advance, but be prepared for any kind of pregnancy complication by obtaining the name and number of a local OB/GYN. You’ll have peace of mind just knowing you can call someone if you have a concern.
Pregnancy travel checklist
It’s good to be well prepared for an upcoming journey. It’s even more important when you’re pregnant, with more to consider for you and your unborn baby. Check these steps before you jet off.
- Check the airline restrictions for flying while pregnant
- Register with Smartraveller – let the Australian Government know where you’re going, so they can contact you in an emergency.
- Visit your GP or OB/GYN– discuss your travel plans and get the relevant vaccinations. You will most likely need a medical certificate confirming you’re fit to travel.
- Research your destination – consider the foods, cultures and climates of the places your visiting. Know what to avoid, particularly while pregnant.
- Pack correctly – pack clothes that take your changing shape into account and keep you comfortable.
Want to become a better person? Travel more.
What about Galway, girl? Travel guide Lonely Planet has picked this colourful coastal city among its top 10 spots to visit in 2020. What were the other cities hot on the list? Here are the 10 best, according to Lonely Planet.
1. Salzburg, Austria
Drumroll, please: the Salzburg Festival is turning 100, and this heart-stealer of an Alpine city is singing about it at the top of its voice. One of the world’s greatest classical music shindigs, the festival is always a riotous feast of opera, classical music and drama – and never more so than in 2020. Salzburg will be pulling out all the stops for the centenary, with special exhibitions and events taking place all over the historic centre – concerts, plays, readings, Mozart matinees, you name it. Top billing, as always, will go to Hugo von Hofmannsthal’s Jedermann, based on a medieval morality play and performed in all its glory in Domplatz. So dust off your dirndl or lederhosen, book your tickets months ahead, and get ready to rock into the summer like Amadeus (perhaps minus the wig).
2. Washington DC, USA
All eyes will be on Washington, DC, this year, as the city celebrates the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment – the law that granted women the right to vote. Iconic museums like the National Portrait Gallery, the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of Women in the Arts will have special exhibitions related to this major milestone in human rights. Tie this in to the excitement for this year’s presidential election and DC will be one of America’s most dynamic cities in 2020. Politics aside, Washington’s renaissance is in full bloom, with a revitalised waterfront, celebrated new museums and an exploding food scene. Green roofs, hundreds of newly planted trees and an innovative floating wetlands system have the city looking greener than ever.
3. Cairo, Egypt
Egypt waved Tutankhamun’s treasures off on a globetrotting tour in 2018, declaring it the last time the pharaoh’s burial-booty would leave its shores. Want to gawk at ancient Egypt’s wealth in the future? You’ll need to visit Cairo’s Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). The year 2020 is set to be the date – inshallah (God willing) – this state-of-the-art museum in Giza throws open its doors. Head here to marvel at a mind-boggling collection in what will be the world’s largest museum entirely committed to one civilisation. For Red Sea and Luxor holidaymakers, a Pyramids and GEM add-on will also become a doddle with Giza’s newly inaugurated Sphinx Airport set to operate domestic flights.
4. Galway, Ireland
Brilliantly bohemian Galway is arguably Ireland’s most engaging city. Here brightly painted pubs heave with live music and cafes offer front-row seats to watch buskers perform. And this year all that creative exuberance is being supercharged by events marking the Galway region’s role as a 2020 European Capital of Culture – the city’s calendar is as packed with activity as the bars are with locals on a Saturday night. Expect street spectacle, live and digital art as well as world-class music, theatre and dance. Sleep might have to wait – in Galway even the buskers play late into the night. Vivid and vibrant, brimful of imagination, Galway in 2020 is home to a year-long, city-wide, arty party. And you’re invited too.
5. Bonn, Germany
Once capital of West Germany, Bonn slipped off the radar when Berlin re-seized the reins in 1990. But it’s back in the spotlight with a cymbal roll in 2020, as the city gears up to mark Beethoven’s 250th birthday. What’s the score? Well, you can expect a year-round line-up of concerts drawing world-famous orchestras, soloists and conductors (among them Sir Simon Rattle and Daniel Barenboim). Theater Bonn is staging Fidelio, the composer’s only opera. Beyond this, there are installations and competitions tuning into Beethoven’s musical genius, picnic performances, and ‘home concerts’ where local musicians fling open their doors to the public.
6. La Paz, Bolivia
Perhaps it’s the Jetsonian capsules gliding over La Paz along the world’s largest cable-car system that are the most obvious signs of its new-found ambition. There were just three lines in 2014, but there will be 11 in 2020. Down below, the once-drab city is racing towards a more radiant and inspired future. Everyone from a flamboyant self-taught architect to the budding chefs leaving new culinary schools is thriving here – not because of some borrowed ideas and global trends, but rather due to a renewed sense of pride in Bolivia’s indigenous roots. It’s not hard to see why an increasing number of tourists are now sticking around in La Paz before they venture further afield.
7. Kochi, India
This nicely chilled city in southern India has seen the light. Grafted onto the tropical Malabar Coast in Kerala, Kochi has become a shining example in renewable energy in recent years, launching the world’s first fully solar-powered airport, which snagged it a UN Champions of the Earth award. But that’s just tip-of-the-iceberg stuff. With boho cafes, intimate homestays hidden away in lazy, colonial-era backstreets, and a raft of forward-thinking galleries, this city keeps a tight grip on its heritage while wholeheartedly embracing its newfound cool. In 2020, street art comes to the fore at Kochi-Muziris Biennale, putting India firmly on the contemporary arts festival map.
8. Vancouver, Canada
This natural playground – squeezed majestically between the blue waters of the Pacific and the forest-clad mountaintops of the North Shore – was the birthplace of Greenpeace, so it seems fitting that Vancouver has been trying to lead the world in urban sustainability. And for you, the environmental benefits of its longstanding Greenest City 2020 Action Plan will only enrich your stay. Take to its vastly expanded cycling and walking network, including an unforgettable 28km section along beaches and shorefront, and comfortably hop between the city’s many sights on an upgraded public transport system. Or simply catch some shade under one of the 102,000 new trees that have been planted since 2010.
9. Dubai, UAE
The future is now in Dubai as the superlative-craving emirate launches several boundary-pushing marquee projects in 2020. Top billing, of course, goes to the six-month-long World Expo 2020, where 190 nations go all out in showcasing the latest visions in sustainability and mobility (think: flying cars) in architecturally show-stopping pavilions. Also expected to open is the Museum of the Future, a cabinet of next-gen wonders in an eye-shaped building festooned with calligraphy. Meanwhile, two miles off-shore, a Europe-themed fantasy resort on an artificial archipelago called The World is gearing up to welcome its first guests to such only-in-Dubai phenomena as underwater bedrooms and year-round snow.
10. Denver, USA
Denver’s elevated position as one of the USA’s most charming boomtowns has reached new heights as the Mile High City enters its latest phase of growth, creative energy and damn good food. Construction cranes dot the mountain-studded horizon and empty lots turn into hip new hotels seemingly overnight, while new food halls such as Milk Market satisfy appetites with an eclectic mix of farm-to-table and international fare. The mind-bending Santa Fe art experience Meow Wolf has installed a psychedelic ride called ‘Kaleidoscape’ at Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park as a precursor to a permanent $50-million Meow Wolf installation to come in 2021. Meanwhile, the fascinating Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art has moved into a magnetic Olson Kundig–designed building within the city’s Golden Triangle Creative District.
