Flying for pregnant women

Travel advice for pregnant women can be difficult to find, with many women confused over when they can fly and whether they need special travel insurance.

According to Stuart Bensusan, sales director at Essential Travel, the issue comes up all the time.

"We get roughly 60 calls a day from women in their first trimester, worried that insurers classify pregnancy as a 'pre-existing medical condition', and they'll need special travel insurance," he said.

Mr Bensusan advises that there are three basic rules pregnant women need to be aware of when travelling:

1) Being pregnant is not classed as a medical condition unless you have had problems with a previous pregnancy.

2) Your pregnancy is covered as long as you are back in the UK within eight weeks of the due delivery date - you are therefore covered up to week 32 of your pregnancy.

3) Emergency medical expenses due to pregnancy are covered as long as you are not expected to give birth within eight weeks of the start of the trip, during the trip or within eight weeks of the end of the trip.

When airlines will let pregnant women fly is another issue that causes some confusion.

Although most airlines allow women to fly until the 35th week of pregnancy, it is important to check the policy of individual airlines as many require a letter from a GP from the 28th week.

Airlines that require a letter stating a pregnant woman is "fit to fly" and confirming the estimated due date of the baby include easyJet, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Ryanair.

Although airline policies often say a fit to fly letter from a doctor or midwife is acceptable, many community midwives have a policy of not providing such letters. In this case you will need a letter from a GP who has access to your medical records.

A GP fit to fly letter is not a service funded by the NHS and a £20 charge is commonly levied.

If you are travelling in Europe make sure you take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you (this replaced the E111 form), which entitles you to free or reduced cost emergency medical care.

See the Department of Health website or pick up an application form from the Post Office.