My partner and I are living the van life in the Algarve. We just found out we are expecting. I called my “comprehensive” nomad insurance provider to schedule an ultrasound, and they laughed. “Maternity is not an accident/illness,” they said. “It is a lifestyle choice.” Denial letter attached.
Key Takeaways
- Travel Insurance != Maternity: 99% of travel insurance (SafetyWing, World Nomads) excludes routine maternity. They only cover “Complications of Pregnancy” (e.g., miscarriage, emergency C-section) and usually only up to week 26.
- The Waiting Period Trap: Real Global Health plans (Cigna, Bupa) cover maternity, but they have a strict 10 to 12-month waiting period. You must buy the policy before you get pregnant.
- Local Private Insurance: In countries like Portugal or Spain, local private plans are cheaper and have shorter waiting periods (sometimes 6 months).
- Birth Citizenship: Be aware that giving birth on a tourist visa does not guarantee citizenship (or insurance coverage for the baby) in Europe.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Waiting Periods.”
Insurance companies know maternity is guaranteed cost (
20k). They will not sell you a policy if you are already pregnant. It’s like buying fire insurance while your house is smoking.
- The Crisis: If you are already pregnant and uninsured, you are paying cash. No international insurer will touch you for the delivery costs.
The Investigation: I Called Them
- World Nomads: “We cover complications until week 26. After that, you shouldn’t be traveling.” They pay $0 for ultrasounds or delivery.
- Cigna Global: “Do you have the Platinum plan?” The agent explained that even on Platinum, there is a 12-month wait. If I’m 2 months pregnant, the delivery isn’t covered.
- Multicare (Portuguese Local Insurance): I called a local broker. They have a plan with coverage, but still a 6-month wait for delivery. However, the checkups might be covered sooner. The cost was €60/month vs $400/month for Cigna.
Comparison Table: Maternity Coverage
| Feature | Travel Insurance (Standard) | Global Health (Cigna/GeoBlue) | Local Private (e.g. Portugal) |
| Routine Checkups | NO | YES (After wait) | YES (Lower wait) |
| Delivery Cost | NO | YES (After 12mo wait) | YES (After 6-12mo wait) |
| Complications | YES (Limited weeks) | YES | YES |
| Newborn Care | NO | YES | YES |
[IMAGE: Infographic showing a timeline: ‘Policy Start’ -> ’12 Month Waiting Period’ -> ‘Eligible for Maternity’. Overlay: ‘Too Late’ stamp]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Assess “Complications” Coverage: If you are already pregnant, keep your travel insurance. It won’t pay for the birth, but it will pay if you have a medical emergency (hemorrhage, etc.).
- Go Local: Stop looking at “Nomad” plans. Go to a local insurance broker in your country (Portugal, Mexico, Thailand). Ask for “Private Health Insurance.” The cash prices for birth in these countries are often affordable (
2k−2k−5k) compared to the US. - Budget Cash: If you are past the waiting period window, start saving. A private birth in Portugal costs ~€3,000. In Thailand, ~€2,000. In the US, $30,000. Stay abroad.
- Flight Limits: Remember airlines won’t let you fly past 36 weeks (sometimes 28 weeks international). Don’t get stuck in a country you don’t want to give birth in.
FAQ
Does the baby get insurance?
Not automatically on travel plans. On Global Health plans, you usually have 30 days to add them.
What is “Complications of Pregnancy”?
This is strict. Morning sickness is not a complication. Ectopic pregnancy or pre-eclampsia is.
Can I just go to the public hospital in Europe?
If you have a DNV or residency, yes. If you are a tourist, they will charge you (though it’s cheaper than the US).