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Original poster

Flight booked to new zealand - going to be 30 weeks pregnant!!

92 replies

tigerlilt · 26/07/2025 11:39

Hi, just looking for some advice. A few months ago we booked flights to new zealand for January for 2 weeks, with BA. I recently found out i’m pregnant which means i’m going to be 28/30 weeks pregnant at the time. Having done some advice i’ve decided it probably isn’t going to be sensible to go, especially as i’m at high risk of premature birth due to uterus didelphis (double uterus).

What would our grounds be for cancellation? would we loose all the money? Or have we got a chance of getting some money back/ flight credit?

My thoughts are a) tell the airline we have been advised not to travel by the doctor. or b) say i’ll be 36 weeks, therefore the airline wont ’let’ me fly, maybe more chance of a refund. Although i know it’s not ideal to lie, and not sure if they will check!!

Just exploring options and thought i’d see if anyone has any knowledge/ experience.

OP posts:
SENNeeds2 · 26/07/2025 12:37

It would be quicker and easier to read the small print on your purchase confirmation to see your options. Unless you have and it’s notn refundable or changeable and so you are scouting to see what success others have had.

AwakeNotThruChoice · 26/07/2025 12:37

You can’t take it out now and use for that reason.

As it’s a ‘pre existing’ Medical situation.

That would be like having a break-in (burglary) at home then getting Home Insurance after it and then claiming for that break-in.
sorry for the crude explanation !

Original poster
tigerlilt · 26/07/2025 12:36

nutbrownhare15 · 26/07/2025 12:35

The BA website states you need a fit to travel form from a doctor to travel after 28 weeks. Book a doctor's appointment and explain that this is not an uncomplicated pregnancy (which they are required to certify) and see if you can get a letter to that effect. And then phone them and explain that your doctor won't certify you as fit to travel. https://www.britishairways.com/content/information/travel-assistance/medical-conditions-and-pregnancy

thankyou so much! hoping we can do this and get some kind of credit this way!

OP posts:
SENNeeds2 · 26/07/2025 12:35

You just need to check with ba - all deals are different but I have changed flights before with ba for a small fee. I wouldn’t lie though - you are likely to be asked for proof if you are trying to get a refund on the tickets. I suspect also most insurances don’t pay out for pregnancy it’s not an illness - maybe a medical problem caused by pregnancy.

nutbrownhare15 · 26/07/2025 12:35

The BA website states you need a fit to travel form from a doctor to travel after 28 weeks. Book a doctor's appointment and explain that this is not an uncomplicated pregnancy (which they are required to certify) and see if you can get a letter to that effect. And then phone them and explain that your doctor won't certify you as fit to travel. https://www.britishairways.com/content/information/travel-assistance/medical-conditions-and-pregnancy

Medical conditions and pregnancy | Information | British Airways

British Airways offer help and information about travelling if you have medical conditions or are pregnant, including fitness to fly and passenger medical clearance.

https://www.britishairways.com/content/information/travel-assistance/medical-conditions-and-pregnancy

Original poster
tigerlilt · 26/07/2025 12:35

Sugarnspicenallthingsnaice · 26/07/2025 12:33

Why would you take out insurance now if you're not going to be taking the trip?

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sorry i’m just trying to understand! just thought it would be worth taking it out now and trying to claim closer to the time! i’ve not been in this situation before so exploring all options that’s all!

OP posts:
BlankBlankBlank14 · 26/07/2025 12:34

tigerlilt · 26/07/2025 12:32

would it be worth taking out travel insurance now?

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No it’s too late

Sugarnspicenallthingsnaice · 26/07/2025 12:33

tigerlilt · 26/07/2025 12:32

would it be worth taking out travel insurance now?

Show quote history

Why would you take out insurance now if you're not going to be taking the trip?

Original poster
tigerlilt · 26/07/2025 12:32

AwakeNotThruChoice · 26/07/2025 12:31

I know this doesn’t help but for anyone else you do need to get Travel Insurance when you buy your holiday/flights.

You’re going to have to speak to the airline.
what about changing them to much later and taking the baby.

I think anything medically related they will want evidence from Drs.

It depends what the cancellation policy is on the BA flights. Some are non- changeable non-refundable. Some are more flexible

Edited

would it be worth taking out travel insurance now?

OP posts:
Linenpickle · 26/07/2025 12:31

Too late as you have no travel insurance. Always take it out when you book a trip. Usual policy of airline will apply unless BA are generous.

AwakeNotThruChoice · 26/07/2025 12:31

I know this doesn’t help but for anyone else you do need to get Travel Insurance when you buy your holiday/flights.

You’re going to have to speak to the airline.
what about changing them to much later and taking the baby.

I think anything medically related they will want evidence from Drs.

It depends what the cancellation policy is on the BA flights. Some are non- changeable non-refundable. Some are more flexible

Original poster
tigerlilt · 26/07/2025 12:28

Rainbowqueeen · 26/07/2025 11:42

Have you taken out travel insurance? If so they may cover it.

otherwise it will depend on the airline. Which airline is it?

Airline is british airways, and haven’t taken out insurance yet

OP posts:
Original poster
tigerlilt · 26/07/2025 12:28

we were planning on taking our travel insurance closer to the time, feeling stupid now but was a surprise pregnancy so didn’t think to! Also can’t really bring it forward as it’s a wedding we’re meant to be going for!

OP posts:
RunningBlueFox · 26/07/2025 11:45

What does your travel insurance say? I

EyeLevelStick · 26/07/2025 11:43

You need to check your booking conditions. Most BA fares are changeable for a relatively small fee.

TheCurious0range · 26/07/2025 11:42

Don't hold your breath with insurance I've just been diagnosed with a heart irregularity, no idea previously, hospitalised a week before we were due to fly, hospital and GP letters saying this isn't a pre existing condition and I have been told not to travel as it's currently under investigation and not well managed. Insurance are being very very difficult.
Were you trying to conceive? Can you bring the holiday forward a few months?

Rainbowqueeen · 26/07/2025 11:42

Have you taken out travel insurance? If so they may cover it.

otherwise it will depend on the airline. Which airline is it?

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