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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Holland at 34 weeks pregnant

19 replies

Hunkyd0ry · 27/07/2019 22:52

Hi,

Endless googling and asking people I know doesn’t seem to have given me any answers! I’m stressing about it so thought I would ask in here.

Flying to Holland for a week for a wedding and little holiday. I’ll be 34 weeks when I come back. Insurance doesn’t seem to cover going into labour naturally only if an accident brings it on. My main concern is that for some reason I will go into labour early. (Didn’t with DD and low risk, so shouldn’t)

I have an EHIC but unsure what that will cover as info about giving birth in the Netherlands talks about health insurance which I won’t have!

So I guess my AIBU is AIBU to go?

OP posts:
Pipandmum · 27/07/2019 22:55

I thought you weren’t allowed to fly after 32 weeks?

dogbaby · 27/07/2019 23:24

YABU. You might be able to get speciality insurance but if not I wouldn't risk it.

EHIC may not cover the baby as they won't have their own card. (I don't know if that is right so do check it but I heard it a situation like that regarding insurance in a different country)

It definitely won't cover your costs if, for example, the baby requires a month long stay in hospital but you are discharged after a couple of days and have to stay in a hotel. It won't cover costs if the baby needs a medi-VAC repatriation, or indeed you do.

Do a bit more research into insurance, but I'd be wary to do it in your case- 34 weeks isn't very early. My very healthy full-term baby needed a week in hospital at 2 weeks old and it cost us a fortune: meals out of hospital vending machines, emergency things bought in pharmacy for me as I had to stay with her and was still suffering postpartum and overpriced nappies etc for her, car park fees, etc etc. And that was in a hospital down the road. Things can happen you don't expect. If you can't get insurance I'd be v wary.

Durgasarrow · 27/07/2019 23:25

There's no reason why you would be exempt from having premature labor just because your first child wasn't born prematurely. These things happen all the time. Of course it's unreasonable to go if you aren't allowed to fly after 32 weeks and you won't have health insurance. You would be putting yourself and your baby in danger personally and financially.

Dairyqueen2 · 27/07/2019 23:25

Why fly? Why not ferry n drive?

Bambamber · 27/07/2019 23:27

Checkout ravenhall insurance, they offer very comprehensive cover for pregnancy

converseandjeans · 28/07/2019 02:43

I thought 27/28 weeks was limit to fly. I wouldn't personally fly at 34 weeks.

TwistyTop · 28/07/2019 03:01

Fly limit is different for different airlines.

Can't you just get the ferry?

KittyKel · 28/07/2019 04:47

I went into spontaneous labour at 34 weeks, no warning, and it was the evening I returned from holiday so I definitely had s lucky escape! I wouldn’t risk it again.

OneHanded · 28/07/2019 05:15

Major airlines won’t let you board at 34 weeks

Jokie · 28/07/2019 05:19

Check the airline. All airlines have a ban from 36weeks (earlier for transatlantic). From 27/28 weeks you'll need a written form of consent from your doctor to confirm you're healthy enough to travel.

Re: insurance: it's always wise to have travel insurance as sometimes the EHIC will not be sufficient for everything .

I'd also check for where you are in NL. E.g. where would be the closest maternity unit? Whonwoukd you call? What about your notes?

I travelled (and flew) until 32 weeks and then I stayed within driving distance of the hospital.

Also, note: ferries like p&o will also let you travel until 38 weeks but you need a doctor's note.

Original poster
Hunkyd0ry · 28/07/2019 06:28

Midwife is giving me a “fit to fly” letter and airline policy is that you can fly up to 36 weeks as long as you have the letter.

OP posts:
Oysterbabe · 28/07/2019 06:30

Why no insurance?

Eastpoint · 28/07/2019 06:38

I flew at 36 weeks and no one asked me for a letter. My OB/GYN was very relaxed and nothing happened, in the end I had the baby at 41+5.

RoseReally · 28/07/2019 06:38

I wouldn't go without insurance. I flew Easyjet recently at 30 weeks and they didn't require a fit to fly letter, which I was surprised by.

Interesting that PP suggested ferries, in my experience the cut off is lower (28 weeks) than flying. I don't think there's a limit on Eurostar/ Eurotunnel though.

Original poster
Hunkyd0ry · 28/07/2019 06:40

@Bambamber thank you! That insurance looks really good. Makes me feel a lot better 🙂

OP posts:
ox136jl · 28/07/2019 06:49

There is definitely specialist insurance - I went to a wedding in France at 34 weeks (with insurance), got back on the Monday and had the baby on the Friday at 35 weeks. Was very glad I’d gone as it was an old friend’s wedding but only just got away with it!

myself2020 · 28/07/2019 07:12

In all fairness, maternity care (ad paediatric care!) in the Netherlands is far superior to UK, do as long as insurance is sorted I would go!

cranstonmanor · 28/07/2019 08:04

europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/health/unplanned-healthcare/temporary-stays/faq/index_en.htm

This link says:
The EHIC covers all medical checks and care related to your pregnancy, including unplanned child birth (for example, if you unexpectedly go into labour while on a trip abroad).

So take your EHIC card with you

cranstonmanor · 28/07/2019 08:07

I have an EHIC but unsure what that will cover as info about giving birth in the Netherlands talks about health insurance which I won’t have!

In NL health insurance is mandatory, and it always covers prenatal care and birth costs. That's why you had trouble finding the info you need.

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