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

[tigerlilt]

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.

This is why you take out travel insurance sooner not later. Ideally have it in place when you book your flights.

i don’t think the airlines will refund you but give it a go.

congrats on your pregnancy op.

I think I know what you're trying to say, but the way you've written it isn't correct.

You can buy travel insurance at any time up until the date of travel and you would be covered for the flights, accommodation etc already spent on that trip. It just won't cover you for events (such as death, illness etc) that happen before you bought the policy.

Almost everyone buys their tickets first, then the insurance.

How pregnant are you? You could take it out now and then say you only found out later if you haven't had any appointments yet.

I think BA should cash in for vouchers I'd hope

The OP has already had a scan so it will be on her medical records. When anyone claims under their travel insurance the insurer requests copies of all their medical records, which will show the pregnancy preceded the start of the policy plus the condition the OP has that makes this a risky pregnancy.

Nor will it cover you for any illnesses / conditions that you already know about

Just a comment that AFAIK BA itself doesn't go to NZ at all, there must be at least two airlines on the OPs booking (BA plus ??).

They'll maybe need to be aware of the conditions of carriage of all the elevant operators, not just BA.

Have you perhaps got travel insurance through your bank account, home insurance or something like that?

Definitely don’t travel - you’re unlikely to get approved to do so anyway as you’re high risk, but just in case. It’s a total nightmare to give birth in another country.

Your best bet is to call and explain. I wouldn’t guess you’d get a refund but you certainly won’t get anything if you don’t ask. Might as well try.

That won’t work - it’s fraud.

OP, you’re buggered. You can try to call and explain, but most airlines and hotels etc will be firm on their policies

No harm in calling the airline, explaining your situation. They May let you re book another flight for after the child is born. Doubt you’d get a refund, it was a totally manageable situation over which you had control (as far as the airline is concerned).

Good luck - it might just depend on the individual you talk to at the airline!

You might get a credit if you speak to someone at the airline - Virgin gave us a 2 year credit when i found out i was pregnant and just didn’t want to fly due to previous issues in pregnancy (wouldn’t have got a doctors note as it was a choice) and it was a normal non-refundable ticket.

No, because your pregnancy is a pre-existing condition.

Phone BA, they may not be willing to refund but may be willing to give you credit that lasts 2 years typically

Contact BA. Be polite and plead your case. They might offer to help as a goodwill measure.

Yep, and fraud might make it a tad harder to get future insurance.

ps. We have annual travel insurance, renewed once per year. Means we don’t forget on individual trips, and we’re always covered. Not that much more expensive and probably works out cheaper than individual trips. Might be worth doing in future!

Martin Lewis is crying…

You take out travel insurance WHEN YOU BOOK YOUR TRAVEL!!!

I hope you get it sorted OP and congratulations.