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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Giving birth (accidentally) in an EU country.

31 replies

mimmymouse · 07/10/2015 13:50

I'm due to travel to Germany for a few days when I will be 37/38 weeks pregnant with DC3. Last work commitment before mat leave.

My travel insurers will not cover anything as after 37 weeks they say I should expect a birth - and fair enough. They suggested I carry an EHIC - which I have. Both previous pregnancies have gone to 42 weeks. (41+4 and 42+1. Both entirely normal deliveries, without so much as a stitch.)

Being slightly nervous I rang EHIC and now I am more confused than ever! Although the lady was very nice and said "just carry your EHIC" she then went on to say that I would probably need to make up front payments which would later be "claimed back" and this could be thousands and thousands of Euros. Also some hospitals might reject my EHIC card. (Perhaps she said "not recognise"?) I assume the fees in question would be because they would be the charges levelled to a German citizen? My understanding is that the EHIC gives you access to the same treatment available in public hospitals as to the citizens of the EU country you are in.

I'd love to hear from anyone who had an accidental EU birth and your experience of using EHIC. Anyone with knowledge of fees German citizens might have to pay - I'd love to hear from you too!

TIA.

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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Zamaz · 07/10/2015 14:01

Sorry can't really help with the birth-specific bit of this, but my ex had a head injury whilst in the EU - he was treated in hospital and billed, and he had to pay up front and reclaim the money as far as I remember (it was a long time ago!). If in doubt, you could call the overseas patients office at your local hospital - they would know all about EU health entitlements.

swashbucklecheer · 07/10/2015 14:04

I really wouldn't want to be travelling at that stage when you could go into labour at anytime even if the others were overdue. Can work not make accommodation for this? Video conferencing or the like?

mrsnec · 07/10/2015 14:12

Hi,

I had my baby by emcs in the eu on my EHIC in a government hospital 1 year ago.

Or at least I presented my card and my id and I've not been charged.

My 5 days in hospital and the procedure would cost 1.5k€. It would have been double that in a private hospital.

VegasIsBest · 07/10/2015 14:12

I agree with telling work that you can't go.

What if you ended up in a German hospital with complications? It's not just financial but practical. Do you know the German words for 'gas and air, and be quick about it...'?

Also presumably you'd need to get a passport to bring a newborn home. How would that work from Germany?

Finally - if you're flying, with the airline take you? And if you're planning to train/drive that sounds like a long uncomfortable journey.

DustingOffTheDynastySuit · 07/10/2015 14:14

If you have to go, I'd ring around some other travel insurers (Amex maybe?) to see if they would cover you for birth abroad. That would give you some peace of mind.

AbbeyRoadCrossing · 07/10/2015 14:15

I wouldn't recommend this, happened to 2 of my friends. Do you really need to go?
Even if your health is covered everything else won't be I.e.:

travel and accommodation whilst you go to the British embassy to sort baby's passport. It took my friend in Italy 4 weeks, my friend in Spain 2 weeks to get the papers.
getting back. Sounds simple but if you have a c section or the baby can't fly straight away again you'll have hotel bills until you can both fly.

swashbucklecheer · 07/10/2015 14:17

Your work has a duty of care to you and must carry out a risk assessment as a result of your pregnancy. How are they going to get you and your new baby home if you give birth during a work related trip. The fact you can't get insurance shows the risks that are there.

thanksamillion · 07/10/2015 14:22

You need to check if a ferry/eurostar would take you that late even if you don't plan to fly. I looked into it a few years ago and I think they have restrctions too.

homeaway · 07/10/2015 14:23

I think you will be covered if it is not a planned birth, but not for care in a private hospital. It would be a pain as others have said to get a passport for the baby and it would take some time.

RedZeppelin · 07/10/2015 14:25

The trip is business related to the obligation should be on your employer to find adequate travel insurance to cover your trip.
I also agree with PP re. risk assessments etc. - it doesn't sound as though they've even considered this responsibility.

RedZeppelin · 07/10/2015 14:25

to so

gallicgirl · 07/10/2015 14:26

Are you self-employed?

If your employer is requiring you to travel abroad (lack of risk assessment aside) then surely they should be providing the insurance? Point out that you want to be covered for an extended stay, repatriation of the baby and the cost of applying for a passport and birth certificate from abroad.

Personally I'd insist on a video conference.

AbbeyRoadCrossing · 07/10/2015 14:27

That reminds me, I forgot to add,my one friend had some difficulty with the unplanned bit as she'd travelled at term, so the authorities were questioning if it was deliberate. Luckily all sorted in the end and medical bills paid but keep that in mind. It's difficult to argue it was a surprise birth at 38 weeks

LibrariesGaveUsP0wer · 07/10/2015 14:29

Are you an employee or self employed?

If you are an employee and want to go, your business need to sort out proper travel insurance for you. If necessary from a specialist provider willing to give bespoke cover.

If you travel and give birth you should be covered for what a German citizen would get for free. You wouldn't get:

accommodation if the baby was poorly and you needed to stay on
repatriation if you couldn't fly on a normal flight, or missed yours (unless your travel covers it separately)

-the time it takes to get a passport.

elelfrance · 07/10/2015 14:34

Are you supposed to be flying there ? Most airlines won't let you fly after (I think) 36 weeks, and even after 28 weeks you need a note from doc/midwife saying you're alright to travel.

Anyway, regarding the EHIC, no public hospital will refuse to treat you in Germany, you'll be treated, not sure how payment would work though.

But in any case, I wouldn't be travelling at that stage (I'm currently 33 weeks, and have stopped travelling for work for the last 3 weeks)

yakari · 07/10/2015 14:40

Wow I was in Switzerland at 35weeks and had to fly home as work insurance and airplane approvals finished the next day so I am fairly chilled about these things, but nothing would make me go at 37/38. (And the BA team in Zurich were beyond horrified at the sight of me - I must have shown my approval letter to every uniformed person in the airport!)
Its your works responsibility to sort the insurance - if you are an employee. What is their policy and what does it cover.
If you are self employed - I really would question the absolute necessity to travel. What are the other options? Video conference, someone traveling from Germany to the UK? Even if the costs are higher than your travel plans - its a better gamble than the potential of giving birth over there.

Want2bSupermum · 07/10/2015 14:47

Very very few insurance companies will cover you this late and very few airlines will be comfortable with you travelling. I flew from NYC to Chicago at 34wks for a day trip. My legs were so swollen and it took me 4 days to fully recover.

While I worked through to 39 weeks with My second and plan to with my third there is no way I would be flying past 36 weeks. If you must attend this meeting I would see if it can be moved up so you return before you are 37 weeks.

HazleNutt · 07/10/2015 14:56

As far as I've understood, if you go to a state hospital (and not private), giving birth should be free. But I still wouldn't go. You're considered full term at 37 weeks and I gave birth at 38+0 without any previous warning signs - and DC1 was a week over and induced, so previous experience does not necessarily mean the same will happen again.
As others have said, besides the actual birth, you need travel documents to get back with the little one, and that can take ages. And in case of complications, special transport home or your hotel stay would not be covered.

vegas - last I checked, there's no gas and air offered in German hospitals.

ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 07/10/2015 15:03

Op, this is what EHIC covers in Germany
www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/countryguide/Pages/healthcareinGermany.aspx

Stillunexpected · 07/10/2015 15:04

I can think of very few circumstances under which a trip like this would be an absolute requirement and I think you are mad to consider this! Regardless of how late your previous births have been 37 weeks is considered term so you could give birth at any time. I'm sure German health care is wonderful but how are you going to feel alone in a German hospital? Do you know enough German to get by? It's all very well the doctors and nurses speaking good English (well, we are making an assumption here) but I have given birth abroad and it is very isolating when the health care professionals speak amongst themselves in a language which you don't understand.

Are they going to have time to try to understand your birth plan? Are they going to be able to figure out your medical history? Are you prepared for the different way of giving birth in Germany? Also what happens after the birth? How are you planning on getting home? Who is looking after your other children during this extended stay?

I'm sure someone will be along soon to tell us they gave birth in a French lay-by on the way home from holiday and carried on in the car afterwards but why would you do this trip if you don't have to, just why? Get someone else to so the trip from work.

steppemum · 07/10/2015 15:04

as far as I understand it, the EHIC card will not bring you back to the UK, but will cover hospital expenses.
That means if you or the baby are unable to fly on a regular plane, you are stuck in Germany until you can fly. (or travel by ferry etc)
Flying is not recommended for a baby under 1 month anyway.

Original poster

mimmymouse · 07/10/2015 16:18

Thanks for all your help.

Not flying - well aware of those restrictions!

Self-employed and video conferencing absolutely not an option. But nice idea!

Hadn't considered Eurostar having restrictions. Will look into that now.

I entirely agree it would be difficult to argue that a birth at 37/38 weeks would be difficult to argue as a surprise.

Lots of food for thought here - and I really appreciate all the help.

Thanks

OP posts:

AnneElliott · 07/10/2015 16:23

I don't know about births, but MIL recently was admitted to hospital
In Spain. She showed the EHIC card and wasn't billed for treatment, but all doctors and hospital were mighty pissed off that she didn't have full travel insurance that they could claim from.

legalegret · 07/10/2015 19:26

I am considering a day trip to Paris for work at 36 weeks by Eurostar. Not quite the same, and a bit of a random issue, but if the train was your plan the thing that is niggling me is the risk of a big disruption on the Eurostar as a result of the immigration crisis. The LAST thing you want is to be on a hot Eurostar for 8 hours with no access to medical help. I know it's probably unlikely, but it would be disproportionately bad if you were caught up. Would you be looking at the ferry? Might be more reliable.

Hughpughbarneymagrew · 07/10/2015 19:31

No travel restrictions on Eurostar

www.eurostar.com/uk-en/contact-us/frequently-asked-questions/general/im-pregnant-are-there-any-restrictions-me-travelling

I'm going to Paris at 30 weeks so had to look into it.

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