Giving birth in France or Belgium

[Blessed2bemummy]

Hi ladies, I'm from Ireland,I'm currently pregnant with my 2nd baby and I'm also a student.(I'm supposed to be on my internship in Brussels but declined it and decided to do it in Ireland instead because I wouldn't have support in Brussels looking for apartments etc) I've been thinking about having my baby in France or Belgium I see myself moving abroad next year I have a ehic card but I don't know if it covers birth abroad or do I need to take out insurance.. has anyone been in this position I'm next year early January

No advice per se but this might be worth a read.

www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-ehic-european-health-insurance-card/

The eihc might not be valid depending how brexit goes so come January could be completely useless. It also only covers for a temporary stay and not if you specifically go to give birth. I also think it just means you are charged the same as locals instead of as an international. Ie if locals would pay a 25% contribution to care the card means you would too, instead of forking out 100%. It's not like the NHS in other countries where there is no fee for anything.
You'd need to look at Country specifics.

It recommends that you always have insurance as well as the card may not cover full costs.
I've just come back from France on holiday and got specific insurance (was 34 weeks pg) however it only covered to 36 weeks so I'm not sure what you'd need if you knew you'd end up definitely being there for the birth.

Frizzy, she's Irish.

@1finedane apologies, I wasn't sure if Northern or Republic which obviously makes a difference. Sorry should have probably put that at the start.

Found this for you OP

Non-residents, visitors and tourists giving birth in Belgium
Non-residents visiting Belgium are required to have medical insurance covering any health eventuality. If you’re pregnant and think there’s a chance you may need to deliver while on holiday, check with your insurer to see if you’re covered. Most travel insurance policies do not cover expenses beyond the first trimester, except in cases of an emergency.

Delivery costs in Belgium are estimated to range between €2,500-4,000.

European citizens who are having a baby in France while on holiday can benefit from the reciprocal privileges provided by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Belgium has reciprocal social security arrangements with 25 non-EU countries, including Australia, Canada and the US. Under these arrangements, you can claim and be awarded many of the same benefits as Belgian citizens, provided you carry out the necessary paperwork (i.e. registering with your town hall or getting your residence visa, if applicable).

Should you find you need to give birth earlier than planned in an emergency, ring Belgium’s emergency helpline at 112. You’ll be directed to one of the hospitals on this page, and the procedures are as outlined above.

Further info here:
www.expatica.com/be/healthcare/womens-health/having-a-baby-in-belgium-100241/

It's unclear from your post whether you're giving birth in Jan, or moving in Jan, but it looks like you need to be resident there I think. Maybe try the EHIC card website to see about maternity provisions.

EHIC will generally not cover you for birth, you will need additional insurance that specifically does or be resident as PP said.
Give the European Healthcare team a call and see what their view is?