Going in to labour whilst abroad

[Frenchie99]

Hi,

We’re due to attend a wedding in France when I will be 35 weeks. Should I go in to labour early, does anyone know whether we are covered for free healthcare anymore? Do E11 cards no longer work?

X

Is that really wise? I don’t think the Ehic cards are valid anymore as we’re not part of the Eu. Private insurance companies will charge you a massive premium due to the high risk you’re taking as a baby could very well come at 35 weeks.

How are you planning on getting there? All/most airlines won’t carry you beyond 36w.

I meant to add, even if you are driving, I really can’t imagine wanting to sit in a car for a long journey that far gone.

Planning on driving but breaking up the journey over a few days and making a holiday out of it too. Hoping to hear if anyone knows what we would still be covered as no longer part of EU.

You must arrange travel insurance before you actually book anything. You have to do a telephone health interview and they wil charge a premium. It is possible they won't insure you after 36 weeks.
There is no reciprocal health care now we are no longer in the EU.

You can still use EHIC card but getting private health insurance that covers pregnancy-related issues would be a very good idea - you might need medical attention for more than just labour. Enjoy the wedding!

Link with more info www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/

Definitely get insurance. Make sure its specialist insurance and will cover any complications and the child once born. I used ravenhall insurance (mama to be) when I did the same. I was 36 weeks, went to France, breathed a sigh of relief when I got home and didn't have the baby for another 6 weeks 🙈

They will probably ask for a letter from your gp/ midwife. However, as far as I can remember, 36 weeks is the cut off point for that too. You might have to forgo the holiday part and get back to the UK before you get to 36 weeks.

That is interesting about the EHIC card, Cosybelles. I have been misinformed on that, so will read up.

I went to a wedding in Italy at 34 weeks years ago when we still had EHIC cards- I still brought specialist travel insurance. It covered things like accommodation for my DH should there be problems involving a longer stay in hospital, and medivac repatriation etc. It looks as if EHIC cards do still work but you shouldn’t rely on them alone: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/health
It’s important to take out appropriate travel insurance for your needs. A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and you should have both before you travel. It does not cover all health-related costs, for example, medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment and non-urgent treatment. Read more about what your travel insurance should cover.
I actually had the baby at 35 + 5 a few days after we got back so it was a close thing...