During pregnancy, unexpected situations can arise. For example, you can even go into labour when you are travelling abroad.

While the situation may make your anxious, there is no need to worry – you will get the care you need during your trip. The Contact-Point for Cross-border Health Care can advise you on how to prepare for a sudden labour abroad.

What should I be prepared for if I am pregnant and travelling abroad?

If you are travelling while pregnant, advance preparation will increase your safety and give you a greater peace of mind.

Obtain a European Health Insurance Card

The European Health Insurance Card is important if you travel in an EU or EEA country, Switzerland, the United Kingdom or Northern Ireland. The card gives you access to medically necessary and emergency care for pregnancy and childbirth in public health services for the same fee as local residents.

You can order the card free of charge from Kela.

Consider purchasing a travel insurance policy

Travel insurance does not cover planned childbirth, but it can cover sudden situations and supplement your security outside the EU or in private healthcare. Private travel insurance is particularly important when you travel outside the EU.

Check with your insurance company to see what pregnancy- and childbirth-related expenses are covered by your policy.

Check any restrictions related to travel

If you are travelling by air, find out the airline’s rules on pregnancy and travel. Many airlines have restrictions for the late stages of pregnancy.

Familiarise yourself with the healthcare of your destination country

Healthcare practices vary from country to country. Knowing them in advance makes it easier to deal with unexpected care needs.

What should I do if I go into labour abroad?

If you go into labour in an EU or EEA country, Switzerland, the United Kingdom or Northern Ireland:

• go to local public healthcare, such as a hospital
• use your European Health Insurance Card
• pay the local client fee for the treatment.

If you have to pay your treatment in full yourself, you can seek reimbursement from Kela or the health insurance institution of the country where you were treated.

If you are not sure how to proceed, you can get practical advice from Kela’s Centre for International Affairs.

What if the birth takes place outside the EU?

Even outside the EU, you are entitled to emergency treatment if you go into labour suddenly. In this situation:

• you pay for the treatment yourself
• it is no not possible to get reimbursement from Kela
• your travel insurance may cover part of the costs, according to the terms of the insurance.

Check well before your trip what your insurance covers.

Where can I ask for advice?

If you have questions about giving birth abroad or the sudden need for treatment:

• The Contact Point for Cross-border Healthcare can advise you on general questions and direct you forward if necessary.
• Kela’s Centre for International Affairs advises in personal situations.

Frequently asked questions: sudden childbirth abroad

• What should I do if I go into labour while travelling? Go to the local healthcare treatment place, such as a local hospital, and use your European Health Insurance Card.
• In which situations is the European Health Insurance Card not valid? You cannot use the card for planned care, for example if you are travelling abroad for a planned birth.
• Should I take out travel insurance? Yes. It does not cover planned childbirth, but can cover sudden situations, especially outside the EU.

Knowledge is security, especially when things take you by surprise

While going into labour suddenly while abroad may make you anxious, you are not alone in the situation. Knowing in advance what to do and where to get help means you can focus on your own well-being and that of your baby.

The Contact Point for Cross-Border Health Care wishes you have a safe trip!