On this page:
- Planning for travel during pregnancy
- Medications and pregnancy
- Terminating a pregnancy overseas
- Going overseas to give birth
- How the Australian Government can help overseas
This page is for Australians who are pregnant, or planning to get pregnant overseas. If you're looking for information about adopting a child or engaging in surrogacy, refer to surrogacy and adoption.
Planning for travel during pregnancy
If you're pregnant and planning to travel overseas, research your destination before you go. Consult your doctor and understand potential risks to you and your unborn child.
Being informed about the risks will help you manage them. It will increase your chance of having a great time overseas.
Timing your travel
Visit your doctor or obstetrician at least 8 weeks before you go. Discuss the timing and location of your trip. Check if you're allowed to travel and if they recommend travel.
If they advise against travel, don't go. Find time to travel later, when the risk has passed.
Airlines and cruise lines have specific rules on when you can travel while pregnant. If you're having more than one baby, the rules may differ again. Most airlines won't let you fly beyond 28 weeks of pregnancy.
Ask your airline or cruise line about any rules or restrictions that could affect you while in transit.
Read more about pregnancy and travel (Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services).
Choosing where to travel when you're pregnant
Consider the risks of going overseas, including the risks to your unborn child.
You and your baby will be more at risk in some countries. Avoid countries with poor sanitation, hygiene and medical facilities. Read the travel advisory for each country you're visiting. Note the health risks.
If the travel advisory says do not travel to that country, then do not travel at this time. You're putting yourself and your unborn child at serious risk.
Things can go wrong quickly when you're pregnant. Check how close you'll be to good medical facilities. Stay within reach of hospitals and doctors.
Read more about pregnancy and travel (Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services).
See a doctor before you go
See a doctor at least once before you travel. Your doctor will advise what vaccines and medications you can take when you're pregnant.
If you have a high-risk pregnancy, your doctor may advise against travel. If they advise against travel, then don't go. You're putting yourself and your unborn child at serious risk.
Most airlines will ask you to show a letter from your doctor.
Buy travel insurance to cover pregnancy
You need travel insurance.
Ask your travel insurer if your policy covers:
- pregnancy, and until what stage
- IVF pregnancy, if applicable
- pregnancy complications or premature birth while you're away
- cancellation of your trip due to pregnancy or birth issues
For cover during pregnancy, you may need to pay extra. You may need medical evidence.
You may face limitations to your cover, depending on where you're going. For example, in Saudi Arabia, medical insurance won't cover pregnancy unless you're married.
Read more about travel insurance.
Medications and pregnancy
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
Get the facts, before you go.
- See if your medication is legal in your destination.
- Ensure you have enough medication for your trip.
- Check with a doctor that your medication is suitable for travel.
Refer to the 'Look after your health' section on Advice for women travellers for more information. Also see our advice on travelling with medications.
Terminating pregnancy overseas (abortion)
Abortion and the law
Abortion may be illegal in the country you're visiting.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before considering an abortion.
If you're arrested or jailed for having an abortion, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you. However, we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter.
Safety
Health care standards overseas can vary. If you choose to end your pregnancy, find a proper medical facility to help you.
Choose the safest option, not the cheapest option.
Read more about medical assistance overseas.
Cost
Medical treatment for ending a pregnancy can be costly. As with other medical procedures overseas, get a quote from the hospital first.
Find out if this procedure is covered by your travel insurance. If not, consider the cost of having this procedure overseas versus back in Australia. You may be eligible for subsidised care in Australia through Medicare.
Read more about travel insurance.
Going overseas to give birth
If you choose to give birth overseas, you'll need to check:
- healthcare costs and travel insurance
- safety and quality of care
- your budget to pay for a private hospital, if you aren't covered by the public health system via a partner or a reciprocal agreement
- any changes to your legal status, marriage and parent rights
- if you need a special visa as a medical tourist
Citizenship and passports
Overseas
Giving birth overseas doesn't automatically grant your child citizenship of that country. Research local immigration and citizenship laws before you travel.
If authorities think you're planning to give birth there for visa reasons, they may refuse you entry.
In Australia
To register your child's birth with Australian authorities, you'll need to contact your state or territory registry of births, deaths and marriages (Australian Government).
Consular officials can assist with your child's passport. There may be higher costs for processing a passport for your baby while you're overseas.
Learn more about Australian citizenship by descent (Department of Home Affairs).
Support
Becoming a new parent can feel overwhelming. Consider how you'll find support overseas, both practically and emotionally.
Supplies and services
Prepare ahead for how you'll travel with your new baby. Make sure you have all the medications and supplies you need.
The Australian Government can't help with medical costs or services overseas.
Learn more about medical assistance overseas.
Safety
If our travel advisory for the country in which you plan to give birth says 'do not travel', then don't travel there. You're putting yourself and your unborn child at serious risk.
Learn more about staying safe and avoiding danger.
Consular services and pregnancy
There are limits to the help the Australian Government can offer overseas.
In most cases, when you need help overseas you, or your travel insurer, must organise and pay for it.
Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how and when the Australian Government may be able to help you overseas.
What we may be able to do
- Give you a list of local medical facilities with doctors who speak English.
- Give you a list of local lawyers who speak English.
- With your consent, contact your friends or family for you.
- Notify you when we update our travel advice for your destination. Learn more about subscriptions.
What we can't do
- Guarantee your safety when you travel.
- Pay for your bills if you need medical assistance overseas.
- Get you out of jail if you're arrested because you've broken a local law. Be aware laws vary greatly on abortions, medications and sex outside of marriage.
- Give you medical or legal advice.
Read more
- Read our general advice for people travelling with children.
- See information about international surrogacy.
- See information about going overseas to adopt.
- Before you go, get travel insurance that covers your pregnancy.
- Understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter.
See also
- See more advice on pregnancy and travel (Victorian Department of Health and Human Services).
- Read more about travelling while pregnant (CHOICE).
- Learn more about Australian citizenship by descent (Department of Home Affairs).