An Expat’s Guide to Giving Birth Abroad

Bringing a new life into the world is a monumental event. For expats living abroad, this experience can be both exciting and daunting, giving you even more plates to spin at an already nerve-wracking time.

From understanding healthcare systems to securing appropriate international health insurance and knowing what to do if unexpected situations arise, in this guide we’ll help you navigate the journey of giving birth abroad, ensuring you have everything you need for a successful delivery overseas.

Preparing for pregnancy and giving birth abroad

The first and most important step when it comes to preparing for childbirth abroad is to understand the healthcare system in your host country. Healthcare systems vary widely across the globe, which is why it’s important to familiarise yourself with how the system operates in your new home, and to be aware of any pitfalls you may encounter far in advance – this includes access to care at the time of delivery, after-care and of course paying for the process.

Are you planning to give birth abroad?

Learn more about our maternity health insurance

If you’re planning to start a family in a new country, there are three important things to consider when looking at an unfamiliar healthcare system:

1/ Public vs private healthcare

In many countries, public healthcare is funded by the government and is generally accessible to all residents. It is often more affordable than private services, but may involve longer waiting times and less personalised care due to higher patient loads. Public healthcare systems usually offer comprehensive maternity services, but the quality and availability of these services can vary greatly.

As an expat looking to give birth abroad, you will need to be sure that you qualify for maternity care as early as possible in your pregnancy. If you do not meet the criteria for public healthcare in your new country, you could find yourself with a big medical bill at the end of your delivery.

Private healthcare, on the other hand, usually involves higher out-of-pocket costs but offers quicker access to services, more personalised care and higher-quality facilities. Private hospitals and clinics often have more modern maternity wards, and you will often have the option to choose a private room for any inpatient requirements.

You will also benefit from shorter waiting times, and a higher staff-to-patient ratio, which can result in a more comfortable experience during pregnancy and childbirth. You’re also more likely to have access to doctors and midwives who speak your native language.

For this reason, many expats looking to give birth abroad choose to invest in international health insurance to ensure they get the best possible care – and total peace of mind.

Remember – maternity cover requires a waiting period

If you are taking out a new maternity care policy as part of your international health insurance, it’s important to remember you will not be insured right away. This is because your insurer will usually require you to complete a waiting period before your cover kicks in. At William Russell, the waiting on all of our maternity care policies is one year. If you become pregnant during your waiting period, you will not be eligible for full cover.

The exception is the UAE, where local law requires insurers to provide cover from day one to pregnant women.

2/ Maternity services

The quality and availability of maternity services also differs greatly from country to country. If you’re planning to have your baby overseas, make sure you thoroughly research maternity services in your area.

This includes looking into local hospitals, birthing centres and the reputations of obstetricians and midwives. High-quality maternity care can make a huge difference to your childbirth experience, so it’s worth taking the time to find the best options.

Online resources such as expat forums, social media groups and local community websites can be a great way to gather first-hand information about different maternity providers in your areas. And be sure to consider factors such as the availability of private rooms, pain relief options and any additional facilities such as birthing pools that might be important to your birth plan.

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3/ Prenatal and postnatal care

Your journey to giving birth isn’t just about the birthing experience – it’s also the care and support you receive before and after welcoming your child into the world. Some countries might have different guidelines for pre- and post-natal care, so it’s important to be informed about what to expect.

Here are some pre- and post-natal services you might want to look into before deciding to have your baby abroad:

Prenatal check-ups: Regular prenatal check-ups are essential for monitoring the health of both mother and baby throughout the pregnancy. Find out the frequency of these check-ups and what they entail in your host country. Ensure that the healthcare provider offers comprehensive prenatal care, including blood tests, urine tests, and monitoring for any potential complications.

Scans and tests: Ultrasound scans and other diagnostic tests are a standard part of prenatal care. Verify the availability and quality of these services, and understand what tests are recommended at different stages of your pregnancy.

Prenatal classes: Many healthcare providers offer prenatal classes that cover topics such as childbirth preparation, breastfeeding, and newborn care. These classes can be particularly beneficial for first-time parents or those unfamiliar with the local healthcare system. Check if these classes are available in a language you are comfortable with, or if there are interpreters available.

Support services: Investigate the availability of additional support services, such as nutritionists, physiotherapists, and mental health professionals who specialise in prenatal and postpartum care. Having access to a comprehensive support network can help you maintain your overall well-being during pregnancy.

Hospital stay: Understand the standard length of hospital stay for new mothers and babies in your host country. In some countries, it is common to stay for several days, while in others, you may be discharged within 24 hours if there are no complications.

Postnatal check-ups: Regular postpartum check-ups are essential to monitor your recovery and address any concerns. These appointments typically occur a few weeks after delivery and may include physical examinations, discussions about mental health, and guidance on breastfeeding and newborn care.
Lactation consultants: If you have trouble breastfeeding, access to lactation consultants can be incredibly beneficial. Find out if your healthcare provider offers lactation support services and if they are included in your health insurance cover.

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Giving birth abroad: Handling unexpected situations

No matter how thoroughly you plan, unexpected situations can arise during pregnancy and childbirth, and this can be especially stressful when you are living abroad.

Maternity cover to support your childbirth journey

As an expat planning to give birth in a foreign country, you may wish to invest in international health insurance with comprehensive maternity cover to support you through your pregnancy and childbirth journey.

Having access to private healthcare during pregnancy will grant you and your baby access to a high standard of maternity care wherever you are in the world*, including cover for maternity complications, C-section deliveries and emergency hospital stays to ensure the health of you and your newborn.

*Limitations apply.

Here’s how to prepare for unexpected scenarios when having a baby overseas:

Medical emergencies

One of the first things to do when you move to a new country is familiarise yourself with the local emergency services. Ensure you have the contact numbers for emergency medical services, nearby hospitals, and your healthcare provider readily available. It’s also wise to identify the nearest hospital or clinic with an emergency department that is equipped to handle pregnancy-related emergencies.

Take time to understand the emergency protocols in your new country, particularly those related to pregnancy and childbirth. Some countries may have different procedures for handling medical emergencies, including how ambulances are dispatched and paid for. Knowing what to expect can help reduce stress in an urgent situation.

If you’re a William Russell member and you’re experiencing a medical emergency, call our 24-hour emergency medical assistance service on +44 1243 621 155.

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Complications during pregnancy

Educate yourself about the signs of common pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm labour.

Early recognition of these symptoms can be crucial for getting timely medical attention. Regular prenatal check-ups will help you monitor your health and your baby’s development but being aware of warning signs in between visits is equally important.

If you have a high-risk pregnancy or develop complications, you may need access to a specialist, such a perinatologist. Specialist services like this can be expensive or difficult to access on some public healthcare systems, so it’s a good idea to check your private health insurance covers maternity complications as early as possible in your pregnancy.

Lastly, it can help to agree an emergency plan with your birthing partner that includes what to do if complications arise. This plan should cover transportation to the hospital, childcare arrangements, and how to communicate with your healthcare provider in an emergency. Having this plan in place can help reduce anxiety and ensure that you can act quickly if necessary.

Language barriers

In many countries, translation services and bilingual physicians are not available on public healthcare services. If you are living in a country where you are not fluent in the local language, consider taking language classes to improve your ability to communicate, particularly in medical situations.

Even basic knowledge of medical terms related to pregnancy and childbirth can be incredibly useful. You can also carry a phrasebook or a translation app on your phone for quick reference in emergencies.

If you have specific birth preferences or medical needs, it’s a good idea to have these written down in both your language and the local language. This document can be shared with your healthcare provider and hospital staff to ensure that your wishes are understood and respected.

Claims advisers who speak your language

At William Russell, we have claims advisers speaking English, Mandarin, French, German, and Spanish.

Plus, we have a 24-hr emergency medical helpline to assist you when you need it more. Explore our Gold plan to find out more about cover for private maternity care.

Group of pregnant women in a prenatal class

Legal registration, nationality and parental leave

Having your baby in another country will have legal implications when it comes to registering the birth, applying for nationality and obtaining a passport. If you’re working abroad, you may also need to think about how much parental leave you are entitled to.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the formalities you may need to think about after birth:

Birth registration

The process of registering your baby’s birth can vary significantly depending on the country you’re living in. It’s essential to understand the specific requirements and procedures in your host country well before your due date.

Typically, births must be registered within a certain time frame, often within a few days or weeks after the birth. Delays in registration can lead to complications in obtaining other essential documents like a passport.

If you are a citizen of a different country than your host country, you may need to register your baby’s birth with both the local authorities and your home country’s embassy or consulate. This dual registration ensures that your baby’s birth is legally recognised in both countries.

In order to register your baby’s birth, you will likely need the following documents to hand:

Valid passports for both parents
Residency permits
Marriage certificate (in certain countries)
Birth notification form

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Citizenship and nationality

As an expat giving birth abroad, the question of citizenship and nationality is particularly important. Different countries have different rules around whether birth in the country makes your baby a citizen, and this will affect what kind of passport you’re able to obtain for your newborn.

Let’s take a look at how different countries allocate citizenship.

Birthright citizenship (Jus Soli)

Some countries, like the United States and Canada, grant citizenship to any child born on their soil, regardless of the parents’ nationality. This is called jus soli or “right of the soil”. If you give birth in a country that follows this principle, your child will automatically acquire that country’s citizenship. However, this may have implications for dual or multiple citizenships, depending on the laws of your home country.

Citizenship by descent (Jus Sanguinis)

On the other hand, many countries, particularly in Europe and Asia, follow the principle of jus sanguinis, or “right of blood,” where a child’s citizenship is determined by the nationality of the parents, regardless of the place of birth. If you are a citizen of such a country, you may need to follow specific procedures to pass on your citizenship to your child, which may involve registering the birth with your home country’s embassy or consulate and providing proof of your own citizenship.

Dual or Multiple Citizenship

Nearly half of all countries worldwide (49% to be exact), allow dual or multiple citizenships.

It’s important to research and understand the implications of your child potentially holding more than one citizenship. This might affect things like compulsory military service, taxation, and legal obligations in each country of citizenship. However, it also comes with many advantages, such as access to multiple healthcare systems and the ability to live and work in multiple countries without obtaining a visa.

Some countries that allow dual citizenship include: Albania, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Latvia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States and Vietnam.

Getting a passport for your newborn

Once your baby’s birth is registered and their citizenship status is confirmed, you will be able to register them for a passport. The requirements for getting a newborn passport can vary, but typically include:

Completed application form: Available at the relevant government office or consulate
Birth certificate: As proof of the child’s identity and citizenship
Parental identification: Passports of the parents to confirm identity and relationship to the child
Passport photos: Most countries require specific guidelines for passport photos, especially for infants, so be sure to check these in advance
Parental consent: In cases where both parents are not present at the application, a signed consent form from the absent parent may be required

If you plan to travel soon after your baby’s birth – even back to your home country – you’ll need to make sure you get your application in as quickly as possible.

Some countries offer expedited processing for an additional fee, but it’s wise to prepare for potential delays.

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Parental leave

If you are working abroad as an expat, you will need to understand the local laws regarding parental leave and employment rights after having a baby. These laws can vary greatly depending on the country, with differences in the length of leave, whether it is paid or unpaid, and whether both parents are entitled to take leave.

As an expecting parent abroad, take the time to familiarise yourself with these parental rights:

Maternity leave

How long is maternity leave, and how is it structured? Some countries offer generous paid maternity leave, while others may provide only a short period of unpaid leave. Understanding your rights allows you to plan your finances and childcare accordingly.

Paternity Leave

Increasingly, countries are recognising the importance of paternity leave. Check whether your host country offers paternity leave, how long it lasts, and whether it is paid. In some cases, parental leave can be shared between both parents, allowing for greater flexibility.

Parental Leave

Beyond maternity and paternity leave, some countries offer parental leave, which can be taken by either parent or shared between them. This leave is sometimes flexible, allowing parents to take it in blocks or spread it out over a certain period.

Employment Protection

Ensure that you are aware of your rights regarding job protection during and after your leave. In many countries, laws protect your right to return to the same or an equivalent position after your leave period. It’s important to understand these rights and discuss them with your employer.

Understanding the financial implications of parental leave is crucial. If your leave is unpaid or only partially paid, you’ll need to plan how to manage your household finances during this time. You should also look into whether there are any government benefits – such as maternity or parental allowances – that you may be eligible for in your new country, and how to apply for them.

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How to find the best maternity cover as an expat

The quality of your health insurance can significantly impact your childbirth experience, from prenatal care to delivery and postpartum support. Here’s how to find the best maternity health insurance as an expat.

1/ Understand what you need included in maternity cover

Maternity cover should encompass the full range of services you might need throughout pregnancy and childbirth, as well as postpartum care. As an expat, it’s important to ensure that the cover you choose is as comprehensive as possible, helping you plan for every eventuality.

These are some of the most important things to look for in your maternity cover:

Prenatal care: This should include the cost of regular check-ups, ultrasounds, and any necessary blood tests during your pregnancy. Check if your insurance covers routine prenatal visits as well as more specialised care if complications arise.
Delivery costs: Ensure that your policy covers the full cost of delivery, whether it’s a vaginal birth or a C-section. This should include hospital fees, doctor and midwife fees, anaesthesia, and any additional costs associated with your hospital stay.
Postpartum care: After the birth, you’ll need follow-up visits to monitor your recovery and the baby’s health. Check that your insurance covers postpartum consultations, health checks, vaccinations, and any treatments your newborn might need in the first months of life.

2/ Compare global health insurance providers

As an expat you may benefit most from an international health insurance policy that provides maternity cover across borders. When comparing providers, here are some factors to consider:

Coverage zone: Ensure the policy you choose provides cover in your host country and any other countries you might visit during your pregnancy or postpartum period. Some policies offer global cover, while others are limited to specific regions.

At William Russell, we have six zones, giving you flexibility to choose your geographical coverage zone, while keeping your premiums manageable. Find out more about where we cover here.
Network of healthcare providers: Check whether the insurance company has a good network of approved hospitals, clinics, and doctors in your host country. If your cover is restricted to certain hospitals, be sure that these are within a reasonable distance from where you’re living.

At William Russell, we do things a little differently. Instead of having a network of hospitals that you must use, we give you the freedom to choose any hospital in your coverage zone. Use our hospital finder tool to see the hospitals and clinics where our members have received treatment in your area.
Access to English-speaking doctors: Language barriers can cause added stress during medical appointments, particularly when discussing complex issues related to pregnancy and childbirth. Make sure your maternity policy provides access to English-speaking doctors and specialists, making it easier to communicate your needs and understand your care.

Members of William Russell have access to top hospitals and English-speaking doctors locally, as well as a dedicated contact they can speak to about any concerns with their care as they come up.

Limitations and exclusions apply – you can find these in the plan agreements.

Want to know more about our international health insurance?

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3/ Consider waiting periods

Most international health insurance policies have a waiting period before maternity benefits take effect. This period is typically a year, meaning you need to plan ahead.

If you’re already pregnant when purchasing insurance, or if you become pregnant shortly after, maternity benefits may not apply at the time of birth. Therefore, you may wish to secure maternity cover as early as possible – ideally before you conceive – to ensure you’re fully protected.

With William Russell, we have a 12-month waiting period before you can use our pregnancy benefits. This means you wouldn’t be immediately covered for routine maternity care or pregnancy complications. However, for newborn cover, there is no waiting period.

Our Gold plan is the best choice for maternity cover

The Gold plan from William Russell covers your entire pregnancy, childbirth, and the health of your newborn during their initial hospital stay.

Learn More

Practical tips for giving birth abroad

Whether you are already living abroad or planning an international move during your pregnancy, careful preparation can help ensure a smooth and positive childbirth experience. Here are a few tips to help you plan for a comfortable birth overseas.

1/ Decide on your maternity care in advance

Choosing the right maternity care is crucial when giving birth abroad. Research the healthcare system in your host country to determine whether you’ll use public or private healthcare, and select a hospital, birthing centre, or home birth option that best fits your needs.

Consider factors like the quality of care, the language spoken by the healthcare providers, and proximity to your home. Additionally, ensure that your chosen facility and healthcare provider are covered by your health insurance.

2/ Create a birth plan

A good birth plan outlines your preferences for labour, delivery, and postpartum care, helping to communicate your wishes to your healthcare team. Include details about pain management, the presence of a birth partner, and any specific cultural or personal preferences that you want to be respected.

It’s also important to plan for emergency situations. For example, think about what you’d prefer if a C-section becomes necessary or if complications arise. Make sure your birth plan is clear and translated into the local language if needed.

3/ Pack your hospital bag

A well-packed hospital bag ensures you have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Here’s a checklist to get you started:

Essential documents: Include your ID, insurance details, birth plan, and any necessary medical records.
Comfort items: Pack comfortable clothing, toiletries, and personal items to make your stay feel more enjoyable.
For the baby: Bring baby clothes, a blanket, nappies, a car seat to help you transport your newborn back home.

4/ Build a support network

Having a strong support network can make a significant difference during pregnancy and after birth, especially when you’re living in a foreign country. Start by connecting with other expat parents, either through local community groups, social media, or online forums. These connections can provide valuable advice, emotional support, and recommendations for local services.

It’s also important to make sure you’re happy with the medical team supporting your pregnancy and seek out alternative care options if you feel uncomfortable.

By taking these practical steps, you’ll be able to approach your childbirth abroad with confidence, knowing that you are well-prepared for the magical journey ahead.

Kate Robertson gave birth overseas in Hong Kong

Read about Kate’s childbirth experience here

Looking for international health insurance with maternity cover?

With a Gold international health insurance plan from William Russell, we’ll make sure that you and your bump get the care you need from the start of your pregnancy right through to labour and beyond, including cover for maternity complications.

From your first contact with our team, you’ll speak to a named adviser, each one an expert in pregnancy and expat maternity care. You’ll also have access to top hospitals and English-speaking doctors locally, easing the stress and helping you enjoy your childbirth journey.

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An Expat’s Guide To Giving Birth Abroad

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