Travelling with Allergies

Will I have trouble getting travel insurance if I have an allergy?

No, but not all travel insurance providers include cover for pre-existing medical conditions. That's why it's worth looking into medical travel insurance.

What's covered?

• Medical cover up to £10,000,000 per person
• Baggage cover of up to £2,500 per person
• Cancellation cover up to £3,000 per person
• Repatriation costs covered up to £5,000 per person

Please see our Policy Wording for complete details, including conditions and exclusions.

Medical Screening

Here at MIA we understand that getting specialist medical insurance can be difficult and complex, but we have two simple solutions to get you a quote.

If your allergy is mild, well controlled and you don't suffer frequent related illness, we have a quick and easy online quote system. If your allergies are severe, you've recently been unwell, or you have additional pre-existing conditions we realise that a basic set of questions may not find you the cover you need. We have an experienced and friendly team waiting to talk through your options with you, so you can find a policy that suits you.

Tips for Travelling with Allergies 

1. Talk to Your Doctor & Prepare Medications
Let your GP, or a member of your medical team, know about your trip and ask for a travel letter, particularly if you'll be carrying auto-injectors (like an EpiPen) or liquid medications over 100ml. Bring enough medication for your trip, and a few days extra, and keep them in original packaging in your carry-on.

Check and notify your airline’s allergy protocols before flying (especially for nut or food allergies) and request advance meal information or a nut-free flight if needed. Many airlines also allow early boarding so you can wipe down your seat and tray tables with anti-bacterial sanitising wipes.

Eating out abroad with allergies can be challenging, especially with language barriers. Carry allergy translation cards that clearly explain your allergens and emergency needs - they’re a simple, effective way to communicate with kitchen staff. Avoid buffets to reduce cross-contamination, and always ask about hidden ingredients in dishes or drinks.

Before you travel, as well as your medication, make sure to pack your anaphylaxis emergency plan (if needed), a medical ID bracelet, and make sure your travel companion(s) know how to use your auto-injector in case of an emergency. Save local emergency numbers and nearby medical facilities to your phone, and if you're visiting a country where English isn’t widely spoken, carry a medical alert card or translation card with key medical information in the local language.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I have a mild allergy, do I still have to let you know?

Yes, we'll ask for your full medical history to make sure that your insurance offers cover for everything you may need.

Will MIA cover any other pre-existing medical conditions?

As long as we know your medical history in full, we should be able to find a policy that covers all of your needs. If there are any exceptions that we can’t insure, we’ll let you know before you accept the travel insurance policy.

What happens if I must cancel my trip because of my allergies?

If you become to unwell to travel due to your allergies, or any other medical condition that’s been agreed, we can arrange for you to be refunded any reasonable costs as long as your doctor agrees that you’re unfit to travel. Please bear in mind that if the other members of your travelling group aren’t insured on your policy, they may not be covered by their own provider.

If you have any other questions please let us know, we’d be happy to talk them through with you.