Will I have trouble getting travel insurance if I have an allergy?
No, but you may have to contact a specialist medical travel insurance company, like MIA, to ensure that you find the policy that's right for you.
Here at MIA we specialise in providing medical travel insurance to those who may have had trouble getting insurance elsewhere, so you're in good hands.
There may be occasions where we can't find you a policy to suit your needs, this will depend on factors such as the stability of your condition, the severity of your reaction to your allergen and the medical facilities available in your chosen destination, but we'll be here to talk through any options available to you.
What's covered?
MIA is made up of two specialist medical travel insurance products, Clear2Go and Clear4Travel. Each product has its own levels of cover:
- Medical cover up to £5,000,000 per person
- Baggage Cover of up to £1,500 per person
- Cancellation cover of between £1,000 and £2,000
- Medical cover up to £5,000,000 per person
- Baggage Cover of up to £1,500 per person
- Cancellation cover of between £2,000 and £5,000
- Hospitalisation cover and personal accident cover - inclusive of death benefit of up to £30,000
Please see our policy wording for a full list of benefits 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.
Travelling with Allergies - Tips
1. Talk to your Doctor
It's best to let your doctor, or a member of your medical team, know that you're thinking of travelling; they're best placed to tell you about any specific medical advice that you should follow. You should also ensure that you have enough medication to last the duration of your trip, plus a few days extra just in case of delays. If you're flying, make sure that keep your medication in it's in its original packaging, and request a letter from your GP if you're flying with fluids over the 100ml security limit or with EpiPen, Jext or Emerade auto-injectors.
2. Travelling by Air
If you're one of the 20% of the British population with an allergy, flying can be a stressful experience but with a little planning it doesn't have to be. Research your airlines policy to see at which point you should notify them of your allergy if it's likely to be an issue, especially if you have a severe food allergy. Ask to see menus in advance if you'll be eating on the plane, and if you have a nut allergy ask if they have a no nuts policy on board, because while most airlines do not serve nuts, many people bring their own food and snacks on board. If you have issues with contact allergies, take some wipes and clean down your seat, tray and immediate area when you board - this might get some inquisitive glances from your fellow passengers but better safe than sorry!
3. Eating Out
A language barrier can make things tricky if you're planning on eating out while you're away so consider taking some translation cards. These small cards have details of your allergy on them and even what to do in an emergency, translated into the language of the country you're visiting. This can be especially helpful in countries where ingredients aren't necessarily listed on the menu.
4. In an Emergency
Before you leave for your trip, make sure that you know the local emergency services numbers and where the local medical facilities are. If you are travelling to a country where English isn't a first language you may want to think about translation cards as above, or a medical alert bracelet.
5. Kids Clubs
If you're travelling with children who have allergies, make sure you let anyone likely to have responsibility for them know what their allergies are, and an outline of their expected form of reaction. It may also be helpful to have a copy of their allergy management plan with them and attach a photo of your child if you can.
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.
