Quick summary for busy readers:
Anaphylaxis doesn't automatically prevent you from getting travel insurance: Many travellers with a history of anaphylaxis can still obtain cover, although you may need to declare your condition depending on the insurer.
Always carry your medication: If you're at risk of anaphylaxis, travel with your prescribed adrenaline auto-injectors (such as an EpiPen®) in your carry-on luggage and ensure you have enough medication for your trip.
Take steps to reduce your risk: Research local food labelling laws, learn key allergy phrases in the local language, and tell airlines, accommodation providers or tour operators about your allergy where appropriate.
Check your policy before you travel: Cover for anaphylaxis and related medical conditions varies between insurers, so read your PDS and disclose your condition if required to ensure you understand what's covered.
If you have a history of anaphylaxis, finding the right travel insurance may require a little more research. As a pre-existing medical condition, cover varies between insurers, and some may require a medical assessment before deciding whether cover can be provided.
Does travel insurance cover anaphalaxis?
Whether anaphylaxis is covered depends on the insurer and your individual circumstances. Because anaphylaxis is generally considered a pre-existing medical condition, you may be required to disclose it and complete a medical assessment before cover can be provided.
Some insurers automatically cover certain allergies if they meet specific eligibility criteria. However, because anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction, it is often assessed separately and may not be automatically covered.
Because cover for anaphylaxis varies between insurers, don't assume you're covered simply because your policy refers to "allergies". Always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) carefully and contact your insurer if you're unsure whether your condition is covered.
If cover is available, an additional premium may apply. If your condition isn't covered, you may still be able to purchase travel insurance, but claims arising from, related to or exacerbated by your anaphylaxis are generally not covered unless your insurer has agreed to provide cover.
Always check your insurer's Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or contact them directly before purchasing a policy to understand what cover is available for your circumstances.
Tips for travelling with anaphylaxis
- Have a check-up with your doctor before you go so they can give you advice about travel; for example, ask about emergency plans in case of a severe reaction.
- Speak to your doctor before you travel. Visit your doctor before you leave to discuss your travel plans and ensure your condition is well managed. Ask about an emergency action plan and any precautions you should take while overseas.
- Carry enough medication Pack enough medication for your entire trip, including your adrenaline auto-injector (such as an EpiPen®), and carry it in your hand luggage in its original packaging. It's also a good idea to take spare medication in case of delays or lost luggage.
- Bring a doctor's letter Take a letter from your doctor outlining your condition, prescribed medication and emergency treatment. This may be helpful if you need medical assistance or when travelling with medication.
- Check your adrenaline auto-injector Before you travel, make sure your adrenaline auto-injector is within its expiry date and that you and your travelling companions know how to use it.
- Tell your airline and accommodation provider If you have a severe food allergy, notify your airline before you travel and, where appropriate, advise your accommodation or tour operator. They may be able to accommodate your dietary requirements.
- Avoid known allergens Research local food labelling practices before you travel and always check that food doesn't contain ingredients you're allergic to. If you're travelling to a country where you don't speak the language, consider carrying an allergy translation card.
- Have an emergency plan Know what to do if you experience a severe allergic reaction. Keep emergency contact details with you, know how to access local emergency services, and ensure your travelling companions understand how to recognise the signs of anaphylaxis and administer your adrenaline auto-injector if needed.
You may still be covered for other insured events
Even if your anaphylaxis isn't covered, travel insurance may still provide valuable protection for other unexpected events during your trip, depending on your policy.
Lost or stolen luggage: Travel insurance may provide cover if your luggage or personal belongings are lost, stolen or accidentally damaged during your trip, subject to your policy's terms, conditions and benefit limits.
Cancellations and emergencies: Depending on your policy, you may be covered for eligible trip cancellations, delays or interruptions caused by unforeseen events that are unrelated to your anaphylaxis. Purchasing travel insurance soon after booking your trip may also provide cancellation benefits before you depart.
Rental car excess: If you're hiring a car during your trip, many comprehensive travel insurance policies include cover for rental vehicle excess, subject to the terms, conditions and limits of your policy.
Personal liability: Many comprehensive travel insurance policies include personal liability cover if you accidentally cause injury to another person or damage to their property while travelling. Cover limits, exclusions and conditions vary between insurers, so always check your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).
What's Next?
Remember you can still buy normal travel insurance with pre-existing conditions - not having cover for your condition simply means you may be out of pocket for any claims related to, exacerbated by, or arising from that pre-existing medical condition without prior approval
Before purchasing a policy, compare travel insurance policies, and read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand what is and isn't covered. If you have a history of anaphylaxis, disclose your condition when required and contact your insurer if you're unsure how it may affect your cover.
Taking the time to understand your policy and prepare for your trip can help you travel with greater confidence.
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