Quick summary for busy readers
- A peanut allergy doesn't necessarily prevent you from getting travel insurance, but pre-existing allergies may not be automatically covered. Some insurers may assess your condition individually before providing cover.
- Don't assume you're covered. Check the policy wording for terms such as peanut allergy or anaphylaxis, and contact the insurer directly if you're unsure.
- If you don't have a known allergy when you purchase your policy, a first-time allergic reaction overseas may be covered, depending on the policy terms.
- Plan ahead before travelling: speak to your doctor, carry your prescribed medication and adrenaline autoinjector, have an emergency plan and make sure your travel companions know what to do in a reaction.
- Take extra care when flying and eating overseas. Tell your airline about your allergy, carry your own food if needed, check ingredients carefully and learn the local words for peanut and allergy.
- Research your destination and restaurants in advance, particularly where peanuts are commonly used in local cuisine.
- Always carry your medication with you, rather than in checked luggage, and keep it accessible throughout your journey.
When does travel Insurance cover peanut allergies
Whether travel insurance covers a peanut allergy depends on the insurer and your individual circumstances. A known peanut allergy is generally treated as a pre-existing medical condition, so it may not be automatically covered under every policy.
Some insurers may consider cover for allergies or anaphylaxis as part of their pre-existing medical condition assessment. You may need to complete a medical assessment before cover can be granted, and an additional premium may apply.
Don't assume that your allergy is covered simply because the policy mentions “allergies”. Check the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for specific references to allergies or anaphylaxis, and contact the insurer directly if you're unsure whether your peanut allergy is covered.
If you develop an allergic reaction to a food you had no known allergy to when you purchased your policy, you may be covered, depending on the policy's terms and exclusions. This is different from a reaction related to a known pre-existing allergy.
Always confirm your cover with your insurer before you travel.
Tips for travelling with peanut allergies
Having a peanut allergy requires some extra planning when travelling, but taking a few precautions can help you manage the risk while you're away.
-
- See your doctor before you travel. Discuss your destination and travel plans, and ask for advice about managing your allergy while overseas.
- Carry your medication with you. Make sure you have your prescribed adrenaline autoinjector and any other medication you need, and keep it accessible at all times rather than in checked luggage.
- Have an emergency plan. Make sure you know what to do if you experience an allergic reaction and carry relevant emergency contacts and information about your medication with you.
- Tell your airline about your allergy. Contact the airline before travelling to ask about its policies around peanuts and in-flight meals or snacks. Don't rely on the airline being able to guarantee a peanut-free environment.
- Check food carefully. Always ask about ingredients and preparation methods, even if you're familiar with the dish. Cross-contamination can also be a concern.
- Learn the local terminology. Learn the words for peanut, nuts and allergy in the local language, or carry a written translation that you can show restaurant staff.
- Consider bringing your own snacks. Having food you know is safe can be useful, particularly during flights, long journeys or when you're unsure about the food available.
- Make sure your travel companions know about your allergy. They should know how to recognise a reaction and what to do in an emergency.
Flying with a peanut allergy
Flying with a peanut allergy may require some additional preparation, particularly if you have a history of severe reactions. Planning ahead can help you feel more prepared during your journey.
-
- Contact your airline before you travel. Ask about its policies around peanuts, in-flight meals and allergy management. Don't assume the airline can provide a completely peanut-free environment.
- Tell the airline staff about your allergy. Let ground staff and cabin crew know about your allergy when you check in and again when boarding.
- Carry your medication with you. Keep your adrenaline autoinjector and any other medication in your hand luggage and easily accessible throughout the flight.
- Carry supporting documentation. A letter from your doctor explaining your condition and need for medication may be useful when travelling with an adrenaline autoinjector.
- Consider bringing your own food. This can give you greater control over what you eat during the flight, particularly if you're unsure about the ingredients in airline meals or snacks.
- Consider cleaning your immediate seating area. Wiping down your tray table, armrests and surrounding surfaces can help remove food residue left by previous passengers.
Eating out with a peanut allergy
Having a peanut allergy doesn't mean you have to avoid local cuisine, but it's important to take extra care when eating somewhere unfamiliar.
-
- Research dishes before you order. Find out which ingredients are traditionally used and ask restaurant staff about the ingredients and preparation of your meal.
- Be aware of cross-contact. A dish may not contain peanuts as an ingredient but could still have been prepared using shared utensils, cooking surfaces or equipment.
- Learn the local terminology. Learn the words for peanut, nut and allergy in the local language, or carry a written translation to show restaurant staff.
- Use a translation tool if needed. This can help you communicate your allergy and check unfamiliar ingredients when there is a language barrier.
- Choose food and restaurants where you feel confident about the ingredients. If you're unsure whether a meal is safe, it's better to choose an alternative.
- Carry safe snacks. Having food you know you can eat can be particularly useful during long journeys or when suitable options aren't readily available.
- Keep your medication with you. Your adrenaline autoinjector should remain accessible in case of an allergic reaction.
Don't let a peanut allergy stop you travelling
Having a peanut allergy may require some additional planning, but it shouldn't stop you from seeing the world. By preparing ahead, carrying your medication and making sure you understand your travel insurance cover, you can travel with greater confidence.
