Travellers risk huge bill over simple mistake

Millions of British holidaymakers have been warned that making one small mistake when buying travel insurance could leave them facing hefty medical bills.

Finding travel insurance is a critical part of planning a holiday, as it provides financial protection should something go wrong when abroad, such as a medical emergency.

However, many travellers are unaware that it is essential to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions when taking out insurance. This includes food allergies, which is estimated to affect around 2.4 million UK adults – six per cent of the population.*

A new survey by travel insurance experts at Tiger.co.uk found that almost half (45%) of holidaymakers did not know that failing to declare a serious food allergy could invalidate their travel insurance.

If a traveller does not disclose their condition and subsequently becomes ill following an allergic reaction, they could find themselves footing a bill for thousands of pounds to cover emergency medical treatment abroad.

Ian Wilson, travel insurance expert and Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk said: “Travel insurance is an important part of booking any holiday, as it can protect you financially from unexpected hospital bills, lost or stolen belongings and trip cancellations.

“What many travellers don’t realise is that when applying for cover, failing to disclose any previous medical issues – including serious food allergies – could completely invalidate your insurance, leaving you liable for emergency expenses such as medical treatment, which could end up costing thousands of pounds.

“Millions of Brits suffer from food allergies, which can make travelling abroad a daunting prospect. However, with proper planning and preparation, there are steps you can take to help reduce the risk of a food related allergic reaction.

“In fact, our recent survey showed that 79% of people with a food allergy said their condition does not put them off travelling. Of those respondents, 69% said they take extra precautions when travelling to help keep them safe.

“We have compiled a list of tips for people travelling with an allergy, from stocking up on allergy medication to being prepared with a translation card, giving you peace of mind so you can relax and enjoy your holiday.”

Top tips for travelling with food allergies:

1. Location location location – It is important that travellers carry out research on their intended destination, as they may wish to avoid certain countries where their allergens are widely used in food preparation. For example, Southeast Asian countries commonly use ingredients which contain peanuts and sesame, while Italian food tends to feature a lot of egg and dairy products.**
2. Communication is key – It is vital for travellers to share information about their allergies with those who will be preparing or serving them food, such as the airline they are travelling with, the hotel they are staying in or any restaurants they dine at. Don’t ever assume food is safe to eat and if in doubt, always ask for clarification about ingredients or preparation methods. 
3. Lost in translation – As travelling abroad means there could be a language barrier, holidaymakers may want to consider carrying translation cards. These contain important messages in the local language to communicate crucial information, such as a list of allergens and what to do in an emergency.
4. Stock up – Make sure to pack plenty of medication, such adrenaline auto-injection pens. These should be taken in hand luggage when flying, as the 100ml liquid rule does not apply to medication in liquid form. Travellers must also carry a signed doctor’s letter confirming that the medication is required to be carried at all times, including during air travel.
5. Expiration dates – Remember to check the expiry date of adrenaline auto-injectors and other allergy medication well before travelling. This will allow time for travellers to obtain a prescription for new medication if necessary.

There are several types of food allergies that can cause immediate and often severe reactions, with the most common including peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, soy, wheat and sesame.***

Allergic reactions can vary in severity, from mild itching and hives to life-threatening anaphylaxis, which can cause swollen airways.

But by planning ahead and communicating clearly, travellers with food allergies can have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Tiger.co.uk can help holidaymakers with food allergies and other pre-existing medical conditions hunt for savings on travel insurance.

References:

*https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/around-2-4-million-uk-adults-estimated-to-have-food-allergies-new-study-finds/#:~:text=A%20major%20study%20by%20the,a%20clinically%20confirmed%20food%20allergy.

**https://www.allergyuk.org/resources/food-allergies-and-travel/

***https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9196-food-allergies

This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.