Health Insurance for Allergy: What Expats Should Know Before Booking a Procedure
“Allergy” is a broad term covering immune system reactions to substances like foods, medications, insect stings, or environmental triggers. For expats, exposure to unfamiliar allergens in a new country can lead to unexpected medical bills. Understanding how allergy diagnosis and treatment fit into your health insurance is key to avoiding surprises.
Understanding the Costs of Allergy Care
Consultations: Specialist fees vary widely (USD 80–300 per visit).
Testing: Skin prick or patch tests cost USD 50–200; blood testing can exceed USD 250.
Treatment: Antihistamines, corticosteroids, or epinephrine autoinjectors (USD 50–150 per unit).
Follow-up: Regular reviews for chronic allergies.
What Insurance Covers — and What It Often Doesn’t
Typically Covered:
Allergy diagnostics with referral
Prescribed medication
Emergency treatment for severe reactions
Immunotherapy
Typically Not Covered:
Over-the-counter remedies
Alternative allergy therapies unless listed
Air filters, hypoallergenic bedding
Preventive supplements
Navigating Insurance Claims for Allergy Care
Pre-authorisation: Required for high-cost testing or long-term therapies.
Documentation: Referral, test results, and treatment plan.
Claim filing: Direct billing preferred; otherwise submit receipts for reimbursement.
Top Questions to Ask Before Allergy Care
Will testing be classified as outpatient or preventive?
Are autoinjectors reimbursed annually?
Is emergency care abroad included?
Does my plan cover both acute and long-term management?
Tips to Maximise Coverage as an Expat
Carry proof of severe allergies (e.g., an emergency letter) for smooth claims.
Use providers experienced with expat insurance paperwork.
Bundle testing and consultation on the same day to reduce admin fees.
Conclusion
Allergy management for expats isn’t just about comfort — it’s about safety. Knowing your coverage upfront can help prevent both health and financial crises.
BDAE
Expat Infinity
Allergy Coverage
BDAE Expat Infinity covers allergy diagnosis and treatment under Classic and Premium tiers, with outpatient benefits reimbursed at 100% (Classic capped at €15,000 annually). This includes consultations with allergists, diagnostic tests, and prescription medication. Inpatient care for severe allergic reactions is fully covered across all tiers. Preventive testing is excluded except under designated preventive benefits. Ambulance transport and emergency treatment are included. The Basic tier only covers inpatient care for acute allergic complications.
Allianz Care
Expat Protect
Allergy Coverage
Allianz Expat Protect includes coverage for allergy diagnosis and treatment within its outpatient benefits, available when purchased alongside a core plan. This covers consultations with general practitioners and specialists, allergy testing, and prescription medication. Premium Pack offers unlimited outpatient coverage, while Confort covers up to €25,000 per year. Pre-approval is required for certain procedures or treatments marked with benefit codes, with reimbursement reduced to 50–80% if not obtained. Coverage applies only to medically necessary treatment within your area of cover. Direct billing is available for many network providers, and claims can be submitted via the MyHealth app. Over-the-counter drugs are reimbursed up to €50 if prescribed. Allergy immunotherapy is covered when deemed necessary and appropriate.
April International
MyHealth International
Allergy Coverage
April International’s MyHealth International plan covers allergies, including consultations with GPs or specialists, diagnostic tests, and prescribed medications under outpatient benefits (Basic, Essential, Comfort, or Premium). The number of fully reimbursed consultations varies by tier—e.g., Essential includes up to five at 100% before per-visit limits apply. All treatments over €/$2,000 require pre-approval, and a 50% penalty applies if this is not obtained. Reimbursement is up to 100% of actual costs (or 80%/90% if selected) within Reasonable and Customary limits. Direct billing is available for eligible day-care or hospitalisation linked to severe allergic reactions. Coverage includes desensitisation therapy when medically necessary. Members must submit claims with medical certificates when applicable; April’s member portal facilitates tracking and reimbursement.
MSH International
First’Expat+
Coverage for Allergy
MSH International’s First’Expat+ plans offer broad coverage for allergies under their outpatient routine healthcare and diagnostic testing benefits. Medical consultations to diagnose or manage allergies, including skin tests or blood panels, are reimbursed according to the chosen tier, with increasing limits for Sapphire and Diamond plans. Treatments such as antihistamines or immunotherapy injections may also be covered under prescription drugs, subject to medical necessity and plan limits. No specific exclusion is listed for allergy-related care, and no waiting period applies unless the treatment falls under chronic condition management or psychiatry. Pre-authorisation is usually not needed unless the treatment exceeds standard limits or involves a specialist referral. MSH allows claims via reimbursement or direct billing with in-network providers. Members are encouraged to check if specific allergy testing or therapies are within usual, customary, and reasonable cost (UCR) to avoid out-of-pocket expenses.