Insurance

When you contact insurance companies, you should make the following points clear:

• Coeliac diseaseA condition where a person is unable to eat gluten as it makes their body attack itself. is caused by an intoleranceFood intolerance is generally not life threatening but affects digestion, including symptoms of digestive discomfort, diarrhoea and bloating. Coeliac disease is not an intolerance to gluten. to glutenA protein that is found in the cereals wheat, barley and rye. in products containing wheat, barley and rye.
• It is treated by keeping to a life long gluten-freeWhen a food has less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten so it is safe for people with coeliac disease to eat. diet and does not require any medication.
• Once following the gluten-free diet, the individual returns to full health.
• If gluten is eaten accidentally, some symptoms may occur, but they are temporary and extremely unlikely to require any medical attention or hospitalisation.
• Anaphylactic shock is not associated with coeliac disease.

You can check out insurance companies’ websites who offer specific packages for those who have coeliac disease, but also shop around. Your present insurance company should be able to help you with a sensible quote.

European health insurance card

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to free, or reduced-cost, medical treatment if you become ill or have an accident, while you're visiting Europe. It replaces the E111 form. More information about this can be found on the NHSNational Health Service choices website

Independent financial advice

You can find an independent financial adviser from IFA Promotions on 0800 085 3250 or contact IFA Promotions.