Support

Support for coeliac disease: what actually exists

8 September 2026

Support for people with coeliac disease depends on where you live. These schemes and standards are published by governments and coeliac societies.

Money and prescriptions

Canada: tax relief. The Canada Revenue Agency lets people with coeliac disease claim the extra cost of gluten-free products as a medical expense. That is the price difference compared with the regular product. You need a letter from a medical practitioner and your receipts.
Netherlands: a fixed tax deduction. For 2026, a gluten-free diet prescribed by a doctor or dietitian allows a fixed deduction of €900 as specific care costs. With a lactose-free diet as well, it is €1,100.
Scotland: food on prescription. The NHS Gluten-free Food Service gives gluten-free staple foods free of charge through community pharmacies, to people registered with a GP in Scotland.
New Zealand: a part-subsidy. Pharmac part-funds some gluten-free foods, such as flour, bread mix and baking mix, on prescription. Coeliac New Zealand notes that pharmacy and consultation charges vary, so it is worth comparing the cost.
Argentina: monthly coverage. By law, health insurers must cover diagnosis and follow-up, and pay a monthly amount towards gluten-free flours, premixes and foods. The amount is updated every six months.

Crossed Grain. National coeliac societies license the AOECS trademark. Products must contain no more than 20 mg/kg of gluten, and the production site is audited every year.
Australia: no detectable gluten. A "gluten free" claim in Australia means no detectable gluten. The Coeliac Australia Endorsement logo is licensed for 12 months, based on lab results the manufacturer submits.
GFCO. The Gluten Intolerance Group's mark requires 10 ppm or less, with audited facilities and ongoing product testing.

Restaurants checked by a coeliac society. Coeliac UK accredits venues that follow its procedures. Coeliac New Zealand's Dining Out Programme trains staff, requires an independent gluten-free audit and an annual licence, and lists accredited venues in its Dining Out Guide.

On the site:

Trento: GlutenFreeWorld is a dedicated gluten-free supermarket. See Trento supermarkets.
Seoul: 6 Day Chicken is a gluten-free fried chicken shop. See Seoul restaurants.
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica: Hotel Parador has a labelled gluten-free breakfast table. See Manuel Antonio hotels.
Whistler: coeliac diners report a marked gluten-free menu and a dedicated fryer at La Cantina. See Whistler restaurants.