I carry an epi pen and thank God I've had to use it just once. Fortunately all my allergies are environmental not food, but I too get irritated with people who say suck it up. Asthma and severe allergies such as nuts are considered a disability by federal law. Would a person tell someone in a wheel chair, or a blind person to suck it up? It's because our allergies can't be seen unless they are triggered that people don't think they are real.
I am shocked that your insurance doesn't cover it. Mine is covered by 80%.