Travelling with Diabetes

Travelling with diabetes doesn't have to be complicated. With the right preparation and awareness, you can enjoy a smooth and stress-free journey. In this guide, we'll cover tips for flying with diabetes, from managing your blood sugar levels on the go to understanding what precautions to take before you set off.

Whether it's your first time travelling with diabetes or you're a frequent flyer, we're here to help you feel confident every step of the way.

Will I need to declare diabetes as a pre-existing medical condition?

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes will need to be listed as pre-existing conditions when applying for travel insurance as they may require treatment while abroad.

You can declare your condition online by clicking 'yes' when asked if you need to declare any medical conditions. You will then be guided through some further questions about your health. In some cases, you may need to give our team a call, and our friendly experts will be happy to help you.

---

Tips for travelling with diabetes

Planning ahead is a good idea when travelling with diabetes. Here's some things to consider:

Speak to your doctor before you travel

It's a good idea to check in with your doctor before you travel to make sure you have the correct dose of medication and the right equipment. You should also speak to your doctor about travel vaccinations as these can cause side effects in those with diabetes.

Keep insulin cool

Pack some cooling packs to keep your Insulin cool in hot weather. Just make sure these are medically approved otherwise, they may not get through airport security.

Test regularly

Hot weather or high altitude can cause certain medication to absorb more quickly so you should test your blood more regularly than you would at home. Remember to take time zones into account when planning your doses.

Pack extra medication

Medication strengths and needle sizes may vary abroad, so it's always best to take your medicine with you. Diabetes UK recommends you take two to three times the amount that you need, just to be safe. Medication should be carried in your hand luggage and you may prefer to take needles instead of injection pens as the latter can malfunction more easily.

Can You Fly with Diabetes?

If you have type diabetes, you might worry about how it could affect your flight. But with proper preparation, there's no need to stress—diabetes won't keep you grounded. Flight delays and changes to your routine, like extended sitting while waiting, can impact your blood sugar. Here are some tips to consider:

Take snacks with you

Keep a variety of snacks in your hand luggage, just in case you have delays and can't buy food when you need it.

Keep insulin in your hand luggage and not in the hold

Don't put any insulin in checked luggage. The cold temperatures in the hold may alter the effectiveness of the medication or even make it freeze! Air pressure in a plane or at high altitude can also cause air bubbles to form in certain medication, so try pushing the needle's pump to remove any air from the medication before you inject.

Ask your doctor to write you a note confirming that you have diabetes and how you treat it

This includes which brand, strength and how much you use, to help get you through any problems at airport security or if you lose your medicine or equipment.

Contact your airline before travelling

You can contact your airline provider prior to travelling to let them know about your diabetes. You can also request to have your food served first, to avoid waiting a long time.

---

Travel Insurance for Diabetes

Having the right travel insurance is essential when travelling with Diabetes. Here are a few key points to consider:

• Always declare if you have diabetes when taking out travel insurance. Failing to do so could invalidate any claims related to your condition.
• Visit our medical conditions travel insurance page for more information.
• Follow Doctor's Advice: Travelling against your doctor's advice could also invalidate your insurance, so be sure to get their approval before you go.

---

This guide is here to offer helpful tips and general advice, but for tailored guidance specific to your health and travel plans, it's always best to consult your doctor before you go, notify your airline, and plan ahead for any challenges along the way.