Travel
Having diabetes should not affect you when you travel, as long as you plan ahead:
Insurance
Check you have appropriate insurance. Some travel policies do not cover diabetic emergencies. Your policy must include pre-existing conditions.
Diabetes UK recommend all members of a party travel under the same policy.
Before you leave
- Check if you need vaccinations.
- Always carry indentification and a 'travel letter' from your diabetes team, (if you are on insulin, explaining that you may be carrying needles and insulin).
- Ttake twice the quantity of supplies (tablets, needles, insulin, lancets, blood meter strips etc) and do not forget a safe device for sharps disposal. It is a good idea to split your supplies between two bags. Keep insulin in your hand luggage because in can freeze in the hold of a plane. If you are travelling alone and want to split your supplies, insulin manufacturers suggest you place your insulin in an air tight container, i.e. flask, in the middle of your suitcase.
- For long haul trips, consider time zones. You may want to discuss this with you diabetes team.
- Check your insulin availability: Diabetes UK and your insulin manufacturer will be able to supply information on request.
- Medication for diarrhoea, constipation and treating a temperature.
- Order your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if travelling to a European Union country. This will entitle you have healthcare in Europe. You can collect a pack from your post office.
- Keep your indentification, a copy of your prescription and your travel letter with you, when booking in, for aircraft staff and through customs.
- Pack extra snacks and hypo treatment, in case of delays.
