When you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, travelling can feel a bit of a headache, right? There's just so much to think about: packing your insulin and medications, all your diabetes supplies, getting through airport security screenings or customs checks, sorting out travel insurance, making sure you have snacks on hand...
But one little thing can make travelling with diabetes a bit easier: a diabetes travel letter. You might be wondering, "Wait, do I really need one?" Well, maybe not always, but it can save you a lot of hassle, especially when dealing with airport security.
We're gonna break it all down for you and, bonus, we've got a free template for you to download and take to your doctor to fill out.
Related article: Travelling with diabetes: How to Plan, Pack, and Fly!
When Do You Need a Diabetes Travel Letter?
Alright, so let's talk about when a travel letter for diabetes can come in handy. Is it absolutely required? Not always.
According to the UK Government website itself:
- "You're allowed to carry medicines and medical equipments necessary for your journey in your hand luggage"
and
- "You do not need to show proof if the medication is either in tablet form or liquid in container that's 100 ml or smaller".
In other words, if you're flying from UK airports with less than 100 ml of insulin or other diabetes medication, which is probably the case, you don't need a diabetes travel letter to take your medicine and supplies through airport security screenings.
However, if you're flying with greater quantities, you may be asked to carry a letter from your doctor or a copy of your prescription, proving the medication is prescribed to you.
You can find similar and more detailed information on the CAA website here (UK Civil Aviation Authority).
Now, there are cases when carrying a diabetes travel letter can really help smooth things out at the airport, and these include:
- When Airport Security Goes Overboard: You know how they can be with security-sometimes they're cool, sometimes they're not and act like you're trying to smuggle treasure with your insulin and syringes. Having a diabetes travel letter signed by your doctor can help clear things up.
- Travelling Internationally with Diabetes: If you're flying abroad or crossing international borders, rules can change and depend on your destination country. While most countries are familiar and easy with insulin, diabetes injections like Ozempic, Mounjaro, or Victoza, and diabetic supplies, a travel letter shows you're carrying essential diabetes medication for personal use and not breaking any rules.
Related article: International Travels with Insulin: Carrying Insulin on International Flights and Managing Time Zone Changes.
- In-Flight Needs: Need to bring your own fruit juice and snacks on board for low blood sugar emergencies? Or bring a insulin cooler to keep your insulin cool on the plane? You're allowed to. But a diabetes travel letter where your doctor explains your medical needs can smooth the airport security screenings.
- Unexpected Emergencies: If you end up needing medical help abroad (knock on wood that you won't), a travel letter explains everything in one go.
Additionally, if you're wearing an insulin pump or a CGM like Freestyle Libre, it's advisable to download a Medical Device Awareness Card from the CAA website. While not mandatory, it can make things easier to avoid screening your medical devices and request a manual check instead.
Related article: Air Passengers with Insulin Pumps: Are Airport Scanners and X-ray Security Screenings Safe?
What to Include in a Diabetes Travel Letter?
Great question! A diabetes travel letter is like your doctor giving you a hall pass to carry all the medical supplies you need. Here's what it should cover:
- Your Doctor's Details: Name, address, contact number.
- Your Info: Your full name, date of birth, passport or ID number.
- A Comprehensive List of the Medications and Medical Supplies You Carry: List everything you're taking with you. Insulin pens or vials, syringes, needles, insulin pump supplies, blood glucose meter, medical travel cooler to keep your injections cool -lay it all out so there's no confusion.
- A Note about Insulin Pumps or CGMs: If your insulin pump or CGM can't go through X-ray machines or 360 full body scanners used in security screening, it's a good idea to mention it in your travel letter as well.
- Statement of Medical Necessity for Fast-acting Sugar: Explain the need to carry fast-acting sugar (like glucose tablets, fruit juice, snack bars, etc.) for managing low blood sugar episodes during the flight.
- Extra Notes: Anything else your doctor thinks is relevant for your travel!
Make sure your doctor signs and dates the letter!
Related article: How to Travel With Insulin That Needs Refrigeration or Cooling!
Free Diabetes Travel Letter Template
Here's a free diabetes travel letter sample you can print out and take to your doctor to fill out.
Quick Note: Always take a couple of copies with you and keep a digital version on your phone or email too. Better safe than sorry!
Click on the pictures below to print your Free Diabetes Travel Letter Sample:
We'd Love to Hear Your Thoughts!
Feel free to share your stories about travelling with diabetes, your tips, or any questions you have in the comments below. Let's help each other make every journey a little easier!
