Hello, traveller!
Diabetes can sometimes bring extra challenges to your travels-especially when it comes to carrying your insulin.
But there's no need to worry! Whether you're flying to sunny Spain or driving to bustling London city, we're here to support you.
In this guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know about packing your insulin for travel, ensuring it remains safe and effective wherever your adventures may lead!
Related article: Travelling with diabetes: How to Plan, Pack, and Fly!
What to Know Before Travelling with Insulin
As you're likely aware already, insulin is very sensitive to temperatures and must be transported with care. If it gets too warm or freezes, it can quickly lose its potency, leading to uncontrollable blood sugar levels.
That's why the most important thing to consider when packing your insulin for travel is to keep it at the right temperature, from your departure to your arrival and everywhere in between.
But that's not all! Whether you use insulin pens, vials and syringes, or insulin pumps, the containers are fragile and must be protected from drops and impacts during your travels.
And because insulin is a prescription medication, packing insulin for travel also involves complying with regulatory requirements, particularly if you're flying or crossing international borders.
Related article: International Travels with Insulin: Carrying Insulin on International Flights and Managing Time Zone Changes
Before Packing
Before you embark on your journey, a bit of strategic pre-departure planning can make all the difference.
Taking the time to organize and prepare your insulin supplies is more important than you'd think.
Here are a few crucial steps to take before you actually start packing for your next trip:
- Consult with your doctor.Before you set off on your travels, it's always a good idea to have a chat with your GP or diabetes specialist. They can provide personalised guidance, refill your prescriptions, fill out a diabetes travel letter, ensuring you have enough insulin and supplies for the duration of your trip, and provide documentation that could be necessary during your travel.
- Check your insulin supplies. A few days before packing, double-check your stock of insulin, injection and blood glucose monitoring supplies. You'll need enough insulin for the duration of your trip, plus a little extra because we never know what can happen when travelling!
- Plan ahead and gather information.Before your trip, give your airline a heads-up because regulations can vary, and you'll want to smooth out any potential hiccups ahead of time. Also, while insulin is widely recognized and used all over the world, different countries have different rules about medication importation. If you have doubts, a quick check with local authorities or the embassy can help understand what documentation or special permissions might be required to carry your insulin without hassle and prevent customs chaos.
- Check that your travel insurancecovers the loss or deterioration of your insulin during travels. This is a crucial safety net that can save you from unexpected expenses or difficulties while you're away from home.
Tips for Packing your Insulin For Travel
When planning a trip, whether it's by air, boat, train, or road, packing your insulin properly is essential to keep it safe and effective throughout your journey.
Here are some universal tips for packing insulin, applicable to all travel modes:
Use an Insulin Travel Case Cooler
Temperature control is key when travelling with insulin.
Remember that your unopened insulin must be kept refrigerated. However, once opened, your in-use insulin pen or vial can be kept at room temperature but should never be exposed to temperatures above 25°C, sometimes 30°C, depending on the specific brand and type of insulin you use (Lantus, Novolog, Humalog, Levemir, etc.).
If you're travelling during summer or to hot climates, or if you're carrying stocks of unopened insulin, you should always carry your insulin in a cooling case, like the ones from 4AllFamily, now available in the UK too!
Related article: How to Travel With Insulin That Needs Refrigeration or Cooling!
Packing Your Insulin & Supplies
- Keep it accessible. Always pack your insulin and diabetic supplies in easily accessible locations, especially if you'll need an injection during your trip.
- Compact and secure. Consider using a hard-shell case or an insulin vial protector for added protection, especially if your travel itinerary involves multiple stops, outdoor activities, or rugged conditions where bumps or drops are likely.
- Make a checklist. Travelling with insulin involves more than just packing your insulin. Make a comprehensive checklist of all your diabetic supplies, including insulin pens, needles, vials, syringes, blood glucose monitor, test strips, ketone test strips, backup batteries or charging devices, insulin pump supplies, etc.
- Organization is key. Make sure everything is securely packed, well organised, and within easy reach. Use clear, zipped pouches or dedicated compartments within your bag to separate and organize different items. Diabetic travel bags are designed for that purpose and may be a smart investment for frequent travellers.
- Pack your insulin supplies into two separate bags. It's always a good idea to separate your insulin and diabetic supplies into two different bags in case one is lost, stolen, or delayed during your travel. If you're travelling with a companion, ask if they can carry one of the bags. This not only distributes the load but also adds an extra layer of security.
How Much Insulin Can You Travel With?
You are allowed to bring as much insulin as needed for the entire length of your trip. Calculate your daily insulin dosage and factor in extra for delays or emergencies.
Always pack additional supplies in case your journey is extended unexpectedly. A good rule of thumb is to bring at least a week's worth of extra insulin and supplies beyond your planned return date.
If you pack substantial quantities of insulin, you may be required to show documentation at the airport or at border crossing points. This could include a doctor's letter or a copy of your prescription, explaining your personal need for such quantities.
What documentation do you need?
If you're flying with insulin across the UK, you should get a letter from your GP or diabetes specialist to transit smoothly through airport security and customs.
While not always requested at UK airports, the letter should include details about your medication, especially if you carry insulin in containers over 100 mls, as well as any devices and medical supplies that you use. It is also good practice to take a copy of a recent prescription with you.
When travelling abroad with insulin, more documentation may be required. Carry a copy of your medical prescription and a letter from your GP that includes:
- Your medical necessity for carrying insulin and supplies.
- A list of all medical supplies being carried.
- Your contact information and that of your health practitionner.
If travelling to a country where English is not the primary language, consider having your medical documentation translated into the local language to avoid misunderstandings.
Keep all necessary documents in a clear plastic folder in your hand luggage. This makes it easy to present them quickly during security checks or medical emergencies.
Have electronic copies of all your medical documents saved on your phone or in an accessible online storage. This provides a backup in case physical copies are lost or damaged.
Related article: Tips for Travelling with Medication Internationally: Preparation & Documents.
Tips for Packing Insulin and Needles for Air Travel
Packing insulin for air travel requires specific considerations due to airport security screenings and the potential impact of pressure and temperatures on your medical supplies during the flight.
So, here are a few tips for packing your insulin and needles before flying:
Related article: Can Insulin Pumps go Through X-ray & Metal Detectors at the Airport?
Pack Insulin in Your Hand Luggage
Always carry your insulin and all necessary medical supplies in your carry-on luggage. Changes in temperature in the cargo hold can render insulin ineffective, so avoid checked luggage.
Keep your insulin within easy reach, in a bag under the seat in front of you, not in the overhead locker. You might need to administer it or check your blood sugar during the flight.
Check airline policies before departure. Each airline company may have slightly different policies regarding the transportation of medical supplies onboard. It's wise to call ahead and discuss your needs to ensure there are no surprises at the boarding gate.
Related article: How to Take Insulin on a Plane: Airport Regulations & Insulin Coolers.
Before packing insulin and needles for air travel, familiarize yourself with the latest regulations concerning medications and sharps. You can find more information on the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for passengers departing from UK airports.
Pack all used needles in a sharps bin or similar secured container. Declare these items and your insulin at the security checkpoint.
We'd Love to Hear Your Thoughts
We hope this guide helps simplify your travel preparations! Feel free to comment below and share your questions, experiences, or tips for packing insulin for travel!
