Travelling with insulin doesn't have to be stressful. With the right preparation and a few handy tips, you can keep your insulin cool, safe, and secure and enjoy your trip to the fullest. Here's a complete guide to help you manage your diabetes while travelling, whether it's a staycation in the UK, a sunny holiday in Spain, or an overseas adventure.
Related article: Insulin Cooling Pouches for Travel: Why Use one and How to Make the Right Choice!
What to Consider When Travelling with Insulin
If you rely on insulin, travelling requires a little extra planning to make sure your injections stay safe, effective, and compliant with various regulations. Here are a few things to consider when travelling with insulin and diabetes supplies:
· Temperature Control: Insulin must be stored between 2°C and 8°C before opening and below 30°C (sometimes even 25°C) once opened, depending on the brand.
· Secure Storage: Insulin pens and vials are made of thin, fragile glass. They must be transported securely to prevent breakage during travels.
· Backup Supplies: Travelling always include a part of uncertainty and unexpected events. Make sure to bring enough for your trip plus a little extra in case of lost baggage, delayed flights, or any unforseen event.
· Custom and Border Regulations: When travelling internationally, especially outside of Europe, there might be different custom regulations on carrying insulin or syringes.
· Airport Security: While medications like insulin and medical supplies are allowed on board, there are a few rules about how you should carry them to be compliant with airport security screenings (more below).
· Travel Insurance: Before departure, ensure your travel insurance policy covers diabetes-related emergencies, lost insulin, or damaged supplies.
· Hypoglycemia Management: Insulin injections come with their risks of low blood sugar. When travelling and away from home, it's important to always have fast-acting sugar on hand!
Helpful Tips for Diabetic Travellers with Insulin
Now, let's get into our series of 12 practical tips and best practices to make travelling with insulin as smooth and stress-free as possible!
1. Always Pack Your Insulin in Your Hand Luggage
When flying, insulin should always go in your hand luggage rather than checked baggage. This is because the cargo hold can expose your medication to freezing temperatures, which can damage it. Additionally, having your insulin on hand ensures you'll have immediate access during your flight.
Place your insulin and diabetes supplies in a transparent resealable bag to comply with airport security rules for liquids. Inform security staff that you're carrying medical supplies. You can even request a manual check if you're uncomfortable with the insulin passing through the X-ray scanner, although it's fine it it does.
It's also a good practice to pack your insulin supplies in two separate bags. If travelling with a companion, ask if they can carry half of your supplies, helping to prevent baggage loss.
Related article: Air Passengers with Insulin Pumps: Are Airport Scanners and X-ray Security Screenings Safe?
2. Use a Portable Insulin Cooler
Insulin is highly sensitive to temperature and must be kept cool when travelling. Most insulin should be refrigerated before opening and can only stay at room temperature, below 25°C or 30°C for a limited time.
If you're travelling with insulin that needs to stay refrigerated, or if you're travelling during the summer or to hot climate destination, make sure you carry your insulin vials and pens in reliable travel cooling cases. If flying, make sure your insulin cooler is approved for air travel, like the ones from 4AllFamily UK!
Check the local climate before departure!
· In hot climates (e.g., Spain or Italy): Use a cooler to keep insulin safe when travelling outdoors. Avoid leaving insulin in a parked car, as temperatures can soar.
· In cold climates (e.g., winter trips to Scotland): Insulin can freeze if exposed to sub-zero temperatures. Keep it close to your body in an insulated pouch during outdoor activities.
3. Bring a Diabetes Travel Letter
While you do not need any document to fly or travel within the UK with insulin and medications, a doctor's note or a diabetes travel letter can save you time and hassle, especially when passing through airport security or seeking medical attention while away from home. It may also be required when travelling internationally.
The note should explain your medical condition, the need for insulin, and any related supplies you may use like syringes or pumps.
What to Include:
- Your full name and medical condition (Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes).
- Details of the medications and devices you carry, including insulin and needles.
- Emergency contact information for your GP or diabetes specialist.
Related article: International Travels with Insulin: Carrying Insulin on International Flights and Managing Time Zone Changes.
4. Carry Your Insulin Passport
The Insulin Passport is a small but invaluable document issued in the UK. It provides essential information about your insulin, including its type, dosage, and storage requirements. This can be a lifesaver if you need to explain your condition or replace your insulin in another country.
Speak to your GP, practice nurse, pharmacist or Diabetes Center to get an Insulin Passport before your trip. It's free and highly recommended for diabetic travellers. Keep it in your travel wallet along with your passport for easy access.
5. Pack More Insulin Than You'll Need!
Unexpected delays or accidents can always happen when travelling, so it's wise to carry more insulin than you think you'll need. Bring double your usual amount to ensure you're prepared for emergencies!
Packing Tips: Split your insulin between two bags (e.g., your hand luggage and a travel companion's bag). This way, if one bag is lost or stolen, you'll still have a backup. Also bring extra needles, syringes, or pen refills, as these can be hard to source in certain destinations.
Related article: Tips for Packing Your Insulin and Needles for Travel!
6. Use a Dedicated Travel Case for Diabetic Supplies
A dedicated diabetes travel case can keep all your insulin supplies organised and protected during your trip. Search for diabetes carry bags or cases that include secured compartments for insulin pens, vials, and syringes, alcohol swabs and spare needles, and all you need for your insulin pump if you're using one.
Insulin vials are made of glass, making them susceptible to breakage during travel. Silicone vial covers provide a protective layer, reducing the risk of accidents. I highly recommend this diabetes accessory when travelling with insulin vials!
7. Check Your Travel Insurance Covers Diabetes Supplies
Not all travel insurance policies cover pre-existing conditions like diabetes, so it's important to choose one that includes diabetes-related medical emergencies, lost medication, and insulin-related supplies.
Compare policies on UK sites like MoneySuperMarket or GoCompare. Look for travel insurance policies specifically designed for diabetic travellers that include cover for insulin, diabetic supplies, and all types of medical emergencies.
8. Keep Snacks and Glucose Tablets Handy
Travelling can disrupt your usual mealand activity schedule, so having snacks and fast-acting glucose on hand is essential. This is particularly important for flights, where in-flight meals might not be served when expected, for instance.
Pack glucose tablets, fruit juice cartons, or your usual hypo fast-acting snacks. For longer journeys, carry a mix of snacks that are both fast-acting and slow-releasing, such as bananas, granola bars, or nuts.
Related article: 12 Great Diabetic-Friendly Snack Ideas for Travellers!
9. Carry Only the Insulin You Need on Excursion or Day Trips
During day trips or excursions, carry only the amount of insulin you'll need and leave the rest securely stored in a cool place in your accommodation. This minimises the risk and ensures you have a backup supply in case of accidental exposure to heat.
10. Use a Travel Sharps Container for Used Needles and Syringes
Travel-size sharps bins are designed to securely store used needles and syringes until proper disposal. These containers are an essential tool for safe and hygienic travel with insulin injections, reducing the likelihood of accidental injuries.
Lightweight and compact, they fit easily into your bag or suitcase, allowing you to travel safely without compromising on comfort or space.
Avoid disposing of needles in hotel or public rubbish bins, as this is unsafe and may lead to legal complications. Many countries have strict regulations around medical waste disposal, and improper disposal could result in fines or other consequences. Using a sharps container ensures you're complying with local laws and maintaining safety for yourself and others.
If you're flying, bear in mind that used needles must be securely stored. UK airport security guidelines require sharps to be placed in a secure disposal container or another hard, sealed container to meet safety standards.
11. Plan for Time Zone Changes & Insulin Injection Schedule
If you're travelling across time zones, adjusting your insulin injection schedule is crucial to maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Before departure, consult your GP or diabetes specialist to create a plan for adjusting your insulin doses based on the time difference.
During travel, use your watch or phone to keep track of the time at home and in your destination to avoid confusion. Gradually adjust to the local schedule, spacing insulin doses as recommended by your doctor.
12. Inform Travel Companions About Your Insulin Needs
Letting your travel companions know about your diabetes and insulin needs can be helpful in emergencies.
What to Share:
- How to recognise signs of hypoglycaemia and how to help.
- Where you store your supplies, including fast-acting glucose and insulin.
- Insulin storage rules, making sure they know the importance of keeping your insulin cool, especially if they carry some for you in their bags.
- Contact information for your doctor or emergency services.
Whether you're exploring the UK or venturing abroad, insulin doesn't have to hold you back from travelling. By following these tips, you can keep your medication safe, maintain stable blood sugar levels, and fully enjoy your trip!
We'd Love to Hear Your Thoughts!
Are you a frequent traveller with insulin? Do you have any tips or experiences you'd like to share with others? Or maybe you have a question you'd like to ask our community? Don't hesitate to leave us a comment below!
