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Travelling with diabetes

Travelling with diabetes means there are a few more things to think about before you set off. but living with diabetes shouldn't be a barrier to taking trips or holidays at home or abroad..

Plan to take two to three times the amount of insulin or other diabetes medication and equipment you’d normally use.  This will give you peace of mind if you have to stay longer for any reason or if there are disruptions. If you’re travelling abroad, a little extra planning can go a long way to help you relax and enjoy yourself. Don't forget your  doctor's letter  and  travel insurance .  Use our tips below to skip to other information you need.

Organise medication with your healthcare team

• What to pack in your hand luggage .
• Flying with a CGM, insulin pump or Freestyle Libre
• Crossing time zones
• Looking after diabetes in hot climates
• Looking after diabetes in cold climates

Checklist for people travelling with diabetes

Check your airline’s guidelines for people with diabetes.

Contact your airline or other operator or look on their website for their guidelines for people living with diabetes. You may need to complete forms in advance, particularly if you use an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor (CGM). You can also check health information for the country you’re visiting – follow the links on the  Foreign travel advice page on the gov.uk website. 

Get extra supplies of medication, device spares, and backup 

Ask your healthcare team for prescriptions for extra insulin, other diabetes medication, and if you use devices, extra supplies and manual equipment. Flying with an insulin pump, CGM or Freestyle Libre shouldn’t be a problem. But it is sensible to have back up in case of a failure. Expect to take two to three times the amount of medication or supplies you'd usually need. 

Get advice on adjusting insulin on long-haul flights

If you are going on a long-haul flight discuss this with your healthcare team. They will advise on any adjustments to your insulin injections or insulin pump - or medication that may be required if you are crossing time zones .

Request a travel letter about your diabetes  

You should get a letter from your healthcare team stating you have diabetes and that you need to carry medical supplies. This letter is often requested by airlines and other operators and is helpful in the event of an emergency. It is also advisable to take a copy of a recent prescription with you in case you should need to get supplies whilst away.

The letter should include details about your medication, if for any reason you need to carry medication in containers over 100mls, and any devices that you use. 

Download a medical awareness card 

If you use a CGM, insulin pump, or Freestyle Libre, and are flying, download a Medical Device Awareness Card  (PDF, 71KB) from the City Aviation Authority's website to go with your doctor's letter. The card is not essential, but it may make things easier. You show this to airport security officers with your letter, as it sets out the rules on screening if you wear a medical device. 

Check insulin supply in the destination country

Before travelling, find out where you can get supplies of insulin at your destination in case of emergency. Contact your insulin manufacturer before the trip to see if your insulin is supplied in the country you are travelling to. 

Insulin manufacturers - contact details

Managing insulin when crossing time zones.

Long-haul flights east or west involve crossing time zones. And you may need to adjust your insulin. Eastward travel will shorten the day, and generally mean a temporary reduction in insulin doses, whereas westward travel will extend the day, and possibly increase insulin requirements. Speak to your healthcare team for advice about adjusting your insulin doses. Have your flight details to hand including your departure time, the length of the flight, and the local time of arrival.

Time zones and tablets

If you take diabetes tablets, you are unlikely to have any particular problems. Very occasionally, it may be necessary to take extra tablets to cover a longer day. Do discuss this with your diabetes care team beforehand. 

You may, on occasions, need to leave out one dose of tablets on a short day, when you are travelling on a long west to east journey. Speak to your diabetes care team about this well in advance of the trip.

Crossing time zones and using an insulin pump, CGM or Freestyle Libre  

If you are going on a long-haul flight, you may cross different time zones.  When crossing different time zones, you may need to change the time or date on some insulin pumps manually so you get the correct basal insulin dose. Speak with your healthcare provider before you travel to get their advice on which settings to change and when.  If you use an app, the date and time on smartphones should automatically update when travelling across time zones. If you use a Freestyle Libre reader, you will manually need to adjust the time for accurate reports. 

Storing insulin

If you're travelling somewhere hot, remember that heat can damage your insulin and stop it from working properly. Insulin damaged by heat may have a brownish colour, and clear insulin may become cloudy. Do not use insulin that looks like this. 

When travelling with insulin, it is best to keep it cool by storing it in a hotel fridge (if there is one in your room) or in a cool bag (providing it does not freeze). A variety of cool bags and storage containers are available. If using a cool bag that uses plastic ice blocks, make sure that the insulin does not come into contact with the frozen plastic containers.

Get more information on managing diabetes in hot weather .

Storing insulin in cold climates

Insulin can freeze in very extreme temperatures but cannot be used if it has been frozen, so if you are planning to visit the arctic (or somewhere equally cold) make sure you keep insulin at room temperature or even on you in an inside pocket or pouch close to your body, to ensure it doesn’t freeze. 

Get more information on managing diabetes in cold weather.

Get travel insurance

If you have diabetes, travel insurance is important. You want peace of mind that any emergency medical costs for your diabetes or any other medical condition is covered. 

Make sure that any travel insurance covers pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes, as many don’t. It’s also really important you ask if they cover coronavirus in case you need treatment while you’re away.  You can also check health information for the country you’re visiting – see the Foreign travel advice page on the gov.uk website.

UK residents travelling to the EU still have access to emergency and necessary healthcare. (See the guidance on travelling with an existing medical condition if you go to the EU ). However, we still advise that you get travel insurance because free health cover provided by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) doesn’t cover certain things like emergency repatriation (if you need to come home) and not all countries give the same level of cover as the NHS.   

If you have diabetes and planning a trip, we can help you get coronavirus-covered travel insurance with AllClear Insure My Diabetes .

What to pack in your hand luggage

• All diabetes medication 
• Diabetes supplies – including sensors and other device spares
• Diabetes identity card or wrist band
• A letter from your doctor about your diabetes and treatment and if you use an insulin pump, CGM or flash glucose monitor.
• A prescription sheet
• Hypo treatments 
• Extra snacks in case of delays like nuts, fruit or a sandwich.

Split meds between separate bags if you can, for example, if you’re travelling with a partner or friend, in case you lose something. 

"Be prepared. I always travel with a backpack full of snacks, medication and everything I need. I don't rely on airport shops being open or other amenities. And when I'm in the mountains, I always have at least three snacks with me." Read Lee's story .

Can I carry insulin in my hand luggage?

Always carry insulin, other diabetes medication, device spares, hypo treatments and other diabetes supplies in hand luggage. It’s important to keep insulin in hand luggage as being in the hold can damage it as it’s so cold and luggage can be lost. 

Sensors or other device spares must go in hand luggage as they can be damaged by hold luggage X-rays.

Medication restrictions at the airport

Carrying a doctor’s letter from your GP is requested by some airlines and is helpful to show airport security if there is any confusion.  

Current security regulations state that liquid items are only allowed in your hand luggage if they are in containers 100mls or less. There is no restriction on the number of tablets you can take through airport security but they should be mentioned in your doctor’s letter.

Flying with an insulin pump, CGM or Freestyle Libre

It's sensible to look up the manufacturer's advice on flying with your particular device.

Insulin pumps are safe for use during air travel and you can continue to use CGM or flash glucose sensors whilst flying. Connect them to the handset or your phone using Bluetooth. They will still work if your phone is on airplane mode. 

When you buy your ticket, contact your airline or other operator or look on their website for their guidelines for people living with diabetes. You may need to complete forms in advance, particularly if you use an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor (CGM). If you don't do this, in some cases it may cause delay.

If you use a CGM, insulin pump or Freestyle Libre, security staff may ask to see evidence that you need to use one – so you’ll need a letter from your GP or healthcare team to say so.

You can also print off a Medical Device Awareness Card  (PDF, 71KB) from the Civil Aviation Authority website to go with your letter. This sets out screening advice for you (the passenger) and the security officer carrying out the checks.

You should also speak to your diabetes team before you go. They can give your more advice about travelling with diabetes on planes. And should you need to remove your pump for any reason, they can provide you with any extra equipment like insulin pens and help plan your doses throughout your journey.

"Since I've been using the Dexcom CGM I’ve been surfing, I’ve been on solo holidays, I’ve been abroad. I’ve done all the things I wasn’t sure I’d be able to do when I first got diagnosed." Georgia. 

Can CGMs, insulin pumps and Freestyle Libre sensors go through airport security scanners?

Not all diabetes technology can safely go through security checks at airports. It's important to speak with your healthcare team and look up the manufacturer's security scanning advice for your particular device. We have general guidance below.

Guidance on metal detectors and CGMs and pumps

Most types of CGM/Freestyle Libre sensors and insulin pumps can be taken through the metal detector arches that you walk through. 

X-ray luggage scanners, body scanners and CGMS and pumps 

Most types of CGM/Freestyle Libre sensors and insulin pumps - and any spare devices or sensors - should not be exposed to x-ray luggage scanners, hold luggage scanners or full body scanners.  If you don’t want to remove your CGM/sensor/insulin pump to go through a full body scanner, ask for a “pat down” instead.  

You should never be asked to remove a medical device from your body for screening. And you should be offered alternative methods of screening.

Carrying a Medical Device awareness card  (PDF, 71KB) along with your GP’s letter reminds you and the security staff of the screening advice for medical devices.

What to eat on the plane

Airlines can provide information on the times of most meals so you can plan your insulin. It is best to order the standard meal, though this may not supply you with enough carbohydrates if you are on insulin or certain diabetes tablets. Cabin crew are usually able to provide fruit, crackers or rolls. On long flights, you may need snacks in between meals and at bedtime to prevent blood sugar levels going too low. If you use insulin, monitor your blood sugar levels frequently and be prepared to make changes to your dosage.

Looking after diabetes in hot climates

In hot countries, the biggest health threat is the sun, so keep covered.

Wear clothes that cover and protect your skin and make sure you wear high factor sunscreen. People often miss the backs of their hands and necks, so make sure you keep these covered and protected with sunscreen.

Sunglasses should also have a UV400 label to make sure they protect your eyes. 

Take particular care of your feet if you have neuropathy  which is numbness 
in your feet. This can mean you’re not aware skin is burning so protect them from the sun with socks or sunscreen. Make sure you wear well-fitting sandals on the beach, so they don’t burn on the hot sand.

Sunbathing and blood sugar levels

Sunbathing on the beach can make your blood sugar levels higher than normal because you're not being very active.

Your insulin may be absorbed more quickly from the injection site in hot weather too, and this increases the risk of hypos. You’ll need to monitor your levels more often and be ready to adjust your diet or insulin dose. 

Be careful of misleading test results because the extremes of temperature may affect the accuracy of your blood glucose meter.

Find out more about diabetes and hot weather .

Looking after diabetes in cold weather and climates

In cold weather, your insulin may be absorbed more slowly at first, but can then be absorbed suddenly when you warm up later in the day. This can cause you to have a hypo. If your body also uses up more energy staying warm, for example shivering, this can lead to hypos too. So it can be useful to wear layers in colder climates which will both help to keep you warm and allow you to remove clothing if you need to as you warm up.  Hypos are more dangerous in cold conditions. This is because they interfere with your body’s attempts to stay warm and increase the risk of hypothermia. So you may need to monitor your levels more often and be ready to adjust your diet or insulin dose if needed.  Guarding against hypos is really important so remember your meter may not be accurate in cold conditions. If you are heading somewhere with extreme cold weather check the meter instructions for temperatures it will be accurate at and keep it wherever possible at room temperature.  If you suffer from poor circulation or have neuropathy, it's particularly important to prevent frostbite, because the numbness in your feet can mean you don't feel the cold. Make sure you check your feet regularly in cold countries and take plenty of layers including spare socks.

Find out more about  storing insulin .

Keeping to your diabetes routines when you're away

It’s important to remember your routines for managing diabetes when you’re abroad. Your job isn’t to avoid trying new things or enjoying yourself. It’s just to be aware that eating different foods, becoming more or less active or drinking alcohol can all make a difference to your blood sugar levels. So check regularly and keep yourself safe. 

“As well as a letter from my GP, my phone comes with a health app that I’ve put information about my diabetes and medication in. In an emergency, people can access this without having to unlock my phone.” Lucy.

If you have a tummy bug or you find yourself unable to eat or drink, follow your sick day rules. If you develop covid symptoms while abroad or during travel, you must review the local regulations and follow local public health guidance if available.  If the worst comes to the worst and you find you need to go to the hospital while away, don't be alarmed if your blood sugar levels are described differently. Some countries measure blood sugar in milligrams per decileter instead of millimoles per litre - take a look at our blood glucose conversion chart below. 

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You are here: Home > Your Diabetes > Guide to Your Diabetes > Diabetes and Travel

• Diabetes and Travel

Planning to travel?

This information covers your journey, time zone changes, while you are away, travelling with an insulin pump or a continuous glucose monitoring system and also includes Frequently Asked Questions.

Travel Advice:

• Make sure your travel insurance covers your diabetes and list any medications you may be on.
• Do you need a European Health Insurance Card?
• Find out if vaccinations are recommended for your area of travel 
• If you are on insulin or injectable therapies contact the Diabetes Centre (01904 726510) or your GP for a travel letter prior to your journey. This states that you need to carry needles, insulin and hypo treatment in your hand luggage.
• Take identification in the form of an insulin passport or medi-alert.
• Check the availability of medications, especially insulin, in your country of travel. Some may have different names.
• Take the contact number for the Diabetes Centre (01904 726510
• Take extra supplies of medications, needles, testing strips, lancets etc. and a spare blood glucose meter (if possible). Some countries may measure blood glucose levels differently- mg/dl rather than mmol/l - so be careful.
• Take illness management advice and ketone testing equipment (if appropriate)
• Consider purchasing a cool bag, such as a FRIO bag, for injectable therapy if you are travelling somewhere hot. 
• Seek advice from your GP or the Diabetes Centre, as necessary, prior to travel.

The Journey:

• If you have a travel partner split supplies between your hand luggage in case your bags are lost/stolen.
• Always carry insulin and/or other injectable therapies in your hand luggage as they may freeze in the hold.
• Place pen devices, lancets, test strips and needles in a transparent plastic bag in your hand luggage. Keep your travel letter with this.
• If you are on any treatment that may cause hypoglycaemia carry glucose with you. Jelly babies or glucose tablets are ideal as fluids such as Lucozade and Coke maybe taken off you. Always carry some starchy food such as biscuits as follow up treatment and in case of delays.
• If you are travelling alone consider informing the in-flight team of your diabetes, especially if you are at risk of hypoglycaemia.
• You do not need to order a 'diabetic meal' on the plane.

Time Zone Changes :

• If you are on insulin you may need to adjust the timing of your injections.
• If the time difference is less than 4 hours then just continue your injections at your usual times
• If the difference is greater than 4 hours you will need to adjust the timing of your injections.

While you are away :

• Keep monitoring. Blood glucose levels maybe significantly different due to temperature, food and activity levels.
• Be careful of hot sand or hot tiles especially if you have nerve damage.
• Wear sandals or swim shoes- small cuts can easily become infected and cause blood glucose levels to rise.
• If you are on any treatment that may cause hypoglycaemia be aware that alcohol may increase this risk. Have a starchy snack before bed and do not give any extra insulin to cover for alcohol.
• A travel guide can give you an idea of the kinds of food available locally. It is a good idea to have a knowledge of local carbohydrates. 'Carbs and Cals' do an American and Portuguese edition. They also have an app for smart phones.

Pumps and CGMS :

• If you have an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) you should contact your airline a couple of weeks before you travel. Failure to notify the airline of medical devices in advance, can potential result in you being unable to take your pump or CGMS on board.
• There is caution about pumps and CGMS that operate wirelessly. You may need to be prepared to remove these and administer insulin with a pen during the flight.
• There is some difference in advice from manufacturers as to whether insulin pumps can go through x-ray machines and full body scanners. It is best to check with your pump manufacturer prior to travel.
• Take insulin pens with you in case of any problems with your pump.
• Where can I find out if I need travel vaccines?

Websites such as www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk   can help you with this information. Alternatively seek advice from your Practice Nurse.

• Where can I find more information about adjusting my insulin for different time zones?

www.voyagemd.com is a useful resource. You can also see the Diabetes Specialist Nurses or your Practice Nurse for further advice.

• How do FRIO bags work and where can I buy one?

FRIO bags are activated by cold water and keep insulin cool for up to 45 hours. They can be purchased from www.friouk.com and come in a variety of sizes.

• Can people with diabetes wear flight socks?

Often packaging states not suitable for those with diabetes. If you have problems with your circulation or have any ulcers/wounds on your legs or feet please seek advice prior to using them. If you have no circulatory problems and your legs and feet are generally healthy, using flights socks is unlikely to do any harm.

• How can I find out if my brand of insulin is available in my destination?

Contacting the insulin manufacturer is the best way to obtain this information.

• Eli Lilly & Company, tel: 01256 315000
• Novo Nordisk Ltd, tel: 0845 6005055
• Sanofi-Aventis, tel: 01483 505515
• Wockhardt UK Ltd, tel: 01978 661261

In this section

• Insulin Titration
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Detachable dividers keep supplies organized and accessible while traveling.

The EuGo features Velcro, padded dividers allowing you to customize the case to fit anything and everything you may need on the go, because everyone has different needs while traveling. 

Shoulder and luggage handle strap for easy handling.

The Eugo comes with a detachable shoulder strap and a specialized luggage handle that slips over the handle of your rolling luggage. 

Insulated Compartments

The entire inside of the Eugo case is insulated to keep all of your diabetes supplies safe from the heat. Slide an icepack into the top pocket to keep your insulin cool even on the hottest days. 

Durable Design

Unlike many diabetes travel cases on the market, Eugo is built to last. Designed with everyday use in mind, your Eugo will hold up to the rigors of travel and the daily life of a diabetic. 

See How Eugo Users Are Packing Their Diabetes Travel Cases

Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes, the Eugo will make traveling with your essentials a snap!

The bag comes perfectly sectioned and insulated for travelling that you can customize however you want! I really like the strap that attaches the bag on to the handle of a suitcase which makes it easy to take through the airport as an extra medical bag. Must have for diabetics!

Verified Customer

Read More Testimonials

Sakura Diabetes Travel Case

Puppy Love Diabetes Travel Case

Paris in Pink Diabetes Travel Case

Panda-monium Diabetes Travel Case

Classic Black and Teal Diabetes Travel Case

Classic gray and black, sports blue, classic red and black.

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With 415 million people living with diabetes worldwide, we often still feel alone and unprepared. With diabetes bags made for organization and a community of people who are just like you, Myabetic will help you feel connected and prepared for every day with diabetes.

— Travel with Diabetes

Jet-setting with diabetes has never been so easy. Say goodbye to traveling woes using diabetes products that keep you organized and prepared. When you’re on the go, these diabetes products are here to help.  

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Travel with ease and peace of mind! Safeguard your diabetes supplies with our assortment of lightweight, purpose-built diabetes travel bags. If the need arises to keep your medications cool, explore our range of insulated diabetic travel cases. Moreover, embark on your next journey in style with a selection of vibrant prints and solid colors to choose from. We understand that traveling with diabetes can present unique challenges. To make your travel experience more manageable, Sugar Medical offers a variety of diabetes travel bags, meticulously crafted with frequent travelers in mind. These diabetes supply bags seamlessly merge functionality, convenience, and style, catering to travelers of all ages. They provide a hassle-free way to carry all your essential diabetes supplies, ensuring you can effectively monitor and manage your diabetes while on the go.

Our diabetes bags encompass an array of designs, including insulated travel bags, diabetes organizers, and insulated sling backpacks, each offering distinct features and versatility. Whether you're packing for a short-day trip, a lengthy business excursion, or a leisurely vacation, these diabetes carrying cases are tailor-made for all types of travel. Due to their popularity, we're continually expanding our range with more colors, prints, and functional designs, ensuring you have the perfect companion for your diabetes management needs on the road.

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Travel bag cooling question

• Thread starter Thread starter Finwiz
• Start date Start date Mar 18, 2024

Well-Known Member

• Mar 18, 2024

Wanted to purchase a small bag for normal UK / foreign travel. I see a few cooling bags on Amazon. My understanding is that the insulin pen should be kept at room temperature. So, using the cool ice packs; does it not place the pens below the room temperature? I was also thinking of using a travel bag for a long evening out as well.  

If you’re just going to be away for a short time, you can keep your insulin at room temperature. If you’re going away for a longer time, then I recommend a Frio pouch not ice packs as they can damage the insulin @Finwiz  

I second @Inka 's choice of Frio packs to keep insulin cool. I have taken mine around the world including camping in India, Venezuela and the Moroccan desert as well as a very basic "hotel" in Ghana where there was no sign of a fridge. My insulin has been fine for all of my trips up to 3 weeks long. The advantage of Frio is that they take up little room and just need water to keep the insulin cool as they work by evaporation.  

Plus if you’re going to a hot country room temperature is a bit more than what our pens are used to in the UK. Too hot and your insulin may deteriorate, like wise too cold too. A Frio is my go to also.  

• Mar 19, 2024

Just a thought. If I go away for say 3 weeks. If I take a spare pen (at home these spare ones are in the fridge) in a Frio pouch, it will remain cool BUT not at fridge temperature. So, what is the life of this extra pen I take - is it 28 days from when I put it in Frio? If my current pen in the Frio has, say, 2 weeks left, I might have to throw the spare when it reaches 28 days although it may still have insulin in it.  

Bruce Stephens

Finwiz said: So, what is the life of this extra pen I take - is it 28 days from when I put it in Frio? Click to expand...

Finwiz said: Just a thought. If I go away for say 3 weeks. If I take a spare pen (at home these spare ones are in the fridge) in a Frio pouch, it will remain cool BUT not at fridge temperature. So, what is the life of this extra pen I take - is it 28 days from when I put it in Frio? If my current pen in the Frio has, say, 2 weeks left, I might have to throw the spare when it reaches 28 days although it may still have insulin in it. Click to expand...

• Mar 20, 2024

helli said: I second @Inka 's choice of Frio packs to keep insulin cool. I have taken mine around the world including camping in India, Venezuela and the Moroccan desert as well as a very basic "hotel" in Ghana where there was no sign of a fridge. My insulin has been fine for all of my trips up to 3 weeks long. The advantage of Frio is that they take up little room and just need water to keep the insulin cool as they work by evaporation. Click to expand...

Finwiz said: Received the Frio case today. I guess whilst on day trip(s) in UK I can use the outer cover to carry the pen and needles. Very well made. Click to expand...

• Mar 21, 2024

I lost my outer case and used just the inner when we were in Tenerife last summer. I did use the fridge in the room for the spares. Another benefit of pumping is now I only need that small bottle for backup spare in my bag. Also needed it in Devon last May when camping, as it was so warm. You think you won’t need it much in the uk but it can be helpful  

One further question. If I take a spare pen out of my Fridge and use Frio wallet to take it to a warm country (warmer than fridge temprature), can I then put it in a fridge? i.e. can a pen taken out of fridge be put back into a fridge?  

everydayupsanddowns

Administrator.

Finwiz said: One further question. If I take a spare pen out of my Fridge and use Frio wallet to take it to a warm country (warmer than fridge temprature), can I then put it in a fridge? i.e. can a pen taken out of fridge be put back into a fridge? Click to expand...

everydayupsanddowns said: I have no idea if it actually works like that Click to expand...

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© 2024. Diabetes UK. Diabetes UK Services Limited, a limited company registered in England and Wales under no.891004 with registered office at Wells Lawrence House, 126 Back Church Lane, London, E1 1FH for The British Diabetic Association (operating as Diabetes UK) a charity registered in England & Wales (no. 215199) and in Scotland (no. SC039136).