Travelling with type 1 diabetes

Preparing to travel

Work out what supplies you need

Before you travel, work out how much insulin, continuous glucose monitor (CGM) sensors, hypo treatments, injection pens, needles and set change equipment you’ll need. Pack at least twice as much as you expect to use.

If you use an insulin pump (standalone or as part of a hybrid closed loop (HCL) system), take insulin pens and insulin cartridges in case your pump fails and a back-up way to check your glucose levels (blood glucose testing kit).

It is a good idea to take your CGM and insulin pump/HCL manufacturer’s contact numbers for the countries you are visiting, too.

If possible, divide supplies between bags just in case one is stolen or lost.

Keeping insulin cool

If you’re going to use a cooling pack to keep spare insulin cool in hot weather, ensure that you buy medically approved cooling packs or they may not be allowed through airport security.

Prepare for varying insulin requirements

Your insulin requirements may vary due to hot or cold weather, changes in your activity and stress levels, and unfamiliar foods. 

It may be helpful to think about how you will manage your glucose levels around exercise and physical activity while you are on holiday. 

Insulin absorption can vary in both hot and cold climates so speak to your diabetes team about advice for managing your blood glucose levels when travelling.

Managing insulin across time zones

Talk to your Diabetes Healthcare Team before you leave for your trip to get their advice on how to manage your T1D, particularly if travelling across time zones. 

Food and travel  

When you’re travelling, make sure you take snacks with you that you can access easily – don’t rely on having to find somewhere in case you need to eat quickly or treat a hypo. 

Be aware that food may have a different carbohydrate content than expected or take longer to arrive. Speak to your diabetes care team for advice about pre-bolusing safely. 

Get information about where you’re going 

Make sure you check the UK government website for health information at your destination. 

It’s a good idea to check where the nearest pharmacy or hospital is in your destination(s) so that you can get there quickly in an emergency.

Make sure you’ve got the documents you need

Do I need a medical letter to take diabetes supplies abroad? 

You will need to take a medical letter with you to prove that you have T1D and need to carry medical supplies, especially when you go through any security checkpoints. Your GP or Diabetes Healthcare Team can provide you with this.  

Your diabetes medical letter should list the treatments and devices you use. It can also help to take a copy of your latest repeat prescription with you, in case you need emergency supplies while you’re away. Carrying a diabetes ID card or wearing a medical alert bracelet is also recommended. 

Medical Device Awareness Card

Showing the border security your Medical Device Awareness (MDA) Card before you go through the security checks shows them that you are carrying or wearing T1D equipment that should not be scanned. You should then be offered an alternative screening method.

You can print this card off, or if you don’t have a printer, you can email Rachel Crawford at rachel@mdacard.com to arrange to have one sent to you. 

Learn more about Rachel’s campaign.

Hidden disability (Sunflower) lanyard

Many airports and international train stations provide a hidden disability (Sunflower) lanyard for people travelling with medical conditions, including T1D. Wearing a lanyard at an airport is a simple way to signal that you may need extra support, even if your condition isn’t visible. For example, the lanyard can make Security staff aware that you may need some extra time to show them your MDA card, or require alternative security checks for your diabetes devices. Some airports and train stations ask people to ‘check-in’ with their travel assistance service if they will be wearing a lanyard, to ensure they have sufficient staff on hand in case they are needed. 

Get more information about taking T1D tech through airport security. 

T1D and travel insurance 

Travel insurance is available for people with T1D, although it may be more expensive. You can usually find insurance to cover things like medical expenses and loss of insulin and devices (find out more about insuring type 1 technology). 

When buying insurance, you will need to give details about how your T1D has impacted you, for example, if you’ve had any hospital stays within a certain period of time and details of any T1D complications.

The Global Health Insurance Card 

If you’re travelling to most European countries carrying a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) will entitle you to low cost or free medical care. Formally known as a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you can find out more and the list of countries covered on the government website. 

T1D tech and swimming

If using a CGM, remember your CGM will be less accurate when glucose is falling rapidly. Bluetooth connections don’t work in water, so if you are swimming or snorkeling, plan opportunities for your sensor and reader to reconnect so you can get some readings from time to time.  

If you use an insulin pump, check the user guide or manufacturer’s website to understand the device’s water-resistance rating and any recommendations for use in and around water. 

Speak to your diabetes healthcare team about managing your T1D when swimming or snorkeling, especially for extended periods of time.  

Long-term travel 

If you’re travelling over a period of weeks or months, you can still follow the guidance on this page. Ask your Diabetes Healthcare Team and GP to prescribe enough supplies to cover the length of your trip (up to six months). 

It may seem like a lot to pack in your suitcase, but it will prevent you having to spend time looking for places to get supplies when you’re away. 

Insulin is available almost everywhere, but it’s a good idea to check if your insulin is available and affordable in the country you’re travelling to. You can do this by checking the manufacturer’s website. Sometimes brand names are different in each country, so make sure you know what yours is before you go. 

If you need to get your supplies abroad, check with the terms of your travel insurance to find out if this is covered.