Travel Insurance for Diabetes
Finding the best travel insurance for diabetics can feel a little challenging. But, with a bit of preparation and planning before your trip, it doesn't have to be. Having the right level of cover ensures you're well protected, so you can focus on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about what could go wrong.
Holiday Extras travel insurance policies come with protection for things such as emergency medical care, cancellations and lost baggage. Our bronze, silver and gold cover levels give you the flexibility to choose the protection that suits your trip, so you can travel with confidence.
Can you get travel insurance if you have diabetes?
Yes, you may still be able to get travel insurance with diabetes, however, you must make sure to declare this at the time of buying your policy. If you fail to declare any pre-existing conditions, your policy will be invalid and any claims denied. By declaring your pre-existing medical conditions, you are ensuring you are fully covered for your trip.
How will diabetes affect my travel insurance policy?
Depending on the nature and severity of your diabetes, you will find that the condition may have an impact on your travel insurance policy. You may find that a higher premium will be required than someone travelling without the condition. This is to cover the additional risk of any potential complications resulting from your diabetes whilst you are away.
What are the benefits of buying a Holiday Extras insurance policy?
- Flexible cover levels - Pick from bronze, silver, or gold policies to suit your trip plans and budget, whether you're going all out, or keeping things simple.
- Support for pre-existing conditions - Most medical conditions are considered, with a quick and easy online screening process.
- Medical support abroad, made easy - Every policy includes free access to AnywhereGP, a 24/7 virtual medical support service for non-urgent help while you're away.
- Extra cover, if you want it - Add-ons are available for things like gadget protection and winter sports so you can tailor your policy to your plans.
- Award-winning protection - We've been voted Best Insurance Provider for 16 years in a row.
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How do I declare my condition?
To declare your diabetes, complete our quick online medical screening when you book your travel insurance. We'll ask a few questions about your condition to check if we can offer you cover.
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Tips for travelling with diabetes
Medications may vary abroad, so it's always best to take your medicine with you. Diabetes UK recommends you take two to three times the amount that you usually use, just to be safe. It's a good idea to pack medication in your hand luggage as it's possible for it to freeze in the airplane's hold.
Ask your doctor to write you a note confirming that you have diabetes and how you treat it. This should also include your medication brand, strength and how much you use. This can help get you through any problems at airport security or if you lose your medicine or equipment.
It's worth noting that hot weather can affect how well insulin works. Many healthcare sources suggest keeping insulin cool. This could be in a fridge or temperature-controlled container and checking for any changes in colour or clarity before use.
Do your research. For more information, both Diabetes UK and CDC have comprehensive information on travelling with diabetes. If you would like any more information or assistance about travelling as a diabetic, including the types of medicine and equipment that can be carried in your hand luggage, then have a read of our travelling with diabetes page to find out more.
Looking for information regarding a different condition?
It's important to get the right level of cover for your trip, especially when travelling with pre-existing medical conditions. We believe everyone deserves a hassle-free holiday. That's why we consider most medical conditions.
To find out more, visit our page dedicated to travelling with medical conditions.
Let us answer your questions
Do you have to declare pre-diabetes on travel insurance?
Yes, diabetes is classed as medical condition, so you will need to declare this when purchasing your travel insurance policy. Failure to declare any pre existing conditions will result in your policy being invalid.
Is travel insurance more expensive with diabetes?
Diabetes has the potential to incease the cost of your travel insurance. This is down to the additional risk the insurer has to cover for. The cost of travel insurance can also vary due to things like your age and destination.
Do you need a doctors note to fly with diabetes?
It is reccomended to fly with a letter from your doctor if you have diabtes. For some airlines this may even be a requiremnt, so always check in advance. The doctors note should explain your condition and the medication you need to carry, especially when it comes to any sharp objects like needles.
Do diabetics get priority boarding on planes?
If you have diabetes, many airlines will let you board early so you can store your medical supplies before the cabin fills up. You may need to show your doctor's letter at the gate, and it's a good idea to check with your airline ahead of time.
Can I bring my diabetes medication on a plane?
Yes, you are allowed to bring diabetes medication onto the plane in your hand luggage. To make getting through security easier, you should carry a doctors note explaining why you need the medication. Always consult your doctor and check your airlines guidlines before travelling.
Holiday Extras Travel Insurance is sold and administered by Holiday Extras Cover Limited, registered office address: Ashford Road, Newingreen, Hythe, Kent CT21 4JF.
Holiday Extras Cover Limited is an insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, registration number 828848. You can check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting: http://register.fca.org.uk
Holiday Extras™ is a Trading Name of Holiday Extras Cover Limited. The insurance is underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited. Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is a company incorporated in England and Wales with company number 13436330 and whose registered office address is 1 Fen Court, London, United Kingdom, EC3M 5BN.
Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Firm Reference Number 955859. You can check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting: http://register.fca.org.uk