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Travelling abroad as a Diabetic

Will flying affect my diabetes?

You might be concerned, wondering how type 1 diabetes can affect your flying but if you prepare in advance there will be no need to worry - diabetes will not keep you grounded. Flight delays and the changes to your normal routine (like sitting whilst waiting for a plane) can have an affect on your blood sugar so ensure you test regularly and remember to keep snacks handy.

How much medication for diabetes will I need to pack?

The NHS advise that when you are travelling abroad with diabetes you pack 3 times as much insulin, test strips, lancets, needles and glucose tablets as you would expect to need just to ensure your safety for your time away (you never know if your flight could be delayed and taking extra is always a good precaution).

If you would like advice about taking medication abroad in general, including the types of medicine and equipment that can be carried in your hand luggage, then have a read of our travelling with medication page to find out more.

Handy holiday tips travelling with diabetes:

  • Take snacks with you
  • Pack 3 times as much medicine and equipment as you would normally need
  • Take a cool bag to stop your insulin getting too hot
  • Remember a letter from your GP
  • Be prepared to test more whilst you're away - hot and cold weather can affect your blood glucose levels
  • Speak to your GP about the right dosage for your trip

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 by visiting the Financial Services Register

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 10 Fenchurch Avenue, 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 by visiting the Financial Services Register