Diabetes Travel Insurance

If you are travelling abroad and have Diabetes, you should ensure a Travel Insurance policy before your departure.

To contact us by telephone or email, 0800 043 0020 / 01273 092 757 support@jsinsurance.co.uk

• Summary of Cover
• Medical Questions
• Travel Advice
• Using Insulin Abroad
• Sports and Activities
• Medical Equipment
• Vaccinations
• Useful Websites

*Excess payable does vary depending on the claim benefit.

JS Travel Insurance has partnered with Goodtogoinsurance.com to provide this Travel Insurance that covers Diabetes. Goodtogoinsurance.com is a trading name of Ancile Insurance Group Limited, Registered Address: Kao Hockham Building, Edinburgh Way, Harlow, Essex, CM20 2NQ. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority - No. 471641.

When getting a quote for Travel Insurance with Diabetes, you will be asked several questions to ensure you get the proper selection:

• How old is the person with this condition?
• Do you take insulin for your Diabetes?
• How many hospital admissions have you had for Diabetes in the last year?
• Have you ever been a smoker?
• Have you ever been advised to take Medication for High Blood Pressure?
• Do you have (or have you had) any of the following Medical Conditions? Impairment of kidney function/ Angina and a heart attack / Peripheral vascular disease (causes the poor blood supply to legs)/ Leg or foot ulcers / Retinal (eye) damage / Nerve damage/ Amputation of foot or leg / Liver damage?

• Consult your GP well before travelling as you must be prepared for your holiday.
• Carry a Diabetes ID card or bracelet plus a letter from your GP stating that you have Diabetes, your Medication, and how you take it.
• Remember that different countries use different Diabetes medicines, so it is important not to run out of your supply.
• Discuss with your Doctor how to change your insulin doses as you travel between time zones on a long-haul flight.
• Having all the recommended immunisations for your destination at least four weeks before travelling is also necessary, as they may produce unwelcome side effects.
• Rather than relying on an Airline Diabetic meal, which may be low in carbohydrates, take your snacks such as cereal bars, biscuits, sandwiches and fruit.
• Store your insulin in a cool, dark place like a cool bag. It is essential to keep your insulin cool but not let it freeze, so it is advisable to keep it as hand luggage.
• Travelling with a friend who can help and support you while you are away is a good idea. They should be aware of how they can help you if you become unwell and how to recognise a hypo.
• It is a good idea to split your medical supplies between your hand luggage in case of loss or theft.
• Suppose you become ill whilst away; never stop taking your insulin or tablets and monitor your glucose levels frequently. Do not delay seeking medical advice if it is required.
• It is essential to avoid dehydration and sunburn as this can be dangerous to people with Diabetes.
• Look after yourself whilst away. Wounds take longer to heal if you have Diabetes and are more vulnerable to infection in hot and humid conditions.
• It is advisable not to walk barefoot as diabetics may have reduced sensation in their feet.
• Do not forget to consider the amount of physical activity you do, whether it be more or less than you typically do at home.

• It is essential that, before you go on holiday, you find out the different types and strengths of insulin available to you abroad.
• Check with the Pharmaceutical Company before you leave for your holiday.
• The strength of the insulin used in the UK may differ from that used in the country you are going on holiday. In this case, the appropriate syringe for the strength you are using needs to be acquired.
• Keep your insulin in a cool area and away from direct sunlight.
• Insulin must not be kept in freezing conditions, so keep it in your luggage when travelling on a plane.
• Monitor your glucose levels regularly on holiday, as insulin might be absorbed faster in warm climates. By periodically monitoring glucose, you can safely adjust your dosage accordingly.

Keeping active and exercising will keep your weight down and regulate your Glucose Levels. 

If you have Diabetes 2, it is best to do sports where you are unlikely to fall, for example, Badminton and Gymnastics. 

Water Sports are good as well as the, here is less impact. 

Skiing and Rugby are not recommended sports and activities if you have type 2 diabetes. 

• You should take twice the required amount to ensure enough Medication while away.
• If you are travelling with someone, put half the Medication into their hand luggage so, should one of your bags be lost, you have backup Medication.
• Insulin should be stored in a cool bag.
• You will need equipment to monitor your blood glucose and supplies of lancets, strips and a light meter battery.
• Meters and test strips can be affected by conditions such as heat, humidity and high altitude, so you should be aware of the possibility of false readings.
• Take Ketostix, Hypostop, Glucagon injection and Dextrose tablets if necessary.
• Always carry on you a diabetes identity card or jewellery.
• Carry carbohydrates with you in your hand luggage in case you face delays.
• When carrying needles and syringes, you must take a letter from your GP or Hospital Diabetes Team with a contact telephone number and address for Medication.
• Carry a First Aid box with you.
• Make sure you have recent prescriptions for all your necessary medications.

Always ensure you know which Vaccinations are necessary for the area you want to go on holiday to.

Some Vaccinations can harm patients, causing sickness or flu symptoms, so try to have the vaccinations four to six months before leaving for your trip.

Diabetes Information

Diabetes UK