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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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© The British Diabetic Association operating as Diabetes UK, a   charity registered in England and Wales (no. 215199) and in Scotland (no. SC039136). A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with (no.00339181) and registered office at Wells Lawrence House, 126 Back Church Lane London E1 1FH

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Flying with diabetes

When travelling with diabetes type 1 or 2, it's important that you’re fully covered. We have over 20 years experience offering 5-star independently rated medical travel insurance. AllClear can cover your diabetes today!

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Flying with diabetes: everything you need to know.

If you have diabetes, managing your condition while on holiday is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Travelling can present unique challenges, such as changes in time zones and disruptions to daily routines. You’ll also need to manage blood sugar levels while on the go.

Before leaving for your trip, you should take the necessary precautions to ensure you’re prepared for your flight. You should pack enough supplies and medication to last for the entire trip. It’s a good idea to bring extra in case of unexpected delays or lost baggage. Packing these in a carry-on bag makes them accessible during the flight. You will also need to make sure you have all the relevant paperwork.

Diabetes Travel Insurance is a must for travellers with diabetes. Ensure that you declare your pre-existing conditions as part of your quote to enjoy complete cover for your holiday. Always buy Travel Insurance with pre-existing medical conditions as soon as you book your trip.

Can I bring my diabetic needles on the plane?

Air travel guidelines permit people with diabetes to carry their supplies and medication on a plane. This includes insulin, syringes, and glucose monitoring devices. Your supplies should be packed in a clear, plastic, sealable bag and declared to security personnel before your screening. Insulin and other medications should be labelled with your name and prescription details.

Where do I put insulin when flying?

You should always keep your insulin in your hand luggage for two reasons. Your insulin should always be accessible should you need it during your flight, and bags in the hold will get too cold and stop the insulin from working effectively.

Do people with diabetes need a letter to fly?

You should always carry a letter from your GP detailing your diabetes diagnosis and treatment plan. This letter can be helpful in case there are any questions or concerns from airport security personnel.

How do I keep my insulin cool on an international flight?

Insulin should be kept cool during travel to ensure its effectiveness. To ensure that insulin stays cold during the journey, it’s important to pack it properly and check its temperature regularly.

You can use various methods to keep insulin cold on a flight, such as insulated bags or coolers with ice packs. Some airlines also provide refrigeration for insulin upon request.

Can flying affect diabetes?

Flying can affect diabetes, so you should manage your blood sugar levels while flying. Check your levels regularly and drink plenty of water. Avoid consuming alcohol and high-carbohydrate foods. It’s also essential to have your diabetes supplies and medications easily accessible during the flight.

Does altitude affect your blood sugar?

High altitudes can increase blood sugar due to less efficient carbohydrate metabolisation. As such, regularly tracking your blood sugar while flying is vital.

Do people with diabetes get priority boarding?

Some airlines offer priority boarding for travellers with diabetes. You should contact your airline in advance to request priority boarding if you require it.

By following these tips, holidaymakers with diabetes can have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Written by Russell Wallace, Copywriter at AllClear

Written by: Russell Wallace | Travel Insurance Expert Last Updated: 20 September 2023

† Based on Trustpilot reviews of all companies in the Travel Insurance Company category that have over 70,000 reviews as of January 2024. AllClear Gold Plus achieved a Which? Best Buy.

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Diabetes and travel

You can travel anywhere with diabetes. You just have to prepare to avoid any problems.

Before you travel

• make sure your travel insurance covers health problems related to your diabetes
• find out where you can get your insulin in the place you're visiting, and take a recent prescription with you
• speak to your care team for advice about adjusting to different time zones
• if you're flying, get a letter from your GP or care team to say you have diabetes and need to take your treatment on to the plane (you may need to pay for the letter)
• if you use a pump or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), check with your airline before you travel about taking it on board – some airlines require paperwork for medical equipment

Packing for your trip

• pack 3 times as much insulin, test strips, lancets, needles and glucose tablets as you'd expect to need
• split your medicines, IDs and equipment into 2 different bags, just in case 1 gets lost
• if you use a pump, pack insulin pens in case it stops working
• put insulin in your hand luggage – the hold of the plane will be too cold and could damage the insulin
• take a cool bag to stop your insulin getting too hot
• take some form of diabetes ID, like a medical alert bracelet, to tell others that you have diabetes
• take the contact details of your diabetic team, just in case you need their advice
• take plenty of snacks in case there are any delays
• do not put your pump through airport scanners or x-ray machines – let airport security know so they can check it another way

While you're away

• be prepared to test more while you're away – hot and cold weather can affect your blood glucose levels and increase your risk of a hypoglycaemia (hypo) or hyperglycaemia
• you may have to change your insulin dose depending on the temperature and different activities you're doing – speak to your diabetes team
• take care if you're sunbathing, as this can affect your blood glucose levels

Diabetes UK has more information on what to do when you travel .

Page last reviewed: 20 September 2021 Next review due: 20 September 2024

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Travel insurance for people with diabetes

Article contents.

Tegan Oldfield

24 October 2023 | Updated 2 November 2023 | 4 minute read

Travelling with diabetes can need a little extra preparation. Getting a travel insurance policy that will protect you financially if you become ill on your trip is important.

We’ve broken down everything you need to know about travel insurance for travellers with diabetes and some advice on how to prepare for your trip.

Why do people with diabetes need travel insurance?

People with diabetes mostly need holiday insurance for the same reason everyone else does. It gives you financial protection if certain things go wrong on your trip.

If you have any medical condition, including diabetes, you may be more likely to fall ill on holiday. This means you need an insurance policy in place to cover medical costs.

What should travel insurance for travellers with diabetes cover?

A travel insurance policy should cover:

• emergency medical costs 
• repatriation if it’s medically necessary for you to return to the UK
• lost, stolen or damaged medication (like your insulin)
• costs if you need to cut your trip short or cancel it completely due to illness caused by your diabetes

Do I have to declare diabetes when buying travel insurance?

Yes. Diabetes is a pre-existing medical condition , so you’ll need to tell your insurer about it when buying your policy.

It’s possible that changes in diet, environment and activity can affect blood glucose levels and lead to medical issues.

Insurers need to know about your condition to make sure you get the right treatment quickly if you become ill on your trip.

If you don’t tell us and then need to claim for medical expenses, we won’t cover all or some of the costs even if your claim isn’t related to your diabetes. 

What will my insurer ask during the screening process? 

We'll ask you about:

• the medications you take for your diabetes
• whether you’ve been hospitalised with your condition recently
• if you have any associated conditions, like high blood pressure

Everything you tell us is strictly confidential. It’s simply to make sure we can give you the right cover.

How much is travel insurance for people with diabetes?

The price of travel insurance will generally be higher if you have pre-existing medical conditions which includes diabetes or any diabetes-related conditions.

However, paying for your own medical care abroad would be significantly more expensive.

The price of your policy will always depend on:

• where you’re going
• how long you’re going for
• what you’re going to get up to on your trip
• the nature of your pre-existing condition  

Does a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) cover my diabetes?

A GHIC or the old European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows you to access medical treatment while you’re in certain countries in Europe.

If you need treatment for any diabetes-related issues, the GHIC or EHIC can reduce the cost of treatment or make it free in some instances.

It’s important to remember that the GHIC is not a stand-in for travel insurance. It doesn’t apply everywhere and only works at clinics that are in a reciprocal agreement with the UK.

It also doesn’t cover you for any of the other associated costs, like the cost of cancelling or cutting short your trip or the cost of repatriation.

Read our guide on the EHIC/GHIC cards , including where and when you can use them.

What preparations should I make for travelling with diabetes?

You should check with your GP or diabetic consultant before you travel. This is so you can:

• get a prescription for twice the amount of your regular medication – this allows for any unexpected delays or losses
• get advice on when you should be taking your insulin – especially if you’re travelling to another time zone

You may also use additional devices, like monitoring equipment. You should get a doctor’s letter to take with you on your trip, which explains:

• the medication you take
• the monitoring and dispensing devices you use
• any other necessary equipment like needles or syringes

You can show this letter to customs or security staff when travelling. If you have any medical issues, you can also show this to the medical professionals treating you.  

Read our guide on travelling with your prescription medication .

Flying with diabetes

You should:

• pack your insulin in a cool bag and keep it in your hand luggage so it’s always accessible 
• pack snacks in case you experience delays 
• get to the airport in plenty of time so you can tell the airline and security staff about your medication and equipment

What should I do if I become ill while abroad?

You should contact the emergency services, go to the nearest hospital or seek the medical assistance you need immediately.

You need to contact your insurer’s emergency service or helpline as soon as possible. If you’re with us, our 24-hour emergency helpline is 0292 010 777.  

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Diabetes Travel Insurance Guide

Modified: Jun 17, 2020 by Lianne Fachetti, ABA · This post may contain affiliate links ·

Let’s face it, traveling can be a nerve-wrecking experience. There are so many uncertainty factors that can occur and leave you stranded in a very undesirable situation. As a diabetes patient, you have even more to worry about other than catching the next flight, hoping they have your diabetic meal ready, and praying that your luggage will safety arrive at the destination ready for pickup.

You have to worry about how to handle unforeseen health problems that may arise during flight or while you are at your destination. But worrying can only cause unwanted stress and fluctuation of your blood level. Instead of spending the time to worry, why don’t you spend the time to better plan and prepare for your trip.

In this article, we will discuss about why it is a great idea to invest in a travel insurance in the first place. We will explain how your current Medicare plan policies are extremely limited regarding to foreign location health coverage, and why your Medigap supplement plan is simply insufficient for traveling emergency expense needs. We will introduce you to a list of insurance companies that are willing to overlook diabetes as a pre-existing condition, and provide you with three best policy choices in our opinion.

And to help you lower your insurance cost, we have provided you with some alternative options and suggestions that may be overlooked. We hope that by providing you with various solutions, you will be looking at traveling and travel health insurance at a new angle.

Reasons to Buy Travel Insurance

Do you really need travel health insurance, medigap isn’t for everyone, an overview of medigap plans, thediabetescouncil top 3 choices for travel insurance, what other options do i have.

One of the ways to ease your distress is to get yourself a travel insurance policy. By simply paying for the service ahead of time, you can end up saving a lot of money and easily resolve numerous traveling nightmares such as:

• You missed your flight or your flight has been canceled
• Your bags are lost and your medication is in it. You now need an emergency prescription
• Your wallet and passport are missing, and you need emergency cash and a replacement passport.
• You are in an accident and there is no adequate medical
• You need to cancel your trip due to illness, sudden emergency events or work complication
• Your cruise line, airline, or tour operator goes bankrupt, and you are stranded at your destination
• You have a medical emergency at your travel destination
• A terrorist attack occurs where you are planning to visit, and you wish to cancel your trip
• Sudden weather forces you to evacuate from your destination

I also recommend reading these related articles:

• Can Diabetes Bankrupt a Country?
• The Growing Impact of Diabetes
• Quality of Life: Privileges, Benefits, Rights?
• Everything You Need To Know About Traveling With Diabetes
• Can Diabetes Type 2 Be Reversed? Experts Answer

The answer is YES . For all the current Medicare diabetes patients who are not enrolled in Medigap Plans that cover foreign travel medical emergency services, Medicare will not pay for health care or supplies you get outside the United States.

The definition “outside of United States” means any place other than the 50 states of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. However, there are 3 exceptions to the rule that would allow you to receive coverage outside of United States under the Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.

• You are in the United States when you have a medical emergency, and the foreign hospital is closer than the nearest United States hospital that can treat your illness or injury.
• You are traveling through Canada without unreasonable delay by the most direct route between Alaska and another state when a medical emergency occur, and the Canadian hospital is closer than the nearest United States hospital that can treat your illness or injury. Medicare determines what qualifies as “without unreasonable delay” on a case-by-case basis.
• You live in the United States and the foreign hospital is closer to your home than the nearest United States hospital that can treat your medical condition, regardless of whether it is an emergency.

And same as the policy applied to services in the United States, Medicare will only pay for the Medicare-covered services you receive in a foreign hospital. You will be responsible for any other treatments or medication you receive that are not covered by Medicare Part A and Part B.

Medigap sounds like the perfect solution for securing a traveling insurance. However this standardized supplementary plan isn’t available to everyone. In some States, the law requires that you must be at least 65 years old to qualify for the supplement plan.

Other States has made it a legal right for you to obtain at least one kind of Medigap coverage before you reach age 65. Here is the list of the States that will allow the enrollment of Medigap ( please note that there are specific restrictions to certain States ):

• California (excluding those under 65 and with end-stage renal disease)
• Connecticut
• Delaware (only available to those with end-stage renal disease)
• Massachusetts (only available to those with end-stage renal disease)
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• Pennsylvania
• South Dakota
• Vermont (excluding those under 65 and with end-stage renal disease)

Depending on which Medigap Plan you have already enrolled in, you may be covered for any medical expense you have incurred in your travels.

The Medigap plans that includes foreign travel emergency service will pay 80% of the billed charged for covered services outside the United States after you meet a $250 deductible for the year. There is one exception; Plan F also offers a high-deductible plan.

If you choose this option, this means that you must pay for Medicare-covered costs up to the deductible amount of $2,180 in 2016 before your Medigap plan starts paying for anything. For all these Medigap plans, the foreign travel emergency coverage has a lifetime limit of $50,000 .

Please note that if you live in Massachusetts , Minnesota , or Wisconsin , you have a different standardized Medigap policy.

• Massachusetts:

Massachusetts’s Supplement 1 Plan covers foreign travel emergency.

The basic Medigap plan will cover 80% of your foreign travel emergency expense. And the Extended Basic Medigap Plan will cover 80% of your foreign travel emergency expense until you reach the $1,000 out-of-pocket cost for the calendar year. Afterwards, the plan covers 100% your foreign travel emergency covered services expense.

Plans known as "50% and 25% Cost-sharing Plans" are available. These plans are similar to standardized Plans K (50%) and L (25%). A high-deductible plan ($2,000) is also available. These policy will cover foreign travel emergency.

Lifetime Limit of $50,000 Is Not Enough

$50,000 really will not cover all the medical expenses should an emergency situation occurs. To give you a simple example, if you travel from California to British Columbia, Canada where you are faced with an emergency medical situation and require hospital care, one single night at the hospital will cost $100.

But with the medication and equipment use, you will need to pay much more than $100 per day depending on your needs. Instead of staying in Canada for the treatment, if you wish to fly home to California for the treatment, the special arrangement can easily be upward of $15,000.

This whole ordeal will quickly drain your lifetime limit and you will have to pay all the excess expense out of your own pocket. Afterward, you can never tap into the foreign travel emergency coverage ever again.

How does Pre-Existing Waiver Work?

Instead of relying solely on Medicare, there are many insurance companies that specialize in traveling insurance. Many will deny coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions or exclude any claims related to the pre-existing condition.

But there are there are some companies that will cover medical expenses relative to your diabetic condition by offering a waiver. Depending on the insurance company, your pre-existing diabetes condition can be waivered if you fulfill these requirements:

• You must insure at least your trip’s full prepaid non-refundable cost (some companies do not require you to insure the full prepaid trip cost, but you still need to put down a deposit),
• Depending on the insurance company, you must get your policy within the limited days after you pay your earliest trip payment ,
• You must cover your trip’s full length, and
• You must be healthy enough and be able to take the trip on the set date. (If you insist on traveling against your doctor’s advice, the insurance company has the right to cancel your policy or refuse to cover your claims.)

Another factor you have to consider is the “ Lookback Period ” policy of the insurance company. In order to waive your pre-existing condition, you must have proof that your condition is “stable”. According to the policy definition, “stable” means that the person with the pre-existing condition has not already taken a turn for the worse, and not in a state where any changes are foreseen, known, or expected that could cause the person to “take a turn for the worse”. Depending on the company, the Lookback Period can be 60, 90, 180, or even 365 days prior to the travel insurance policy’s effective date.

According to the policy definition, “stable” means that the person with the pre-existing condition has not already taken a turn for the worse, and not in a state where any changes are foreseen, known, or expected that could cause the person to “take a turn for the worse”. Depending on the company, the Lookback Period can be 60, 90, 180, or even 365 days prior to the travel insurance policy’s effective date.

List of Insurance Policies that Includes Pre-Existing Waiver:

#1 Top Choice: CSA Travel Protection Custom Luxe

The company will waive the pre-existing conditions provided that you meet the following requirements:

• Coverage is purchased prior to or within 24 hours of your final trip payment,
• You are medically and physically able to travel at the time the coverage is purchased, and
• You insure 100% of your prepaid trip costs that are subject to cancellation penalties or restrictions

CSA Travel Protection is easily the top choice as they are the only traveling insurance company that allows the purchase of a policy within 24-hour of final trip payment date. Even though the company requires that you have to pre-insure your trip cost in case of trip interruption (their trip interruption coverage is 175% of trip cost), you can claim the cost as $0 if you are willing to go without cancellation or trip interruption coverage. If you do decide to purchase the policy ahead of time, you have a 10 day free look period. Should you find a better policy elsewhere, they are happy to refund your money. Besides that, CSA has two unique features. The first being the maximum trip length as 356 days. Second, they have a 24-hr hotline with a stand-by doctor to answer your questions and concern. Should an emergency situation occur, you are always a phone call away from assistance. The only drawback of CSA Travel Protection is that they have a very limited selection of policies, and their Lookback Period is 180 days.

#2 Second Choice: HTH TripProtector Preferred

The HTH TripProtector Company will waive the pre-existing conditions provided that you:

• Purchase the policy within 21 calendar days after your initial trip deposit date,
• Insure your trip’s full prepaid, non-refundable cost, and
• You are medically able to travel at the date of the trip

HTH TripProtector Preferred is the second runner-up in our selection. Although you are required to purchase a policy within 21 days after your initial trip deposit date, HTH offers many advantages. The first big selling point is that their policy will accept up to $100,000 for pre-existing condition coverage and $500,000 for Secondary Emergency Medical coverage. Another big selling point is that their Lookback Period for pre-existing conditions is only 60 days. Unlike many other insurance companies, HTH will cover trips to Cuba.

#3 Third Choice: MH Ross Complete

The MH Ross Company will waive the pre-existing conditions provided that you:

• Purchase the policy within 15 calendar days after your initial trip deposit date,
• Insure part of your full prepaid trip cost as set by the company policy, and

Similar to HTH TripProtector, MH Ross Complete policy will accept up to $100,000 for pre-existing condition coverage and has a Lookback Period of only 60 days. But unlike the first and second choices, the MH Ross Company does not require you to insure the full prepaid trip cost but only a percentage of the cost. At the same time, they offer an option of advance payment to a hospital to secure your admission in case of emergency.

This is a great policy for busy working individuals as cancellation due to work reasons coverage is included. The downside for this policy is that there is no lower price for children coverage. So if your child is the diabetic patient who requires the waiver, you will have to pay full price for his or her coverage.

Depending on where you are traveling, choosing to purchase a traveling insurance policy at your travel destination may be cheaper and “friendlier”. For example, Canada Manulife CoverMe Travel Insurance allows coverage of diabetic patients provided that their condition is stable in the 180 days before the effective date of insurance. As stated in their policy, changing in medication brands and routine adjustment of insulin dosage are allowed as long as the prescriptions are not newly prescribed or stopped.

There are a few companies in the UK that will provide similar policies as well. However, if you do choose to go with this option, make sure you plan and purchase ahead of time as some policies will require a 24 hour activation period in which the company is not obligated to cover you should any emergency event occurs.

Another option to explore is to ask your credit card companies about any insurance policies included with your Visa or Mastercard. For some credit card companies, members will have free enrollment to traveling insurance policy should they purchase the trip on their credit card.

This will include cancellation of the ticket, rebooking of flight, lost luggage expenses, and even luggage replacement. With added purchase, health insurance may be included as well. This way, you can purchase a lower coverage waiver policy and only use it for your diabetes emergency needs.

Enjoy your Trip

Your trip should be filled with great memories of fun. By doing your research early on and paying for a traveling health insurance policy, you will have a much better control of any unplanned situations. While you are choosing the right plan, remember to read the policy thoroughly and make sure you are reading the correct State policy.

At the same time, ask lots of questions from different sources. By knowing the policy details, you can plan ahead what to do should specific health problem arises. This way, you can take the best advantage of your coverage without having to pay out of your own pocket for unnecessary expenses.

Please post any further suggestions for articles down below in the comments section.

TheDiabetesCouncil Article | Reviewed by Dr. Sergii Vasyliuk MD on June 02, 2020

References:

• https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/traveling-with-diabetes.html
• https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/ndep/vacation.html

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About Lianne Fachetti, ABA

Lianne Fachetti holds a degree in Biopsychology. With a keen interest in both psychological and biological aspects of behavior forming, she has worked as a researcher at the UBC Brain Research Centre for seven years focusing on the research of memory formation, neural damage from epilepsy, and hormones' effects on behavioral changes. She is also a certified ABA therapist for autistic children.

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TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel FAQs |  Before you buy |

Travel insurance features |  travel checklist, guidance for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions.

Every year millions of people enjoy their overseas holidays. But sadly, some will remember their trips abroad for all the wrong reasons if the worst happens, such as needing emergency medical treatment overseas. This is why having adequate travel insurance is essential, and not simply a nice to have.

Potentially jaw-droppingly high overseas medical bills

The biggest concern for most travellers is needing emergency medical treatment while overseas. And rightly so, as these costs can be jaw-droppingly high. In one case, the cost of medical treatment in Spain following a fall and emergency medical repatriation back to the UK was an eye-watering £124,000. In another case, treating a traveller who contracted Covid while in Cyprus and getting them safely back to the UK cost £70,000.

While having a current EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), or if it has expired its successor GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card), entitles you to state-provided healthcare when visiting the European Union, neither are an alternative to travel insurance as they will not cover all medical costs, or any repatriation back to the UK on medical grounds.

In one case, while the GHIC paid for 80% of the cost of treating injuries from a fall in France, this still left £16,000, including return to the UK on a stretcher. These costs were covered by the travel insurer.

In another case, a holidaymaker in the Canary Islands needing treatment for a lung condition had to be transferred from a state hospital covered by the GHIC to receive private medical treatment, followed by an air ambulance back to the UK. The total bill of £67,000 was again paid by the travel insurer.

Yet despite the risks, before the Covid pandemic struck just over one in five (21%) holidaymakers said they had travelled without insurance (source: ABTA, May 2019).

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• Travel insurance for diabetics

You should be able to get the right cover to travel abroad if you’re diabetic, making sure that your medical needs are taken care of.

Posted: 31/1/2022 | By Amanda Duffy

Holiday insurance for diabetics means you can travel without the extra worry. Travelling with diabetes can sometimes be difficult, because it’s harder to manage your condition while you are away from home and out of your normal routines.

Consider a travel insurance policy for pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes

Why do i need travel insurance if i'm diabetic.

If you are diabetic, then you’ll understand that planning is everything. You have to prepare for travel, too, and that means getting the right travel insurance policy. Whether you have  type 1  diabetes or  type 2 diabetes , the right travel insurance means that you will stay protected – and you will be able to get any medication and help if you need it.

Travel insurance for people with diabetes should cover the cost of cancelling your holiday if you have to, as well as the expense of getting emergency help when you’re abroad.

What will I be asked in my screening process?

When you call to find out about travel cover for people with diabetes, you’ll be asked about your condition so that you can get the right kind of cover. Here are the questions that you’re likely to be asked:

• Do you have to take medication for your diabetes?
• Have you had to go to hospital in the past few years?
• Do you also have high blood pressure or cholesterol?
• Has your diabetes caused any other conditions, such as problems with your kidneys, heart, eyes, nerves or legs?

Tips for people travelling with diabetes

Travel insurance will help protect you against the unexpected. But there are plenty of other things you can do to safeguard your health while you travel.

• Check the strength of your medication. The UK uses medication strength U-100, but in some other countries the strength is U-140 or U-80. Making sure your medication is legal in your destination country is essential.
• Take your own syringes with you. The type of syringe you use depends on your diabetic medication, so bring plenty with you on holiday in case you can’t get the right type abroad.
• Keep medication in your hand luggage . Not only is it to hand in case you need it, but there's a greater possibility that your hold luggage can go missing than your hand luggage.
• Bring extra medication and testing strips. This will cover you for flight delays , and help you test more frequently while you’re away.
• Write a checklist before you go. This is always a good idea to make sure you don’t forget anything. Read the Diabetes.co.uk guide to packing for a trip .

Insurance for diabetes type 1 and travel advice

If you travel with type 1 diabetes, then it’s a good idea to do a bit of homework before you travel. Take a letter from your doctor that explains your condition and spells out clearly the type of medication you need to take with you – useful for when you need to get through security at the airport. You should also research the area you’re heading to and find out if there’s an English-speaking doctor there.

Travel insurance and advice for diabetes type 2

After making sure you have the right travel insurance for type 2 diabetes, you should also take a few extra precautions. Write an emergency plan that explains what people around you should do – travelling across time zones can really throw your timing out, so be prepared.

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