Things to check out before you go

  • Get the vaccinations you need.
  • Carry diabetes ID and a letter from your doctor if you are carrying insulin.
  • Travel insurance:
    • Allow two weeks to buy your travel insurance.
    • Don't just buy on price, check the cover and read the small print – it's too late when you come to make a claim.
    • Be honest and declare all medical conditions. Failure to do so could lead to difficulty if you need to claim.
    • We recommend all members of the party travel under the same policy.
    • You can get a quote from Diabetes UK Insurance Services.
  • Plan to take twice the quantity of medical supplies you would normally use for your diabetes.
  • Flights east or west often cross time zones. If you treat your diabetes with medication it’s important you discuss this with your diabetes care team. When travelling east the day shortens, which may mean you require less diabetes medication, and when travelling west the day lengthens, which can mean you need a little more. On balance it’s better to have slightly higher blood glucose levels for a flight than low (to avoid hypos), but your healthcare team will give you individual advice on this. Show them a detailed itinerary giving departure times, duration of the flight and the local time of arrival.

  • If you are travelling to a hot or cold climate this may affect how your insulin and blood glucose monitor work.

    Your healthcare team can offer more advice about the vaccinations you need, timing of your medication and the impact that the weather can have on you. Be sure to consult with them when planning your trip.

  • Make sure you have the free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you are travelling to a European Union member country – it will ensure that you have easy access to healthcare in that country. Obtain your EHIC from www.ehic.org.uk, by calling 0845 605 0707, or fill in a pack at the Post Office. Remember it is still advisable to buy travel insurance, as the card doesn't cover, for example, emergency repatriation, and not all countries give the level of cover of the NHS.

    Please be aware that if you follow the above procedure, the EHIC card is free. Beware of websites which offer to take care of the application for you: they are likely to charge an unnecessary administration fee.

  • For the latest information about the country you're visiting, including safety and visa requirements, check the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website www.fco.gov.uk.
  • Make sure your passport is still valid – some countries will require your passport to remain valid for a minimum period (in some cases up to six months).
  • Plan your route to the airport, ferry etc. If you are driving, check for any road works or, if travelling by public transport, check for engineering works.
  • Research about the area you are going to and plan what you want to see and do – try and find places of interest or recommended restaurants.
  • Don't take large quantities of cash with you. Order your foreign currency and take travellers cheques and/or credit cards (make sure you have your emergency numbers with you to cancel the cards if necessary).

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