Your child's diabetes doesn't mean that you can't enjoy a family holiday abroad – it just takes a little extra planning.
A new climate and changes in routine shouldn’t stop your child, and the rest of the family, from having a safe and happy holiday.
Before you go
Planning your trip well in advance will give you plenty of time to get organised – here are some top tips:
- Order plenty of supplies (see ‘Essentials to pack’) from your GP.
- Shop around for travel insurance (see ‘Travel insurance’).
- Apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC ) if appropriate (see Travel Q&As).
- Talk to your paediatric diabetes team about how to manage your child’s diabetes while you’re away and while you’re travelling, especially if you’re crossing time zones.
- Make sure you feel confident in managing illness, just in case your child becomes unwell.
- Ask your paediatric diabetes team for a letter explaining that your child has diabetes and their treatment. You’ll need this if you’re flying so you can carry sharp items (such as pen needles) and insulin in your hand luggage.
- Arrange to have any vaccinations or malaria tablets you may need.
- Consider whether your child will need travel-sickness pills.
- Check that your accommodation includes a fridge that you can store insulin in.