Diabetic Travel Insurance

Travelling with Diabetes

People with Diabetes can enjoy all the thrills, adventure and fun of foreign travel and overseas holidays simply by planning ahead and taking a few extra precautions to avoid problems.

This information is compiled from a variety of trusted sources but always discuss your individual travel plans with your doctor, and read up on the latest travel advice before you go.

Key points to remember:

1. Holiday vaccinations can upset your blood glucose levels so aim to get these 3 - 4 weeks before you travel
2. Follow the basic 'rules' and tips when carrying your monitors and medication abroad
3. Carry a Medical Certificate on the plane which says your are a diabetic
4. Monitor time zone changes
5. Carry an identity card for assistance in the event of an emergency
6. If travelling in Europe, carry a FREE EHIC (EU Medical Insurance Card)
7. Find out in advance where to get extra supplies of insulin at your holiday destination, in case of emergency

Travel Insurance for people with Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that tends to strike later in life, from our 50s onwards. The most common condition is Type 2 diabetes (previously called adult-onset diabetes). Here the body produces insulin but can't use it properly to break down glucose (blood sugar) for energy.

For people over 65 and 70 especially, a medical complication such as diabetes can make the search for comprehensive travel insurance a little bit harder, but not impossible.

• Travel insurance to cover this pre-existing condition / illness is vital
• You also need cover for accidents, repatriation, emergency transport and medical costs
• For Europe, get your free EHIC (EU Medical Insurance Card). Only state provided treatment is covered, and you will receive treatment on the same terms as 'insured' residents of the country you are visiting.
• Do declare any other pre existing conditions such as: angina, epilepsy, heart problems, blood pressure as failure to do so will invalidate cover relating to your pre existing condition
• North America (USA) - private medicine is expensive and this is reflected in your holiday insurance quote.
• Elsewhere in the world, check for reciprocal health care arrangements such as those with Australia and New Zealand.
• If booking with a travel agent you don't have to take their policy - it probably won't cover your condition. Staff may be unfamiliar with the small print of policies.
• When getting a quote make sure you inform the insurer of your Diabetes and check the policy for exclusions
• Get several holiday insurance quotes to find the cheapest and most suitable cover for your individual circumstances.
• Driving - ensure your car insurance covers driving abroad.

Equipment Required When Travelling

• Just as at home, you will need to monitor blood glucose levels regularly and maintain awareness of your condition to avoid unexpected difficulties.
• You may need to monitor levels more frequently because your daily pattern will be disrupted and your body may change its natural rhythms to cope with different time zones, foods, stresses and activities.

Special Kit & Tips

• Blood glucose meter
• Additional / spare equipment
  • Batteries
  • Lancing devices
  • Spare strips
  • Spare insulin pump if used
• Insulin
  • See Taking Medication Abroad
  • Double the insulin you think you will need
  • Know the name of the insulin in the country you are holidaying in (know both the generic and brand name)
  • Protect from temperature over 37 degrees and bright sunlight
• Spare pen and syringes
• Glucose or snacks
• Glucagon emergency kit (to increase blood sugar levels)
• Diabetes Identity Card and diary (Diabetes UK Membership Services) and/or Medic Alert Foundation Identification bracelets
• Diabetes UK can provide a personalised ID card and leaflets in the language of the country that you are travelling to
• Carbohydrate exchange calculator
• Medical/Doctor's Certificate (photo, doctor's name and phone number)
• Headed letter from your Diabetes Clinic for customs so you can travel with syringes and medicine
• Check local flight rules for your destination
• Plasters, scissors, tweezers, disinfectant
• Aspirins (Antipyretics), diarrhoea tablets, sickness and constipation medication

Flying

Due to tighter security at airports, you need to ensure that your airline is told in advance of your need to take needles and syringes on board.

• Up to 50mls of insulin is allowed on board
• All diabetes equipment should be carried in a clear plastic bag.
• Always take a spare kit in case of loss or damage
• Keep your First Aid Kit in your hand luggage
• Keep insulin out of low temperature areas such as the airplane hold where it could freeze at high altitude
• Prepare for delays, stopovers and cancellations
• Book meals in advance - most airlines will offer special meals but these tend not to have enough carbohydrates, so check first
• Adapt insulin usage for longer (increase) and shorter (reduce) days

Driving

• Take special care to avoid hypoglycaemia which can cause loss of concentration
• Check blood glucose before travel
• Keep glucose handy during travel
• Take regular breaks every 2 hours
• Carry enough food and carbohydrates to cover delays in traffic jams, etc.
• Test blood glucose levels during breaks
• Take a break at first sign of hypoglycaemia and wait until your symptoms have gone
• Check that you have your eyes tested regularly
• Check that your Driving license will remain valid during your whole holiday (people with insulin-dependant diabetes have time restricted driving licences).

Sailing and Cruises

• Key to watch out for is sea sickness
• Drink plenty of mineral water
• Check blood glucose more often

Rail Travel

• Keep your First Aid Kit handy

While Abroad

• When at your destination test blood glucose more often than usual for several days to monitor changes in rhythms and changes caused by a different diet.
• The best temperature for measuring blood glucose is 15 - 35 degrees.
• Count food carbohydrates if you do this at home.
• Ensure there are plenty of snacks between meals.
• Drink lots of water (bottled) and plenty of non-alcoholic drinks, especially in hot climates
• Drink only moderate amounts of alcohol, especially in the evening, to keep night and morning blood glucose levels predictable.
• Cut down on caffeine
• Take a note of the appropriate phrases and translations for your condition and requirements together with a list of your current medications and keep this handy for reference or when needed or in an emergency.

Exercise and Activities

• Exercise and activity are beneficial and holidays are a great time to walk, cycle and swim. But exercise burns energy and this reduces blood glucose levels and increases the effect of insulin, so:
• Check your normal bodily reaction to exercise (blood glucose) before your travel
• Get advice from a Health Professional
• Maintain/increase fluid consumption with carbohydrates which are slow to be absorbed
• Do not exercise when blood glucose is very high as this may increase it further
• If hypoglycaemia begins then take the recommended carbohydrate units immediately
• Check blood glucose before and at 1-2 hour intervals
• Inform travelling companions about your condition and what they can do to help
• Wear comfortable shoes and check for foot blisters, grazes, infections, etc.

Test Strips

Avoid exposing test strips to excessive humidity by sealing packs quickly, or to cold by keeping near your body.

Mild hypo symptoms

• Sweating
• Pallor
• Trembling
• Feeling light-headed or faint
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Headache
• Hunger
• Tingling of lips and tongue

Moderate hyperglycemia symptoms

• Mood changes - irritability or aggression
• Visual disturbances
• Confusion
• Inappropriate behaviour (rudeness, laughter)

Further information:

• http://www.diabetes-travel.co.uk
• http://www.accu-chek.co.uk
• http://www.diabetes.org.uk/
• http://www.diabetesuffolk.com/

Travel insurance for disabled people: Choosing a policy, rights, links.

• www.direct.gov.uk
• http://www.dh.gov.uk

Holiday Insurance Quotes for Diabetics:

All Clear Travel.co.uk AllClear Travel Insurance offers single and annual medical travel insurance cover for people of all ages who have a chronic pre-existing medical condition such as diabetes. There are no upper age limits - cover is available for over 60s, over 65s, over 70s, over 75s and upwards.

DiabeticTravel specialise in travel insurance for Diabetics and is provided by PJ Hayman & Company Ltd.

Diabetes UK offers a travel insurance service for people living with diabetes and family and friends travelling with them - visit their website on www.diabetes.org.uk. You can buy online or call free on 0800 731 7431.