Travel Insurance for Diabetes

Diabetes coverage in travel insurance varies by insurer. Some, like Saga, include it as standard, providing it’s declared and accepted by us during the application process. Mean while, others may require you to add it separately. Always double-check before purchasing your policy.

When you take out a travel insurance policy with diabetes, you’ll be asked to answer several screening questions by an insurer. These questions typically cover:

• Whether you require medication
• Whether you’ve had any recent hospital visits related to diabetes
• Whether you suffer from high blood pressure or cholesterol
• Whether diabetes has caused you other health issues

Remember to answer these questions truthfully, as providing inaccurate information could invalidate your travel insurance policy.

When applying for travel insurance, you must declare pre-diabetes as a medical condition. You should also inform us if you take medication for pre-diabetes (or have a controlled diet) or if you’ve had medical advice from a doctor in the last 12 months.

Talk to your healthcare team beforehand to discuss any adjustments to your treatment for changes in time zones, long days spent travelling, the effect of different climates and any changes to your diet when travelling abroad.

Check your blood sugar levels more often when flying. Changes in air pressure can alter the amount of insulin delivered by your pump, especially during take-off and landing.

You’ll need a letter from your doctor detailing your treatment plan, prescriptions and a list of medications and equipment. You should qualify for extra hand luggage to carry medical essentials and hypo treatments with you.

Remember your ID card or wristband. Your medical devices should not go through x-ray scanners, carry a Medical Device Awareness Card to assist you with airport screening.

Pack your GHIC or EHIC card for health cover abroad and check if it covers healthcare requirements at your destination. It’s advisable to have medical cover for diabetes included in your travel insurance for any emergency medical costs or repatriation.

Take three times the usual amount of insulin or other medication. Check where you can get insulin in your destination for emergency situations. You can take equipment such as insulin pumps, Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) and FreeStyle Libre with you.

Pack lots of healthy snacks such as fruit and nuts and include some fast-acting carbs. Dehydration can cause blood sugar levels to rise, so carry plenty of water with you at all times.

Hot weather can affect your insulin supplies, so store it in a cool bag or fridge. High temperatures may also increase the absorption of insulin, so you should test your blood sugar levels more frequently to check they are within safe limits. Do not expose glucose monitoring meters, sensors or test strips to high temperatures or direct sunlight.

Cold weather can affect your insulin sensitivity and reduced circulation can hinder its absorption from injection points in the thigh or abdomen.

Cold weather can also slow your metabolism, so keep a check on blood sugar levels and adjust insulin accordingly.

It’s important to stay active in chilly weather even when you are indoors. In extremely cold weather, keep insulin from freezing by wearing it close to your body in an inside pocket.

Take extra care of your hands and feet when travelling and have slippers or bed socks to wear indoors.

Clothing for hot weather

Pack loose-fitting light-coloured layers and wear breathable trainers or shoes with socks. Carry a sunhat, high factor sunglasses and apply plenty of sunscreen.

Clothing for cold weather

Wear thermals under your clothes with a hat, gloves, thick socks and boots with a fleece lining. Carry extra layers to stay warm. When out walking, ensure your boots or shoes have sufficient ankle support, a good grip and are fully waterproofed.