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Travelling with a pre existing medical condition - advice if you suffer from Diabetes

28/03/2014

Travel Insurance for those with Diabetes

Whether you are suffering from type 1 or 2 diabetes, we always recommend you disclose the condition to your insurer as a pre-existing medical condition. If you don’t, it is very unlikely that your standard insurance cover would protect you if your diabetes causes a problem while you are away on holiday.

A policy that covers diabetes would mean you could make a claim in case you lose your insulin or other prescribed drugs while you are away and you would also be covered for any medical expenses, including hospital stays in case of any unplanned complications arising from the diabetes. Diabetes can come with many related conditions and you will need to make sure you declare any medical conditions you have experienced as a result of your diabetes to ensure that you are fully protected whilst abroad.

When you apply for a quote from us you will be asked to supply information on all related conditions but we are more than happy to spend time talking to you about your particular circumstances so that we can be sure you are fully covered for all eventualities and can travel with confidence. Call us on 0845 850 1066 or ask us to call you back.

Finally, it is recommended that you buy your holiday insurance at the same time as the holiday itself, so that you are also covered in case something unforeseen happens which means you have to postpone or even cancel your trip.

Before you set off on your trip

pink tick If you are taking insulin or any other injectable medication ensure you have your diabetes ID and a letter from your doctor for your hand luggage.
pink tick Take twice the amount of medication that you would normally need – pack your diabetes supplies in different bags in case one is lost.
pink tick Hot or cold climates can affect your insulin or blood glucose monitor. If you are travelling across time zones, check with your diabetes team whether you need to make any changes or adjustments to your routine.
pink tick Have an EHIC if you are travelling within the EU. – It won’t cover you for emergency repatriation nor can you automatically expect the same cover as you would from the NHS, so it is no substitute for travel insurance.

If you are flying

If possible, have all your medication in your hand luggage (with the letter from your doctor). This is in case your suitcase is delayed or lost.

It is advisable not to pack insulin in checked-in luggage because the freezing temperatures in the luggage hold may damage it. If you have to pack insulin in your checked-in luggage, use an airtight container and/or bubble wrap, then wrap a towel around this packet and place it in the middle of your suitcase. After arrival, check your insulin for crystals and discard any that is suspect. It is also advisable to test your blood glucose more frequently than you would at home.

Many airline meals are very low in carbohydrates. Staff are often happy to supply fruit and biscuits, etc. but we would advise you take plenty of healthy, starchy snacks.

If you use a pump or a CGM device, you will need to contact the airline a few weeks before you fly as you may need to complete additional paperwork to ensure you are allowed to take the equipment on board the aircraft. It is equally important to contact the manufacturer of this equipment for advice on X-Ray machines and full-body scanners.

In some countries, blood glucose is measured in milligrams per 100 millilitres (mg/dl) rather than millimoles per litre (mmol/l). Diabetes UK supply this handy conversion chart:

MMOL/L MG/DL MMOL/L MG/DL
1 18 13 234
2 36 14 252
3 54 15 270
4 72 16 288
5 90 17 306
6 108 18 324
7 126 19 343
8 144 20 360
9 162 21 378
10 180 22 396
11 198 23 414
12 216 24 432

This product is provided to Travel Insured by goodtogoinsurance.com who are appointed representatives of Ancile Insurance Group Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority – no.471641 By clicking the box at the foot of this page, you will be taken to our dedicated travel insurance site provided by goodtogoinsurance.com where you will be able to get a travel insurance quotation and view full policy information. The quotation you will obtain is provided on a non advised basis which means that no advice is given or implied and you are solely responsible for deciding whether the policy is suitable for your needs. Contact us if in doubt or if you require advice.

This insurance would meet the demands and needs of someone who wishes to insure their trip away from their home for cancellation costs, medical expenses and other specific risks required for that trip according to their individual circumstances..


If you experience any problems when using the site, contact us on 0845 850 1066.

I have read and understood the above detail

click here to obtain an online quote

This product is provided to Travel Insured by Ancile Insurance Group Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority - no.471641. By clicking the box at the foot of this page, you will be taken to our dedicated travel insurance site provided by Ancile Insurance Group Ltd where you will be able to get a travel insurance quotation and view full policy information. The quotation you will obtain is provided on a non advised basis which means that no advice is given or implied and you are solely responsible for deciding whether the policy is suitable for your needs. Contact us if in doubt or if you require advice.

This insurance would meet the demands and needs of someone who wishes to insure their trip away from their home for cancellation costs, medical expenses and other specific risks required for that trip according to their individual circumstances..

If you experience any problems when using the site, contact us on 0845 850 1066.

I have read and understood the above detail.

click here to obtain an online quote

This product is provided to Travel Insured by Ace European Group Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority – no.202803. By clicking the box at the foot of this page, you will be taken to our dedicated business travel insurance site provided by Ace European Group Ltd where you will be able to get a travel insurance quotation and view full policy information. The quotation you will obtain is provided on a non advised basis which means that no advice is given or implied and you are solely responsible for deciding whether the policy is suitable for your needs. Contact us if in doubt or if you require advice.

This insurance would meet the demands and needs of a business which wishes to insure business trips away from the UK for cancellation costs, medical expenses and other specific risks required for that trip according to their individual circumstances..

If you experience any problems when using the site, contact
us on 0845 850 1066.

I have read and understood the above detail.

click here to obtain an online quote

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