Diabetes Travel Insurance

Travelling with diabetes should not be a problem provided you have planned your trip and purchased the correct level of cover from your travel insurance provider. Diabetes needs to be declared as a pre-existing condition and remember to declare any related conditions you have such as high blood pressure, retinopathy and leg and foot ulcers.

More than 3 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes in the UK and it is estimated that around 850,000 people have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. There are 3 types of diabetes, type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. There are a variety of symptoms for diabetes including tiredness, losing weight without trying, blurred vision and cuts and wounds that take longer to heal.

Tips and advice for travelling with Diabetes

• Take with you a letter from your GP or identification that shows you are a diabetic. Also take a list of your diabetic medication including if you take insulin or any other injectable medication
• Research where you can get supplies of insulin in case you require more
• Check with your hotel that they have the correct facilities where you can store your insulin in a cool place such as a refrigerator, preferably in your room
• Bear in mind that different temperatures can affect the rate at which insulin is effective. In hot weather insulin will be absorbed at a faster rate so be careful of hypos. Whereas in cold weather insulin is absorbed slowly to begin with but can then suddenly speed up as your body warms later in the day
• Pack snacks with you so you have a handy supply between meals to keep blood sugar levels stable
• Be aware if you are planning a long-haul holiday consider time differences for when you need to take your medication and test your blood sugar levels
• Make an appointment to see your Doctor. Arrange to have any vaccinations that you require for your destination
• If you are travelling to Europe, then it is essential that you carry an EHIC – European Health Insurance Card. You can apply for a free card by following the link www.nhs.uk/ehic

Booking your diabetes travel insurance

By booking your travel insurance with Direct Travel we may be able to offer cover to customers with diabetes as a pre-existing condition, provided it is declared at the medical screening stage of the booking process. Please have to hand information about your condition, any medication you are currently taking and any treatment you have received. Unfortunately, it is harder to arrange travel insurance if you are awaiting a diagnosis or treatment. You should also talk to your Doctor / Consultant before confirming travel plans.

To provide peace of mind for patients, a policy which covers family members, and/or a carer may be suitable depending on your circumstances to ensure that everyone is covered appropriately. If, due to complications relating to your diabetes you are unable to travel you may be able to make a claim for cancellation. Our policies also provide a 24-hour medical assistance line, expenses relating to ambulance and hospital costs and repatriation to the UK amongst others.