Diabetes Travel Insurance

If you are travelling abroad and have Diabetes, you should ensure a Travel Insurance policy before your departure.

Diabetes is covered as standard. 

There are no health questions to ask as long as:

• There have been no complications such as impaired kidney function, heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, leg or foot ulcer, retinal damage, nerve damage, leg or foot amputation or liver damage.
• In the last 12 months, you have not been referred to a specialist due to worsening or destabilisation of your Diabetes.
• You have never had any hospital admissions with the condition.
• You are not on a waiting list for treatment for this condition.
• You are not awaiting the results of any tests or investigations into this condition.

Please Note: If the above statement and restrictions do not apply to you or you have any other medical conditions, you can get a quote and policy by following this link:

GET A QUOTE

To contact us by telephone, 0800 043 0020 / 01273 092 757.

• Summary of Cover
• Travel Advice
• Using Insulin Abroad
• Sports and Activities
• Medical Equipment
• Vaccinations
• Useful Websites

*Excess payables vary depending on the claim benefit.

Please read the Policy Wording for the complete list of Benefits.

Healix Insurance Services Ltd, on behalf of Hamilton Insurance DAC, arranges this Travel Insurance policy for Jade Stanley Ltd. Healix Insurance Ltd is registered in England and Wales under No. 5484190 and authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under No. 437248. Hamilton Insurance DAC is registered in Ireland No. 484148, authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland, and subject to limited regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority in connection with their UK branch. Jade Stanley Ltd is registered in England and Wales under No. 03570857 and authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under No. 306205.

• Consult your GP well before travelling as you must be prepared for your holiday.
• Carry a Diabetes ID card or bracelet plus a letter from your GP stating that you have Diabetes, your Medication, and how you take it.
• Remember that different countries use different Diabetes medicines, so it is important not to run out of your supply.
• Discuss with your Doctor how to change your insulin doses when travelling between time zones on a long-haul flight.
• Having all the recommended immunisations for your destination at least four weeks before travelling is also necessary, as they may produce unwelcome side effects.
• Rather than relying on an Airline Diabetic meal, which may be low in carbohydrates, take your snacks such as cereal bars, biscuits, sandwiches and fruit.
• Store your insulin in a cool, dark place like a cool bag. It is essential to keep your insulin cool but not let it freeze, so it is advisable to keep it as hand luggage.
• Travelling with a friend who can help and support you while you are away is a good idea. They should be aware of how they can help you if you become unwell and how to recognise a hypo.
• It is a good idea to divide your medical supplies among your hand luggage in case they are lost or stolen.
• Suppose you become ill whilst away; never stop taking your insulin or tablets and monitor your glucose levels frequently. Do not delay seeking medical advice if it is required.
• It is essential to avoid dehydration and sunburn as this can be dangerous to people with Diabetes.
• Look after yourself whilst away. Wounds take longer to heal if you have Diabetes and are more vulnerable to infection in hot and humid conditions.
• It is advisable not to walk barefoot as diabetics may have reduced sensation in their feet.
• Remember to consider the amount of physical activity you do, whether it is more or less than you typically do at home.

• It is essential that you find out about the different types and strengths of insulin available abroad before you go on holiday.
• Check with the Pharmaceutical Company before you leave for your holiday.
• The strength of the insulin used in the UK may differ from that used in the country you are going on holiday. In this case, the appropriate syringe for the strength you are using needs to be acquired.
• Keep your insulin in a cool area and away from direct sunlight.
• Insulin must not be kept in freezing conditions, so keep it in your luggage when travelling on a plane.
• Monitor your glucose levels regularly on holiday, as insulin might be absorbed faster in warm climates. By periodically monitoring glucose, you can safely adjust your dosage accordingly.

Keeping active and exercising will keep your weight down and regulate your Glucose Levels. 

If you have Diabetes 2, it is best to do sports where you are unlikely to fall, for example, Badminton and Gymnastics. 

Water sports are also good, but they have less impact here. 

Skiing and Rugby are not recommended sports and activities if you have type 2 diabetes. 

• You should take twice the required amount to ensure enough Medication while away.
• If you are travelling with someone, put half the Medication into their hand luggage so, should one of your bags be lost, you have backup Medication.
• Insulin should be stored in a cool bag.
• You will need equipment to monitor your blood glucose and supplies of lancets, strips, and a battery for a light meter.
• Meters and test strips can be affected by conditions such as heat, humidity and high altitude, so you should be aware of the possibility of false readings.
• Take Ketostix, Hypostop, Glucagon injection and Dextrose tablets if necessary.
• Always carry a diabetes identity card or jewellery with you.
• Carry carbohydrates with you in your hand luggage in case you face delays.
• When carrying needles and syringes, you must get a letter from your GP or Hospital Diabetes Team with a contact telephone number and address for Medication.
• Carry a First Aid box with you.
• Make sure you have recent prescriptions for all your necessary medications.

Always ensure you know which Vaccinations are necessary for the area you want to go on holiday to.

Some vaccinations can harm patients, causing sickness or flu symptoms, so try to get the vaccinations four to six months before leaving for your trip.

Diabetes Information

Diabetes UK