Holiday insurance for diabetics means you can travel without the extra worry. Travelling with diabetes can sometimes be difficult, because it’s harder to manage your condition while you are away from home and out of your normal routines.
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Consider a travel insurance policy for pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes
Why do I need travel insurance if I'm diabetic?
If you are diabetic, then you’ll understand that planning is everything. You have to prepare for travel, too, and that means getting the right travel insurance policy. Whether you have type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, the right travel insurance means that you will stay protected – and you will be able to get any medication and help if you need it.
Travel insurance for people with diabetes should cover the cost of cancelling your holiday if you have to, as well as the expense of getting emergency help when you’re abroad.
What will I be asked in my screening process?
When you call to find out about travel cover for people with diabetes, you’ll be asked about your condition so that you can get the right kind of cover. Here are the questions that you’re likely to be asked:
- Do you have to take medication for your diabetes?
- Have you had to go to hospital in the past few years?
- Do you also have high blood pressure or cholesterol?
- Has your diabetes caused any other conditions, such as problems with your kidneys, heart, eyes, nerves or legs?
Tips for people travelling with diabetes
Travel insurance will help protect you against the unexpected. But there are plenty of other things you can do to safeguard your health while you travel.
- Check the strength of your medication. The UK uses medication strength U-100, but in some other countries the strength is U-140 or U-80. Making sure your medication is legal in your destination country is essential.
- Take your own syringes with you. The type of syringe you use depends on your diabetic medication, so bring plenty with you on holiday in case you can’t get the right type abroad.
- Keep medication in your hand luggage. Not only is it to hand in case you need it, but there's a greater possibility that your hold luggage can go missing than your hand luggage.
- Bring extra medication and testing strips. This will cover you for flight delays, and help you test more frequently while you’re away.
- Write a checklist before you go. This is always a good idea to make sure you don’t forget anything. Read the Diabetes.co.uk guide to packing for a trip.
Insurance for diabetes type 1 and travel advice
If you travel with type 1 diabetes, then it’s a good idea to do a bit of homework before you travel. Take a letter from your doctor that explains your condition and spells out clearly the type of medication you need to take with you – useful for when you need to get through security at the airport. You should also research the area you’re heading to and find out if there’s an English-speaking doctor there.
Travel insurance and advice for diabetes type 2
After making sure you have the right travel insurance for type 2 diabetes, you should also take a few extra precautions. Write an emergency plan that explains what people around you should do – travelling across time zones can really throw your timing out, so be prepared.
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