Travelling with Diabetes

Can I get travel insurance if I have diabetes?

Yes, MIA can usually offer insurance for people travelling with diabetes. As with all policies, our ability to offer travel insurance cover will depend on your individual circumstances, such as how stable your condition is, and any secondary illnesses or complications you may have.

What's covered?

MIA is made up of two specialist medical travel insurance products, Clear2Go and Clear4Travel. Each product has its own levels of cover:

• Medical cover up to £5,000,000 per person
• Baggage Cover of up to £1,500 per person
• Cancellation cover of between £1,000 and £2,000

• Medical cover up to £5,000,000 per person
• Baggage Cover of up to £1,500 per person
• Cancellation cover of between £2,000 and £5,000
• Hospitalisation cover and personal accident cover - inclusive of death benefit of up to £30,000

Please see our policy wording for a full list of benefits and exclusions.

Here at MIA, we won’t define you by your diabetes or a set of medical questions, so we don’t only use standard online questionnaires to get you covered.

We have an experienced and friendly team to talk you through the process and explain any difficult insurance or medical jargon, so we can tailor-make a policy that’s right for you. We can usually offer cover for those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. All policies and prices vary according to individual circumstances, such as the destination you have chosen as well as your health at the time of travel. There may be times where we can’t offer you cover, but our team will be able to talk you through any options available to you.

Travelling with Diabetes – Tips

If your condition is under control and stable, there should be no reason why you can’t go on your trip, but it might be worth checking with your medical team before you go for advice and support.

You’ll need to carry your diabetes ID and a letter from your GP, if you’re planning to travel abroad with medication. Diabetes.org recommend that you carry twice the amount of medication than you’d ordinarily need, and if you’re flying, split this between your hand luggage and hold luggage just in case of loss or delay. The times you take your regular medication can be affected by travelling through time-zones, speak to your diabetic team for advice on how to best manage this.

The Civil Aviation Authority advise passengers with diabetes to let their airline know what equipment, if any, they’ll need to travel with. If you treat your diabetes with a pump or a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), you’ll need to speak to your airline prior to travelling, just in case you need to fill out extra paperwork. If you don’t do this, your airline could refuse you the ability to fly with your equipment. You also need to consider security restrictions in relation to liquids on flights, again your diabetes ID and a letter from your GP should allow you to carry liquids and syringes on board with you. There are no restrictions on the number of tablets you can travel with but be sure to keep them in their original packaging, so they can be easily identified.

If you have a CGM or pump, these should not be taken through a body scanner, as it can stop them working properly – you can download a Medical Device Awareness Card before you travel to show to security at the airport.

If you’re flying, your airline should be able to tell you the approximate times of the meals served in-flight. Pack snacks or glucose tablets in case of delays. While you’re away, having diabetes shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the local food but be sure to continue with the healthy eating philosophy, and you won’t go too far wrong.

Food poisoning can be a particular risk to those with diabetes, ensure you take sensible steps to avoid high risk foods and if the local water isn’t safe to drink, avoid ice in drinks and food items such as salad and fruit, that may have been washed prior to being served.

The climate that you travel to can affect your glucose levels. In hot climates your insulin may be absorbed more quickly, and extreme temperatures can affect your monitoring devices. Be sure to test frequently and make adjustments where necessary. In cold climates, insulin can be absorbed more slowly if your body temperature is low, but be warned, once your body warms back up it can absorb insulin faster than usual.

There are many online sources that offer advice on travelling with diabetes, the NHS website has a information and tips on how to make the most of your holiday, and looking after yourself while you’re away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it’s best to be upfront and let us know your full medical history, if you don’t declare all details, it could make it difficult to make a successful claim.

As long as you declare your full medical history, all conditions will be considered if we offer you a travel insurance policy.

MIA specialise in offering travel insurance to people that may have been declined elsewhere, so whatever your history, we’ll work hard to try to get you insured.

You may have booked your holiday when you were feeling well, but now your doctor has declared you unfit to travel. We will offer cover against you and any other travellers insured on the policy, subject to terms and conditions.

If you become seriously ill while you’re away or your condition worsens, our Emergency Medical Assistance team can arrange for you and a companion, as long as they’re on the policy, to be brought home and cover any reasonable costs that you can’t be refunded for.

No, but we do ask that you discuss your travel arrangements with your GP and that they make a note on your records that they’re happy for you to travel. If your doctor offers any restrictions to your travel, please let us know.