medical tag

[spiritfree]

Does anyone know where I can get a tag to put on my case stating I am a type 1 diabetic? I would like one with medical symbol on it. This is my first ever trip abroad and I want to do things right.People are less likely to bitch at me for having more hand luggage if it has details and sign on it, so I'm told.

 

[DeusXM]

I can't really think why you'd need one. Your suitcase won't be carrying any medical supplies as it's dangerous to put them in the hold. Meanwhile, with your hand luggage, unless you are taking something like two years' worth of diabetes 'stuff' with you, you won't need any extra hand luggage, so I can't imagine who on earth would 'bitch' at you because you wouldn't be going over the hand luggage capacity anyway.

The only possible issue I can think of is if you get a security guard fresh out of the academy who missed the day when they did about medical devices, in which case your bag might get a little extra search. However, with any security point containing at least 3 guards, there will be someone there who knows diabetes supplies are exempt from the usual rigmarole. For piece of mind, you could get you DSN to write you a letter on official paper stating that you need access to your medical supplies at all times, but in 15 years of flying with diabetes I've never needed this once.

On a personal level too, I wouldn't want a massive tag on my bag proclaiming that there was something terribly wrong with me, particularly as it's 'only' diabetes.

 

[Copepod]

Link to a thread with suggestions here: http://www.diabetessupport.co.uk/boards/showthread.php?t=25035&highlight=medic+alert

Even on a 4.5 month expedition, my hand luggage was no larger than anyone else's, so I can't see the problem for a shorter holiday. I've never used a medical ID for travel, although I do have a reflective Up & Running band on my rucksack for cycling and another on my day sack when walking alone in fells.

 

[spiritfree]

Thanks DeusXM and Copepod. This is my first holiday abroad, so this is all new to me. Any advice on things I may or may not need would be great.

 

[Copepod]

Here are a few more pointers, but really it's no big deal 🙂 Have a great holiday.

Best to ask your clinic DSN for a letter, as most GPs charge to write one. Best to have one that will be suitable for many trips, not specific to one.

Get a EHIC - see http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthc...-the-ehic.aspx and do not use one of the websites that charge for something that is free.

Find suitable insurance and make sure your declare your diabetes and treatment to company. Most don't charge any extra, so if a company wants to, I prefer to find an alternative.

All diabetes related kit should be in hand luggage, as aircraft holds can get too cold and luggage can be lost. I have never bothered with Frio bags, even for expeditions lasting several months in tropical Latin America, and have always been able to keep insulin cool enough, but keeping it out of direct sunlight - most say room temp is up to 30oC and that insulin can be kept at room temp for 28 days. However, I always take spares - at least an extra cartridge of each type and some excess of testing strips.

 

[lucy123]

Find suitable insurance and make sure your declare your diabetes and treatment to company. Most don't charge any extra, so if a company wants to, I prefer to find an alternative.

Hi Copepod, which insurance company do you use that doesn't charge any extra for diabetes - I really struggled last time I flew to Qatar?

I am due to holiday again soon and would like to find reasonable insurance.🙂

 

[Copepod]

I've always found Snowcard to be good, but it's aimed at adventurous activities, and has only 2 world regions, Europe & rest of world.

 

[lucy123]

I've always found Snowcard to be good, but it's aimed at adventurous activities, and has only 2 world regions, Europe & rest of world.

Thanks Copepod.

This has put me in the mood to think about booking a holiday!

Rather than hijack this thread I will start a new one.