Recently diagnosed and need help with travel

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01i.x

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Hello, I was recently diagnosed with diabetes. I travel abroad a lot for work. My doctor gave me a print out of my medication (insulin etc) to bring to the airport. The airline are saying I need a doctors note. My doctor says they don’t give out for these instances.

Should I be alright without a note?

Thanks in advance 🙂
 
Welcome to the forum @01i.x

You mention that you are carrying insulin. If you are in the care of the hospital you should be able to get a letter from your DSN, which is standard and explains that you are required to have your insulin, test kit, pens etc with you in your hand luggage. You don’t want it in the hold as it could freeze the insulin and so deactivate it.

I have had just two letters over 15 years, and my current one is fairly general. I have been asked for it just twice in that time, it would still want to have it with me. I use a sunflower lanyard when going through an airport. This puts me through a different channel at our local airport where they are used to dealing with those that have medical stuff with them. It is a slower line, but MUCH shorter. One of the benefits of having diabetes.

I do allow extra time to get through an airport just in case there are issues. these have arisen in USA mainly.
 
I have never told/asked the airline about my insulin for travel and have flown hundreds of times with it.
So, I am surprised they are asking about a doctors note.

Like @SB2015, I have a generic letter signed by my DSN from the diabetes clinic which I carry when flying. In 20 years, I have needed to show it twice to airport security. But never to the airline.

If you have been very recently diagnosed, you may want to check your travel insurance. I once had an A&E visit (unrelated to diabetes), less than 48 hours prior to flying. Checking my insurance, I realised (once I got home), I required a fitness to travel note from the doctor. Otherwise my insurance was invalid. Getting someone from A&E to write the note was a challenge and nearly as painful as the reason I ended up there.
 
You could also carry your repeat prescription list with you as well.
 
I've never been asked for a Drs letter (though some on the forum who travel more frequently have).

I think your Dr may charge you for a letter, but you may be able to ask your Diabetes Specialist Nurse (DSN) for one which may be free.

Which type of diabetes do you live with?
 
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