TRAVEL Advice needed ☺️

[lozboz25]

Hello I am looking for advice about travel with my little boy (aged 7).

We are going abroad for the first time since his diagnosis (2019) and I am absolutely petrified! I am wanting ANY helpful advice from checking in at the airport to being on holiday ☺️. We are going to Jamaica for 2 weeks.

Firstly, insurance. I have looked at insurance companies that are for type 1 but there isn't many. Any recommendations would be great. I am really stressed about getting the correct insurance for him, specially with us been in Jamaica.

secondly, checking in at the airport. I've been told I need a bite from his doctor saying what condition he has, what medication he needs, why he needs it and how much he needs. My son has a Libre and omnipod pump, so I've been told to make the air aware that he is to not go through any scanners or x-rays.
I got my travel agent to add on medical luggage so we can carry all his insulin, gadgets, spares and any emergency equipment through.

Any advice or recommendations on how to carry the insulin and keep it chilled?
Any advice on his to keep his gadgets on in the pool?
Any advice on how you travel with type 1.

I'm trying to think of everything to ask as I want to make sure I get it right and don't forget anything or any important information.

So any advice about anything would be fantastic.
Thank you

 

[Inka]

I carry a letter from my doctor saying I have Type 1 and am carrying sharps. I also take a copy of my prescription. I then tell them at check in when they ask if you have any sharps.

Always keep his insulin in your hand luggage. For insurance, I use All Clear, who cover pre-existing medical conditions including Type 1.

 

[Inka]

You can use a Frio pouch to keep his insulin cool. How long is the flight?

 

[lozboz25]

I carry a letter from my doctor saying I have Type 1 and am carrying sharps. I also take a copy of my prescription. I then tell them at check in when they ask if you have any sharps.

Always keep his insulin in your hand luggage. For insurance, I use All Clear, who cover pre-existing medical conditions including Type 1.

My son's diabetic nurse was going to do our letter, but when we was at the travel agent they told me it had to be his doctor so I have asked for his letter to be done by the doctor. I also got told I need to get his prescription too but his omnipod and libre isn't on his prescription, would that matter?

I will have a look at All clear. Thank you do much for your advice xx

 

[lozboz25]

You can use a Frio pouch to keep his insulin cool. How long is the flight?

He has vial insulin for his omnipod and then we are taking his pen insulin as a back up too.
The flight is 9 hours

 

[Inka]

He has vial insulin for his omnipod and then we are taking his pen insulin as a back up too.
The flight is 9 hours

There are different sizes of Frio pouches so you can get what suits you. Take at least twice as much of everything than you think you’ll need, including testing strips.

When I did a 9hr flight West, I changed my pump to local time half-way through the flight. Flying can cause both higher and lower than normal sugars so just err on the side of caution and go with the flow. The important thing is to avoid hypos. Keep hypo treatments physically on you for takeoff and landing in case he goes low then.

 

[helli]

I have travelled hundreds of time since my diagnosis included many many times with a pump in the last 9 years. Over that time, I have needed to show my letter from my doctor once and never needed the prescription which is good because it is now all electronic. I do not flash it around … or even tell anyone I have diabetes unless I need to and that is only when asked to go through the scanners at the airport where you have to stand with your arms above your head. Even then, I just mention I have an insulin pump. The needles, etc are of no concern to airport security. They only care about blades longer than 5 cm.
The only thing that I need to remember is to place my insulin vials and cartridges in a clear plastic bag with my toiletries.
Airlines have absolutely no interest. The only reason to tell them is if you want an extra carry on bag. However, I prefer to limit my luggage to one bag as it is easier to carry and navigate around the airport.
All diabetes kit should be in your hand luggage including insulin, pens, meters, test strips (make sure you have enough in case your son’s pump or CGM fails or of his body, for some reason rejects it on holiday), hypo treatment, spare pump, spare CGM.
I take at least twice as much of everything than I think I need.
Like @Inka, I use Frio pouches for insulin when I am out in a hot country but do not need to do so on the flight as insulin is fine at room temperature. Plus, I have read some airport security does not like gels which you get when the crystals in the Frio wallets convert to when they get wet.
I too have used AllClear for travel insurance. They are significantly more expensive than normal insurance but I think it is worth it.

My top tip for flight is to ensure hypo treatment is with you in your seat, not in the overhead locker. I once had a hypo whilst taking off and had to choose between standing up when the seatbelt light was on or struggling with the hypo for an unknown length of time.

There are covers available for pump and CGM if spending long time in water. I am sure others will be along with recommendations.

We eat differently when on holiday and are probably more active than usual so insulin needs will be different to normal.

Final thing (for now), don’t forget to change the time on the pump for the destination when on the plane for the basal patterns to be correct for a day in Jamaica.

 

[Inka]

My son's diabetic nurse was going to do our letter, but when we was at the travel agent they told me it had to be his doctor so I have asked for his letter to be done by the doctor. I also got told I need to get his prescription too but his omnipod and libre isn't on his prescription, would that matter?

I will have a look at All clear. Thank you do much for your advice xx

I got my GP to do my letter because it was simpler. Make sure they write it in an open way so you can use it for any subsequent trips (ie keep it brief - mine’s a short paragraph on headed paper signed by the GP, mentioning Type 1, on insulin via pump, carrying sharps, etc). The letter I’ve got is years old now.

My pump stuff and Dexcom aren’t on my prescription either but I haven’t had a problem with that.

 

[lozboz25]

There are different sizes of Frio pouches so you can get what suits you. Take at least twice as much of everything than you think you’ll need, including testing strips.

When I did a 9hr flight West, I changed my pump to local time half-way through the flight. Flying can cause both higher and lower than normal sugars so just err on the side of caution and go with the flow. The important thing is to avoid hypos. Keep hypo treatments physically on you for takeoff and landing in case he goes low then.

Thank you. I was abit worried about carrying hypo treats as he uses fruit pouches and orange/apple juice and I don't think either of these will be allowed through the airport. So going to get some sweets. The time change is concerning for me as we are going to gain more hours as they are 5 hours behind us.

 

[lozboz25]

I have travelled hundreds of time since my diagnosis included many many times with a pump in the last 9 years. Over that time, I have needed to show my letter from my doctor once and never needed the prescription which is good because it is now all electronic. I do not flash it around … or even tell anyone I have diabetes unless I need to and that is only when asked to go through the scanners at the airport where you have to stand with your arms above your head. Even then, I just mention I have an insulin pump. The needles, etc are of no concern to airport security. They only care about blades longer than 5 cm.
The only thing that I need to remember is to place my insulin vials and cartridges in a clear plastic bag with my toiletries.
Airlines have absolutely no interest. The only reason to tell them is if you want an extra carry on bag. However, I prefer to limit my luggage to one bag as it is easier to carry and navigate around the airport.
All diabetes kit should be in your hand luggage including insulin, pens, meters, test strips (make sure you have enough in case your son’s pump or CGM fails or of his body, for some reason rejects it on holiday), hypo treatment, spare pump, spare CGM.
I take at least twice as much of everything than I think I need.
Like @Inka, I use Frio pouches for insulin when I am out in a hot country but do not need to do so on the flight as insulin is fine at room temperature. Plus, I have read some airport security does not like gels which you get when the crystals in the Frio wallets convert to when they get wet.
I too have used AllClear for travel insurance. They are significantly more expensive than normal insurance but I think it is worth it.

My top tip for flight is to ensure hypo treatment is with you in your seat, not in the overhead locker. I once had a hypo whilst taking off and had to choose between standing up when the seatbelt light was on or struggling with the hypo for an unknown length of time.

There are covers available for pump and CGM if spending long time in water. I am sure others will be along with recommendations.

We eat differently when on holiday and are probably more active than usual so insulin needs will be different to normal.

Final thing (for now), don’t forget to change the time on the pump for the destination when on the plane for the basal patterns to be correct for a day in Jamaica.

Thank you so much for your advice. I will definitely be taking twice as much insulin, pods and everything else then needed. I just don't know how much it will all weigh as I've been told Im only allowed 5kg for medical luggage.
I've just looked at All clear insurance and it is definitely more expensive than other I have looked at, but I don't mind paying more if he is covered. With it been Jamaica I know how expensive a hospital can be.
Thank you for the hypo trick, I will definitely be doing that. It's the little things like that, that I need/want to know.

 

[Inka]

Thank you. I was abit worried about carrying hypo treats as he uses fruit pouches and orange/apple juice and I don't think either of these will be allowed through the airport. So going to get some sweets. The time change is concerning for me as we are going to gain more hours as they are 5 hours behind us.

Go for Dextro tablets or similar @lozboz25 You can get a lot of fast carbs in a small packet. I’d introduce them now rather than surprise him with something different on the trip. If you buy them from Amazon, you can get a better variety of flavours. I have a child of a similar age to your son who’s not diabetic and they often ask for ‘one of Mummy’s special sweets’ so they must taste good to little palettes.

 

[grovesy]

Just to be aware your GP may charge for the Letter!

 

[Leadinglights]

Just to be aware your GP may charge for the Letter!

I would hope not since it is for a child.

 

[lozboz25]

Go for Dextro tablets or similar @lozboz25 You can get a lot of fast carbs in a small packet. I’d introduce them now rather than surprise him with something different on the trip. If you buy them from Amazon, you can get a better variety of flavours. I have a child of a similar age to your son who’s not diabetic and they often ask for ‘one of Mummy’s special sweets’ so they must taste good to little palettes.

Thank you I will do that. Thank you for all your advice x

 

[lozboz25]

Just to be aware your GP may charge for the Letter!

I don't mind paying as long as I have the correct letter

 

[SB2015]

My letter is a hospital letter from the DSN and , on the rare occasion that I needed it was fine. I am sure your PDSN will have a standard letter for holidays.

As others have said take double what you need and don’t forget your back up pens just in case.

My other advice is covered in responses, so finally have a fantastic trip.

 

[100cas]

It’s very exciting that you are off on such a lovely holiday and it’s very normal the feel anxious especially as this is the first holiday since diagnosis.

I am another vote for allclear travel insurance.

I also use Omnipod dash and libre and have an nhs letter stating that I’m type 1 and listing what I need to take. I have never had to show it yet in 27 years!

I would advise that you take double the amount of supplies that you think you will need. And if you do not have a spare PDM you can get a “holiday loan” from Omnipod/ insulet if you call them. There are specific rules around use of the loan PDM and when you send it back keep the proof of postage receipt).

I also take a lot of low snacks with me on the plane (keep them with you in your seat not in the overhead locker) and in my hold luggage for when in on holiday eg dextrose tabs and a fair few cereal bars, biscuits etc.

To keep insulin cool I have a frio pouch and also a thermos flask designed for insulin from Disoncare (many think this is over the top which is fair, I just get a bit anxious when I travel so I prefer to be over prepared!)

Personally I run low when on holiday so my basal rate goes down (a mix of heat and activity I think).

I’ve attached a pic of my medical supplies from my last trip (the insulin and charging cables were added just before I left).

Most of all have an amazing holiday!

 

[AndBreathe]

Last month, going through Heathrow, and Dubai, there were no requirements to have liquids in clear bags. I haven’t checked in the regulations have actually changed, but will do before we travel back.

 

[lozboz25]

My letter is a hospital letter from the DSN and , on the rare occasion that I needed it was fine. I am sure your PDSN will have a standard letter for holidays.

As others have said take double what you need and don’t forget your back up pens just in case.

My other advice is covered in responses, so finally have a fantastic trip.

Thank you so much! I do plan on taking double the amount if not more! And any backup pens. I'm just scared of forgetting something important so made a list.
Again thank you xx

 

[lozboz25]

It’s very exciting that you are off on such a lovely holiday and it’s very normal the feel anxious especially as this is the first holiday since diagnosis.

I am another vote for allclear travel insurance.

I also use Omnipod dash and libre and have an nhs letter stating that I’m type 1 and listing what I need to take. I have never had to show it yet in 27 years!

I would advise that you take double the amount of supplies that you think you will need. And if you do not have a spare PDM you can get a “holiday loan” from Omnipod/ insulet if you call them. There are specific rules around use of the loan PDM and when you send it back keep the proof of postage receipt).

I also take a lot of low snacks with me on the plane (keep them with you in your seat not in the overhead locker) and in my hold luggage for when in on holiday eg dextrose tabs and a fair few cereal bars, biscuits etc.

To keep insulin cool I have a frio pouch and also a thermos flask designed for insulin from Disoncare (many think this is over the top which is fair, I just get a bit anxious when I travel so I prefer to be over prepared!)

Personally I run low when on holiday so my basal rate goes down (a mix of heat and activity I think).

I’ve attached a pic of my medical supplies from my last trip (the insulin and charging cables were added just before I left).

Most of all have an amazing holiday!

Oh that's fantastic! Thank you! Can I ask where you got your case from to keep everything safe?

I have looked at All clear insurance, I've also been told about Sure start insurance? So I've looked at both of them, and going to look at the small print.

I wasn't aware you could get a loan PDM, thank you for letting know. We do have a spare but I'm glad I'm aware that I could get a loan if need be!
I've seen some flasks on Amazon to keep the insulin cool and I thought it was a great idea, specially for the pens. I need something that is going to last at least the 9 hour flight and the hours we will be waiting at the airport - plus the coach ride to the hotel which is a hour. So I need something that going to last more than 12 hours.

Thank you xx