Travel Insurance and travelling with diabetes type 1

[Jilly Frances]

I was diagnosed last July at the age of 69 with type 1 which was a shock. We are travelling to Europe in April and July this year and I am wondering who others use for travel insurance? Also worried about wearing the Libre in the heat and any other things I should be aware of travelling through airports etc? All a bit daunting at the moment. Thanks - any information which should be great.

 

[Robin]

I was diagnosed last July at the age of 69 with type 1 which was a shock. We are travelling to Europe in April and July this year and I am wondering who others use for travel insurance? Also worried about wearing the Libre in the heat and any other things I should be aware of travelling through airports etc? All a bit daunting at the moment. Thanks - any information which should be great.

I’ve used Allclear, who specialise on medical conditions, but who aren’t the cheapest (I actually used them because I needed cover for a higher altitude than a lot of cheaper policies) . I've also gone on comparison sites where you can tick that you’ve got a medical condition, and it asks you questions and then provides cover that includes your conditions. I’ve done a quote both ways, one saying I have Type 1 diabetes, and one not declaring it, and it doesn't tend to put the price up.
I've not had a problem with my Libre in heat, the thing I'm always worried about is if I accidentally cook my insulin by having it in my black (heat absorbing) bumbag, but it’s always been Ok out and about with a Frio cooling pouch. (I do sometimes try and carry it on the 'shady' side of my body if I'm walking or standing in full sun)
Airports have never caused me any problems, security are used to Libre sensors (mine 'pinged' a body scanner and when I said, Oh I expect it’s my Libre, they knew what I was on about). I just put my insulin pens and spare insulin into the clear plastic bag through security, and they’ve never been queried.(well, once the young guy watching the screen queried it with his superior as it went through the machine, and the supervisor said in whatever language it was, the equivalent of 'It’s insulin, you stupid boy!'

 

[Inka]

I’ve always used AllClear too. I like the fact I know I’m covered properly. I’ve used them for both short trips and long haul.

I always arrive early at Security, tell them I have Type 1 and am wearing a pump and carrying insulin and sharps. I also have a doctor’s letter confirming this. I take at least twice as much of everything as I think I’ll need and keep it in my handluggage with me. Some airlines allow an extra medical bag for people who need medication and I’ve always taken this plus my normal handluggage. It makes things easier. I also take lots of Dextro tablets with me.

Most importantly, have a fabulous time 🙂

 

[100cas]

I was diagnosed last July at the age of 69 with type 1 which was a shock. We are travelling to Europe in April and July this year and I am wondering who others use for travel insurance? Also worried about wearing the Libre in the heat and any other things I should be aware of travelling through airports etc? All a bit daunting at the moment. Thanks - any information which should be great.

Great to hear that you have some exciting trips coming up!

Another vote for allclear. I have their annual global policy as travel a fair bit per year. I feel very well covered with them.

I’ve never experienced any issues at the airport and have only explained being T1 if my cool bags/ ice packs are picked up on the X-ray. I do find my blood sugars go a little awry on the travel days which I put down to a bit of stress so I just keep a close eye on them.

As others have said take your glucose tabs with you and have them on you in your seat on the plane (not the overhead bin) if possible.

The only small issue I’ve had with the libre while being away is it getting a bit loose due to sun cream and swimming/ being in water. I just tape over it to hold it on and it’s always been fine. You also get a beautiful tan line from it haha.

You may have have already experienced warm weather, just worth noting that hot weather can have different effects on different people but for me my blood sugars always run lower.