Hello, traveler!
Diabetes can sometimes bring extra challenges to your travels, especially when it comes to carrying your insulin.
But don't worry! Whether you're travelling locally in Canada or flying internationally, we've got your back.
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about packing your insulin for travel, keeping it safe and effective no matter where your adventures take you!
Related article: Traveling with diabetes: How to Plan, Pack, and Fly!
What You Need to Know About Traveling with Insulin
As you're likely aware already, insulin is very sensitive to temperatures and must be transported with care. If it gets too warm or freezes, it can quickly lose its potency, leading to uncontrollable blood sugar levels.
That's why the most important thing to consider when packing your insulin for travel is to keep it at the right temperature, from your departure to your arrival and everywhere in between.
But that's not all! Whether you use insulin injection pens, insulin vials and syringes, or insulin pumps, the containers are fragile and must be protected from drops and impacts during your travels.
And because insulin is a prescription medication, packing insulin for travel also involves complying with regulatory requirements, particularly if you're flying out of Canada and crossing international borders.
Related article: International Travels with Insulin: Carrying Insulin on International Flights and Managing Time Zone Changes
Before Packing Your Insulin for Travel
Before you embark on your journey, a bit of strategic pre-departure planning can make all the difference.
Taking the time to organize and prepare your insulin supplies will ensure that you can manage your diabetes effectively during your travel.
Here are a few crucial steps to take before you actually start packing for your next trip:
- Consult with your doctor. Before you set off on your travels with diabetes, it's always a good idea to have a chat with your doctor or endocrinologist. They can provide personalized guidance, refill your prescriptions, fill out a diabetes travel letter, ensuring you have enough insulin and supplies for the duration of your trip, and provide documentation that could be necessary during your travel.
- Check your insulin supplies. A few days before packing, double-check your stock of insulin, injection and blood glucose monitoring supplies. You'll need enough insulin for the duration of your trip, plus a little extra.
- Plan ahead and gather information. Before your trip, give your airline a heads-up because regulations can vary, and you'll want to smooth out any potential hiccups ahead of time. Also, while insulin is widely recognized and used all over the world, different countries have different rules about medication transportation. If you have doubts, a quick check with local authorities or the embassy can help understand what documentation or special permissions might be required to carry your insulin without hassle and prevent customs chaos.
- Check that your travel insurance covers the loss or deterioration of your insulin during travels. This is a crucial safety net that can save you from unexpected expenses or difficulties while you're away from home.
Related article: Travel Insurance for Diabetes: What to Know Before Leaving.
Packing Insulin for Travel: General Tips
When planning a trip-whether it's by air, boat, train, or road-packing your insulin properly is essential to keep it safe and effective throughout your journey.
Here are some universal tips for packing insulin, applicable to all travel modes:
Use an Insulin Travel Pack
Temperature control is key when packing insulin for travel.
Remember that your unopened insulin must be kept refrigerated. However, once opened, your in-use insulin pen or vial can be kept at room temperature but should never be exposed to temperatures above 25 °C, sometimes 30°C.
Before packing your insulin, make sure to read the specific storage instructions for your pens or vials. These can vary depending on the specific type and brand of insulin you're using (Lantus, Novolog, Humalog, Levemir, etc.).
If you're traveling during summer or to warm climate destinations, or if you're carrying stocks of unopened insulin, you must use an insulin cooler, like the ones from 4AllFamily, now available in Canada.
Related article: How to Travel With Insulin That Needs Refrigeration or Cooling!
Packing Techniques
- Keep it accessible. Always pack your insulin and diabetic supplies in easily accessible locations, especially if you'll need an injection during your trip.
- Compact and secure. Consider using a hard-shell case for added protection, especially if your travel itinerary involves multiple stops, outdoor activities, or rugged conditions where bumps or drops are likely.
- Make a checklist. Traveling with insulin involves more than just packing your insulin. Make a comprehensive checklist of all your diabetic supplies, including insulin pens, needles, vials, syringes, blood glucose monitor, test strips, ketone test strips, backup batteries or charging devices, insulin pump supplies, etc.
- Organization is key. Make sure everything is securely packed, well organized, and within easy reach. Use clear, zipped pouches or dedicated compartments within your bag to separate and organize different items. Diabetic travel bags are designed for that purpose and may be a smart investment for frequent travelers.
- Pack your insulin supplies into two separate bags. It's always a good idea to separate your insulin and diabetic supplies into two different bags in case one is lost, stolen, or delayed during your travel. If you're traveling with a companion, ask if they can carry one of the bags. This not only distributes the load but also adds an extra layer of security!
Quantities, Labeling, and Documentation
When packing insulin for travel, managing quantities, ensuring clear labeling, and carrying appropriate documentation are essential steps to ensure a smooth journey.
How Much Insulin Can You Pack?
You are allowed to bring as much insulin as needed for the entire length of your trip. Calculate your daily insulin dosage and factor in extra for delays or emergencies.
Always pack additional supplies in case your trip is extended unexpectedly. A good rule of thumb is to bring at least a week's worth of extra insulin and supplies beyond your planned return date.
If you pack large quantities of insulin, you may be required to show documentation at the airport or at border crossing points. This could include a doctor's letter or a copy of your prescription, explaining your personal need for such quantities.
What documentation do you need?
For domestic travel within Canada, no specific documentation is generally required to carry insulin or diabetic supplies. However, having a doctor's note on hand can facilitate smoother interactions with CATSA (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority) and other security personnel.
Additionally, when packing insulin or any other medication for travel, always keep the labels visible, so the content can easily be identified.
When crossing international borders, documentation may be required. Carry a copy of your medical prescription and a letter from your healthcare provider that includes:
- Your medical necessity for carrying insulin and supplies.
- A list of all medical supplies being carried.
- Your contact information and that of your healthcare provider.
If traveling to a country where English is not the primary language, consider having your medical documentation translated into the local language to avoid misunderstandings.
Keep all necessary documents in a clear plastic folder in your carry-on luggage. This makes it easy to present them quickly during security checks or medical emergencies.
Have electronic copies of all your medical documents saved on your phone or in an accessible online storage. This provides a backup in case physical copies are lost or damaged.
Related article: Tips for Traveling with Medication Internationally: Preparation & Documents.
How to Pack Insulin and Needles for Air Travel
Packing insulin for air travel requires specific considerations due to security measures and the impact of pressure and temperatures during the flight.
So, here are a few tips for packing your insulin and needles when flying:
Related article: Can Insulin Pumps go Through X-ray & Metal Detectors at the Airport?
Pack Insulin in Your Carry-On
Always carry your insulin and all necessary supplies in your carry-on luggage. Changes in temperature in the cargo hold can render insulin ineffective, so avoid checked luggage.
Keep your insulin within easy reach, in a bag under the seat in front of you, not in the overhead locker. You might need to administer it or check your blood sugar during the flight.
Check airline policies before departure. Each airline company may have slightly different policies regarding the transportation of medical supplies onboard. It's wise to call ahead and discuss your needs to ensure there are no surprises at the boarding gate.
Related article: How to Take Insulin on a Plane: TSA Regulations & Insulin Coolers.
CATSA and Insulin
Before packing insulin and needles for air travel, familiarize yourself with the latest CATSA regulations concerning medications and sharps. You are allowed to bring unlimited quantities of medically necessary liquids, including insulin, through security checkpoints, as long as they are clearly labelled, and you declare them.
Pack all used needles in a sharps container or similar. Declare these items and your insulin at the security checkpoint. For more information about CATSA regulations for flying with insulin and needles, please read our in-depth article below:
We'd Love to Hear From You!
We hope this guide helps simplify your travel preparations! Feel free to comment below and share your questions, experiences, or tips for packing insulin for travel!
