Let's face it-traveling internationally with insulin can be kind of stressful. With all the planning and diabetes supply checklists, it might feel like you're packing for a month-long expedition! But don't worry, we've got you covered.
Whether you're hopping overseas for a vacation or flying abroad for work, carrying your insulin on international flights and across borders is less of a hassle than it looks like.
In this guide, we'll go through some practical tips for international travels with insulin and diabetes supplies, including:
- How to prepare and pack your insulin for international travel?
- What documentation do you need?
- How to manage insulin injections across time zones?
- And much more!
Related article: Traveling with diabetes: How to Plan, Pack, and Fly!
Preparing for International Travel with Insulin
Alright, so you're getting ready for your big trip. Here's the first thing: prepare, prepare, prepare. Trust me, the more you get ready beforehand, the less you'll worry when you're actually on the plane or in a new country.
Check Airline and Airport Regulations for Flying with Insulin
First things first, when carrying insulin on international flights, always check with the airline you're flying with.
Most airlines will let you bring your insulin pens and syringes in your carry-on bag, but it's still a good idea to double-check. You can find this info on the airline's website or just give them a quick call.
In Canada, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) allows you to take insulin in your carry-on bags. And that would be the same in pretty much any airport around the world.
It's always best to keep your insulin in your carry-on, and never in checked luggage. Cargo holds can get way too cold or hot, which isn't good for your insulin!
Related article: TSA Regulations for Diabetics: Traveling with Diabetes Supplies & Insulin.
Packing Insulin For International Travels
Okay, so packing is next. When it comes to traveling internationally with insulin, keep it simple but neat.
Here's a quick tip: keep your insulin pens and vials in their original packaging whenever possible. This way, the labels are visible, so airport security and customs agents can quickly check the contents without any hassle. It can make a big difference in speeding things up at airport security checkpoints and border crossings.
Always pack more insulin and diabetes supplies than you think you'll need. I know, you're probably thinking, "But I don't want to overpack!" Trust me on this one. Delays happen, flights get canceled, and having extra insulin and supplies can be a lifesaver.
Make a list of all your diabetes and insulin injection supplies you need, and double-check it before you zip up your bag to make sure you haven't forgotten anything! Oh, and remember to toss in some glucose tablets or fast-acting sugary snacks just in case you have low blood sugar during the flight!
Now, here's another important trick when traveling with insulin: split your supplies into two different bags. This way, if one bag gets lost or stolen, you'll still have some of your essentials. If you're traveling with a companion, even better! Ask them to carry some of your supplies in their bag for extra security.
Remember that insulin must be kept cool (once opened) or refrigerated (before opening). If needed, pack your insulin pens and vials in a medical-grade insulin cooler, and make sure it's CATSA-approved for air travel! We'll dive into more details about that a bit later in this article.
Related article: How to Pack Insulin for Travel: Keep it Cool, Safe, and Legal!
Necessary Documentation for Traveling Abroad with Insulin
Here's something a lot of people overlook: documentation. When you're carrying insulin on international flights, it's a good idea to have a doctor's note or prescription. It'll help if airport security or customs ever gives you a hard time.
But what exactly might you need at border points? Let's break it down:
- Doctor's Note or Prescription
This diabetes travel letter from your doctor should state that you are diabetic and need to carry insulin, needles, syringes, glucose meter, and other necessary supplies.
This helps explain why you're carrying medical supplies, especially if you encounter airport security agents who aren't familiar with diabetic care. But it can also be useful if you need to purchase insulin or injection supplies abroad.
Tip: If you're traveling internationally to a country where English isn't the primary language, having a translated copy of this documentation can be incredibly helpful.
- Medication Packaging and Labels
As mentioned above, it's always best to keep your insulin pens or vials in their original packaging. This shows the prescription labels with your name and dosage instructions, proving that the medication is for personal use. Security agents at airport checkpoints and customs may want to verify that the insulin belongs to you.
Having your name on the labels that match your travel documents (passport, ID) makes the process much smoother and avoids any suspicion.
- Quantity Limits: How Much Insulin Can You Take Abroad?
While it is generally allowed to bring enough insulin and supplies to cover your travel needs, there isn't a universal rule about how much insulin you can travel with.
The general guideline is to carry a reasonable amount that aligns with your prescription-typically a supply for the length of your trip, plus some extra in case of delays. Generally, if you can prove that the amount of insulin you're carrying is for personal use, you should not have any problem.
When departing from Canada airports, the CATSA allows liquid medications (like insulin) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces (100ML), but you need to declare them at security checkpoints.
Note: Regulations regarding the importation of medication like insulin may vary depending on your destination country. If you're ever unsure about the requirements of the country you're traveling to, a quick call to their embassy or consulate can clarify the rules for carrying insulin.
Related article: Essential Tips for Traveling with Medication Internationally!
How to Carry Insulin on Long-Haul or International Flights
Now for the fun part (not really, but hey, it's important). Carrying insulin safely during a long, international flight can be a bit of a juggle, but with these tips, you'll be set.
First, keep your insulin bag under the seat in front of you. I know, I know, you probably want to stuff it in the overhead bin to get it out of the way and have more leg room, but hear me out. The temperature is usually more stable down there, plus it's within easy reach if you need it. If you're unsure about where to keep it, don't hesitate to ask the flight attendants-they're usually quite helpful.
Keeping Insulin Cool on the Plane
As you know, insulin is a bit picky when it comes to temperature, as it needs to be refrigerated between 2°C to 8°C before use and kept cool below 25°C once opened.
So, when traveling internationally, how do you keep your insulin cool or refrigerated on a long-haul flight?
Easy! 4AllFamily's insulin coolers, now available in Canada, are your best friends. Our medical-grade travel cooling cases, designed with insulin in mind, keep your insulin refrigerated or cool below 25°C for anything from a few hours (for the most basic models) to several days of travel!
And they're all approved for air travel, so you can bring them on board. When you go through airport security, just let them know you've got cold packs for medical purposes. As long as the cold packs are accompanied by medication, you're good to go!
Related article: How to Travel With Insulin That Needs to Be Refrigerated?
Adjusting Insulin Doses for Time Zone Changes When Traveling Internationally
Ah, time zones. They can be a real headache, can't they? Managing your basal insulin injection schedule while traveling across different time zones takes a bit of understanding.
Talk to your doctor before you travel. They'll have the best advice on adjusting your insulin schedule to different time zone changes. Sometimes they recommend gradually changing your injection timings before you leave, so the transition isn't as harsh when you arrive.
If you're going somewhere that's six hours ahead, for example, you might want to adjust your dose times by an hour each day leading up to your departure. It's not an exact science, but it helps ease you into the new time zone. Oh, and set alarms on your phone as reminders-it's so easy to lose track of time when you're busy traveling and exploring new countries!
But in any case, we recommend talking about that with your doctor for personalized advice.
Related article: How to Ship Insulin & Refrigerated Medications?
A Few Extra Tips for International Travels with Insulin
Here's a little travel hack: before you even leave, look up pharmacies are at your destination country. Some countries have different types of insulin than Canada, so it's good to know what's available.
If you're traveling to a non-English-speaking country, it helps to learn a few key phrases in the local language. "Where can I find insulin?" or "I have diabetes" are good ones to start with!
Lastly, this might sound boring, but trust me-get travel insurance. Look for policies that cover medical emergencies related to preexisting medical conditions (diabetes), including lost medication or sudden health issues. You'll thank yourself later if anything goes wrong, and it's way less stressful knowing you're covered.
Related article: Travel Insurance for Type 1 Diabetes: What to Know Before Leaving.
And, there you have it! Traveling internationally with insulin isn't the nightmare it might seem at first. A little prep goes a long way. From packing strategies to adjusting to time zones, you've got this! Just remember, the key is to plan ahead and talk to your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your needs. Safe travels, and enjoy your trip-you deserve it!
We'd Love to Hear From You!
Please share your questions, travel stories, and personal tips for traveling internationally with insulin. We'll be glad to have a chat below!
