Can I bring insulin needles into a plane cabin?
As a diabetic, you can bring insulin needles, syringes and pumps into a plane cabin if you have a letter from your GP stating why this is necessary. You should check with your airline if you need to take an insulin pump or CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitoring) device into the cabin.
Today's air travel security regulations prohibit a raft of items in plane cabins. These include no liquids over 100ml - and no sharps.
For diabetics, the 'no sharps' rule is highly relevant.
If you are travelling with insulin needles, insulin or an insulin pump, here is everything you need to know about traveling by air with insulin.
Bringing insulin needles on a plane: Can you bring insulin needles on a plane?
Since diabetics need insulin - and the associated needles or syringes - in order to regulate their insulin levels, they need to bring this equipment into the plane cabin.
Additionally, medicine should not be placed in stowed luggage since the sub-zero temperatures can degrade it.
Taking insulin on a plane UK: What are the requirements?
For air travel with an insulin pump, insulin or insulin needles, you will need written evidence that you require to take the insulin on a plane.
It is only permitted to take insulin on a plane if you carry a letter from your GP stating why you need the insulin and needle supplies/insulin pump and why they must be kept with you in the cabin.
Asides from taking insulin on a plane, there is a requirement to carry a letter from your GP for other medical supplies you may need - such as liquid medicine (100ml+) or pills, which may be examined by immigration officials.
Tell security officials about liquid medicine over 100ml
If you're carrying more than 100ml of liquid medication, you'll also need to tell your airline.
You'll be required to carry any medication separately and tell security officials as you approach the airside area of the airport.
What's allowed in your destination country?
Some countries have restrictions on particular medications.
Contact the embassy or the high commission of your destination country to check what medicines you will be allowed to take to your destination country..
Travelling with diabetes: What you need to take into the plane cabin
For air travel with diabetes, you should take the following items with you into the plane cabin:
- Sufficient insulin
- Blood glucose meter and spare batteries
- Insulin syringes and pens
- Emergency contact details
- Medical alert bracelet or necklace
- Letter from your GP
- Sandwiches, biscuits, fruit etc. in case you need an energy hit
Air travel with insulin pump
Check with your airline if you need to take an insulin pump or CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitoring) device into the plane cabin.
For security screening, insulin pumps should not be taken through x-ray machines but can be passed through metal detectors.
If you need to remove your pump for the flight, take a backup administration method, such as an insulin pen.
How do I tell if my insulin has been damaged during the flight?
You should examine the insulin for any trace of crystals.
If crystals are present in the insulin, you should discard this insulin and seek local supplies.
Getting additional insulin and medical supplies overseas
If you require addition insulin supplies whilst abroad:
- Call your insulin manufacturer and ask about supplies in your destination country.
- Carry a recent prescription.
- Take your EHIC card for EU travel, so you can claim back medical supplies in the UK
- Double-check available insulin strengths - while the UK uses U-100, chemists at your destination may supply U-40 or U-80.
The markings down the side of the syringe shows how many units of insulin are in the syringe. The correct syringes must be used for each strength level so insulin syringes from the UK would not be suitable for the overseas insulin supplies.
Pre-existing medical conditions?
If you are diabetic or have other pre-existing medical conditions, we offer travel insurance cover for a range of medical conditions.
Find out more about our travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions.
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