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How to find the best travel insurance for diabetics
Finding travel insurance for diabetics that is comprehensive and affordable is much more straightforward if you know where to look
![Happy Asian family on holiday vacation. Group of multi generation family little girl with parents and grandparents relax and enjoy with dinner party and dancing together on the beach at summer sunset.](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/financial-services/family-on-beach.jpg?imwidth=680)
Estimates suggest that more than five million people in the UK are living with diabetes, so it’s no surprise that many of them are wondering what they need to consider if they want to travel with the condition.Â
The best travel insurance for diabetics is usually available from providers specialising in medical cover. In this article, we explain where to find holiday insurance for diabetics, ask what to look for when choosing your cover and provide tips for travelling with diabetes.
Can diabetics get travel insurance?
In short, yes you can get travel insurance if you have diabetes. Millions of people in the UK are diabetic but having the condition should not prevent you from enjoying holidays abroad or in the UK, whichever type of diabetes you have.Â
Is travel insurance different for type 1 or type 2 diabetes?
You can find comprehensive travel insurance for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Although those with either type will have higher than usual blood sugar levels, type 2 is often diet-related and characterised by the body becoming resistant to the hormone insulin, whereas type 1 is a genetic condition and auto-immune disease. This means your immune system effectively attacks the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas.
Travel insurance for type 1 diabetes
Approximately 8 per cent of people with diabetes have type 1, or insulin-dependent diabetes. Specialist travel insurance for type 1 diabetes can provide valuable peace of mind that you will be protected if you need medical treatment while you are away. Â
Travel insurance for type 2 diabetes
Approximately 1 in 10 adults over the age of 40 in the UK have type 2 diabetes, according to Diabetes UK. Some people will have more severe symptoms than others, so you will need specialist travel insurance tailored to your requirements that will cover you for medical emergencies when you are away.Â
Is diabetes considered a pre-existing condition?
When you buy travel insurance, insurers will want to know about any conditions you already have, including diabetes and prediabetes. You may be asked whether you take insulin, whether you have high blood pressure or cholesterol, and whether you are taking any other types of medication. Â
If you fail to declare your condition, you risk invalidating any claim you make. Remember that you still need to declare your diabetes even if it is controlled and your blood sugar levels are normal.
Is travel insurance more expensive with diabetes?
Your travel insurance premiums will be based on a wide range of factors. When getting your quote you will complete a brief medical screening process so that your travel insurance provider can get an idea of how well your condition can be managed.Â
Diabetes may have an impact on your premium. But there are lots of other factors that will also impact your premium: any other medical conditions, your age, where you are travelling to and how long for.Â
However, potential medical costs abroad if you do not have cover for your diabetes and need emergency medical treatment while you are away are likely to be much higher.
What does travel insurance for diabetes cover?
Comprehensive travel insurance for diabetics should cover any emergency medical treatment you need, including any that relates to your diabetes, including repatriation to the UK.
Your travel insurance policy should also provide protection for other issues with your holiday such as if you have to cancel your holiday or if you have to cut your trip short
Tips for travelling with diabetes
When travelling with diabetes, it is a good idea to make sure you are prepared for every eventuality. For example, have you thought about how you will transport insulin when travelling, or whether you need a letter to fly? Here are some of the things you may need to consider:
1. Have you notified your holiday company about your condition?Â
Make sure you not only declare your diabetes to your travel insurance provider, but also let your holiday company know, so that they are aware in case anything happens while you are away. You may also want to wear a medical identification bracelet that states that you are diabetic.
Tell your airline too, so that they can take your needs into account if you use a pump or Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM).
2. Do diabetics need a letter to fly?
Different airlines may have different rules on this, so a letter may or may not be a condition of boarding. Either way, it is a good idea to get a letter from your doctor saying you have diabetes in case it is needed at any stage of your travels. The letter should state the equipment and medication you need to carry with you such as insulin, a pump, needles, monitors, tablets, test strips and so on.
3. Have you got all the medication you will need for your break?
Before you go, you will want to stock up on all the medication you will need while you are away. If you are planning to get insulin when you are overseas, remember that different countries often have different insulin strengths, so check that you can get the strength you need. In general, however, it is usually a good idea to pack your own supplies to last you until you get home.Â
Finding the right travel insurance for you
If you are travelling with diabetes and need to find appropriate travel insurance for diabetics, you should use a specialist travel insurance provider that will cover your diabetes and any associated conditions, and provide you with comprehensive cover while abroad.Â
If you need travel insurance and have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, or any other type of medical condition, the Telegraph Media Group Travel Insurance Service, provided by specialists AllClear, may be able to help. It covers more than 1,300 different medical conditions, including diabetes travel insurance and annual policies. All its policies also include Covid-19 cover.Â
Travelling with diabetes? AllClear covers over 1,300 different medical conditions, including diabetes travel insurance - Get a quote today.
Read more:Â
- How to find travel insurance for Thailand
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Telegraph Media Group Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of AllClear Insurance Services Limited, a company that is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
The above article was created for Telegraph Financial Solutions, a trading name of The Telegraph Media Group. For more information on Telegraph Financial Solutions click here.