Travelling Information

Diabetes is NOT a barrier to travelling. However, to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip be sure to plan well and think carefully about what supplies you will need for your diabetes management when traveling.

Discuss your travel arrangements with your doctor or diabetes educator for advice on:

• Medication
• Insulin adjustments
•  Vaccinations
• Anti-diarrhoea, anti-nausea and anti-malarial medication if going to designated tropical areas
• Glucagon

•  Deep vein thrombosis

• Ask your doctor for a letter which states that you have diabetes, the treatment you are on and a list of the medical supplies you will need to take with you. (See Documentation section below.)
  

 Travel insurance is essential. Ensure that your accident and health insurance covers pre-existing conditions and the countries you plan to visit.

• If crossing time zones, consult your doctor regarding any insulin changes that may be required.
• Check with your airline at least 2 days in advance. There are different security requirement sin different countries.

• If flying in Australia your NDSS card is a useful addition to your doctor’s letter to assist passage through security.
• If travelling overseas, apart from your passport and visas, you will need a doctor’s letter for several reasons:
  
  - Having your doctor’s letter which states what medication you are on, especially if you’re on insulin, will help to ensure a quick passage through security. The letter should also state that you need to blood glucose monitor while traveling.
  
  - If you intend to use your doctor’s letter to export medication overseas for your personal use, then the doctor’s letter must contain a list of all the medications you are taking overseas, including over the counter medications and herbal preparations. The list must include the exact quantity of each medication and your daily dose for each medication. Be sure the letter includes your NDSS products as well. This is now a requirement of the Commonwealth Government Department and the Health Insurance Commission. If you do not have a doctor’s letter with all of the required information, or a completed PBS Medicine Export Declaration form, the Customs Officer has the right to remove and detain your medication before you leave Australia if it is suspected of being exported illegally.

The PBS Medicine Export Declaration form is available from any Medicare office or you can download it from:

• If you become ill while overseas then the letter is invaluable in assisting your treating doctor.  
• Check with the embassies/consulates of your destination overseas as to whether the medications you are taking are legal in their country. (For example some countries have restriction on the number of asthma puffers you are allowed). It may be necessary for them to provide you with documentation.
• Have contact details of the Australian Embassy/Consulate in the countries you are visiting. They will have a doctor attached to them. If there is not an Australian Embassy/Consulate then have the contact details of a British or American one.

• Plan ahead for regular stops along the way
• Try to arrange for arrival and departure at convenient times of the day. Allow plenty of time to make your travel connections.
• Arrive well in advance of the airline’s suggested departure check-in time.
• When traveling long distances check that the meals available are suitable – low fat, high fibre with adequate, quality carbohydrates. It is not advisable to ask for specific diabetes meals as they are often high in fat and low in sugar only, and the taste is variable.
• Pack a supply of medications, test strips, insulin and syringes that is more than you require for your whole trip. When packing your strips and medications leave them in their original packaging with the label that has details of your name and dose instructions clearly displayed.
• Check PBS/NDSS regulations on how much medication and NDSS products you are entitled to take overseas. For information on NDDS products contact Diabetes Australia on 1300 136 588. To check PBS regulations contact 1800 888 333.
• If travelling overseas for extended periods contact drug companies for information regarding the availability of your diabetes supplies in other countries.
•  When travelling long distances, regular meal breaks and blood glucose monitoring are recommended.

• It is your right to carry on board your insulin and blood glucose monitoring supplies, however you will need to check security arrangements for Australian airports and also the country you are traveling to, for your return flight.
• Be aware that there are constant changes and upgrading of security in air travel worldwide.
• For up to date information, contact he airline you are traveling with ahead of time.
• Call the airline carrier at least two days in advance of your scheduled flight to ensure that they are aware of your need for in-flight access to diabetes medications and supplies, and to provide you with up to date information on security requirements for your return flight.
• Have your medication and strips in their original packaging with your name and dose instructions label clearly displayed. 

• Plan ahead with regular stops, allow plenty of time, don’t rush
• Stop for meals 
• Pack extra diabetes supplies
• Be aware of the medical standards required for licenses to drive, particularly in relationship to hypoglycemia. For further information contact us on 1300 136 588
• Don’t forget to monitor your blood glucose levels
• If you experience hypoglycaemia (hypos) while driving, stop the car and treat the hypo. Do not resume driving until you have recovered.
• Hypoglycaemia unawareness must be referred to a specialist for review of ability to retain a diver’s license.