CyprusLiving

I have a friend planning to visit us next year from UK for 10 days, who has not flown for many years; he is insulin dependant diabetic. Can anyone advise what restrictions he is likely to come across with regard to travelling with his medication/needles/testing strips, etc.? It is essential, since he is badly diabetic, that some supplies are kept nearby in his handluggage, especially in case of delays, etc. Do restrictions vary from airline to airline, does he need a certificate from his GP? Any advice/experiences you can share with me would be much appreciated, as we do so want his much needed holiday to go as smoothly as possible. thanks Barbara

They are fine with needles on board a plane but they must get a doctor letter stating they are diabetic,best they go to there diabetic clinic for the letter.My wife has flown all over the Europe with no problems at all and only been asked a few times what was she carrying and only been asked fr the letter once at the height on security at airports.If you need any more info please let me know

Forgot to say she carries all her meds in her hand luggage, not worth the risk in the hold !!! say there case got lost ? best they take everything with hand luggage

Thanks, Mark, will pass on the info and get back to you if anything else crops up. Much appreciated! B

My HO has 2 sorts of injection that we have to bring with us. Have hospital letters stating that they must not be carried in the hold of an aircraft. Alway say we have sharps at the booking in desk, in 8 or 9 years, numerous flights, have only been asked once to show the letter. Think security is a bit lax, surely someone could do more damage with an unknown syringe than say a pair of tweezer, that they would take off you. Mal

When Shaz get back from Spain " girlie holiday" I will ask her the insurance cover she use for diabetic people, as it a good one and only cost £25 per week.Will pm you the details when she back.

Hi Barbara,

My teenage son is an insulin dependant diabetic. I agree with everything that has been advised. We have been asked to see the medical letter twice at Paphos airport and they have taken it away to photo copy it. Although my sons letter does state that he can carry a sugary drink, this was taken away at Gatwick airport so he now carries glucose tablets instead. We always tell the security staff before our hand luggage bags go through the scanner that we are carrying insulin, needles etc and we have never had a problem. I say WE because I always carry back up of everything, which his doctor advised.

If your friend is travelling alone it might be a good idea if he lets the crew on the flight know, we have always found them to be very understanding on all of the airlines we have flown with.

When travelling my son always wears a chain with a medical pendant stating he is an insulin dependant diabetic with an emergency contact number.

I would think he is aware to carry a snack, but it is essential when flying in case of any delays.

I hope you have a great time when your friend arrives,

PS We use Tesco's for or annual travel insurance Mark

Hi TC,

How much does that cost per year if you don't mind me asking ?

All of the above,

I would also suggest doing a test before you leave, if all is in balance and stable you are not usually prone to variations then you should have no problems, perhaps take an extra copy to hand over if required, inform cabin crew as stated.

There should be nothing to worry about.

Thank you all so much for the advice and information, very reassuring, and I will pass it on to our friend. Any details re insurance might also come in useful. I now have to contact Atlantic insurance also as he will be given use of our car too, and I am guessing they will need to know about the diabetes also?

I agree with the test prior to flying Paramed, my son either does one before we board the plane or when we are seated, his doctor also advised to let his blood sugar stay a little higher for the duration of the flight and then adjust with insulin after landing.

Also tell your friend to bring extra insulin with him Barbara, for some reason my sons requirement increases with the heat. If your friend did run low of insulin it may be possible for him to purchase the insulin he uses from a pharmacy in Cyprus. I do know we can get my sons and although we have never had to do this, we have come close one time !!

Our Tesco annual travel insurance policy cost £123.77 for the 3 of us Mark. This is their Europe Policy but you can get Worldwide insurance from them. When I first purchased it I phoned them and gave them all the medical history of my son and it states on the policy he is a Type 1 diabetic. Just as important is to make sure your friends EHIC card is up to date Barbara.

This may all sound a little daunting but it really isn't. With a little forward planning we travel back and forth on a regular basis and have never had a problem.

This really is so amazingly helpful! I am learning so much! Surprisingly, Atlantic insurance don't charge extra for such a driver, they seem more concerned that he has a clean driving licence, which, phew, he has!!! Thank you all so much - I may have to ask you something else closer to the date, but just know you will know the answer!!!

I am now in my 50th year as an insulin dependant diabetic and have flown with my medication in my hand luggage more times than I could possibly count and have never been asked for a doctors letter. Just once (most recent flight) I was asked by the scanner operator if the things she could see were insulin pens. Yes I said & off I went - no inspection. The only time I have had my hand luggage inspected was when I brought back a bag of Sainsbugs organic oats. Apparently, the scanner 'sniffs' for organic material!

If holidaying in non-EU countries, travel insurance covering pre-existing medical conditions is essential and will require you to answer a long set of questions. It will probably cost at least double that for a person without diabetes.

Have a safe flight.