Travelling with Diabetes
Travel is a normal and important part of life — for work, study, whānau, sport, or leisure. With planning and the right support, people living with diabetes can travel safely and confidently across Aotearoa and overseas.
This section outlines what to consider before, during, and after travel, including how to manage insulin and devices, navigate airport security, and access medical help if needed.
Whether travelling domestically or internationally, your diabetes should never be a barrier to participation — systems and services should make travel inclusive, accessible, and safe for everyone – travel, for many whānau is not a luxur, it’s an essential part of maintaining relationships, culture, and wellbeing.
Before You Travel
Planning and Preparation
- Talk to your healthcare team early. Ideally 4–6 weeks before departure — to review your medication plan, time zone adjustments, and ensure you have updated prescriptions.
- Request a written travel plan summarising your medications, doses, and emergency contact details (some airlines or border staff may ask for this).
- Check your technology. Ensure CGM and pump sensors are in date, chargers packed, and Bluetooth functions tested.
- Carry double supplies. Pack enough insulin, test strips, sensors, and pump consumables for the whole trip — plus extra for delays.
If you’re travelling internationally, check Pharmac or Te Whatu Ora guidance on taking funded devices overseas (you’ll usually need to bring your own supplies for the duration of travel).
Also check out Diabetes NZ pages on Diabetes and Travelling.
Doctor’s Letter and Documentation
Ask your diabetes team for a letter stating:
- That you have diabetes and need to carry insulin, needles, CGM/pump, and hypo treatment.
- Your prescribed medications, including generic names (important for customs).
- Emergency contacts and your clinic’s details.
Take multiple copies of this letter with you, and place a copy in each piece of luggage in addition to keeping a copy of the letter with your passport and boarding documents.
Time Zone Changes
If using multiple daily injections or an insulin pump, discuss with your diabetes team how to adjust timing when crossing time zones.
- When travelling east, days get shorter — meaning less time between doses.
- When travelling west, days get longer — you may need an extra small dose to bridge.
- Many hybrid closed-loop systems adjust automatically, but confirm your device’s settings before departure.
For oral diabetes medications, take them at the usual time according to your departure time zone on the first day, then gradually shift to local time.
Air Travel and Airport Security
Check out this guidance from Aviation Security Service.
Always carry all diabetes supplies in your hand luggage — never check insulin or devices in hold baggage (they can freeze).
At security:
- You can request manual inspection of your insulin pump or CGM. Most pumps and sensors should not go through X-ray or full-body scanners.
- Carry your doctor’s letter to explain your equipment.
- Keep hypo treatment (like glucose tabs) easily accessible.
Travel Insurance
Declare your diabetes when buying travel insurance — omitting it may void coverage. Many insurers no longer consider well-managed diabetes a “high risk,” but you must answer questions accurately.
If an insurer refuses coverage, ask your diabetes team for a medical summary confirming stability. Specialist providers (e.g., Cover-More, Southern Cross, or international agencies) may offer tailored cover for people with long-term conditions.
During Your Trip
On long-haul flights
- Move around regularly to prevent clots.
- Drink water frequently (avoid excess alcohol).
- Check glucose more often — especially if on insulin.
- Consider setting CGM alerts slightly wider than usual to account for meal delays or stress.
Managing Glucose While Travelling
- Keep insulin and CGM sensors cool but not frozen — use an insulated pouch or cooling wallet (e.g., Frio).
- In hot climates, check insulin for cloudiness or sediment — discard if compromised.
- Monitor glucose more often during travel days, as stress, heat, and new foods can affect levels.
- If you get sick, follow your sick day plan — and seek medical help early if vomiting, fever, or dehydration occurs.
Accessing Care Away from Home
If you need urgent care while travelling in Aotearoa:
- Visit a local GP, Urgent Care Clinic, or Emergency Department.
- You can request records or advice from your home diabetes team through Health Connect South/North or your patient portal.
- If using CGM or pump systems, note your device’s emergency hotline or app support number (these are often available 24/7).
If overseas, contact local health services or your insurer’s assistance line. Carry a translation card if travelling somewhere where English is not widely spoken.
On Your Return
- Check insulin expiry and discard any that may have been heat-affected.
- Reconnect with your diabetes team to review your glucose data and reset devices to local time.
- Reflect on what worked well — and note any challenges for next time.
- If you experienced stress, illness, or changes in control, discuss adjustments with your clinician.
Equity and Access
For many people in Aotearoa — particularly Māori, Pasifika, and rural whānau — travel for diabetes care can be costly or logistically hard.
- National Travel Assistance (NTA) may help cover travel and accommodation for medical appointments.
- Funding is available for whānau support travel when essential to care.
- Community and Māori health providers can assist with NTA applications and coordination.
Under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the health system has a duty to ensure access to essential care does not depend on geography, income, or cultural barriers.
Checklist: Diabetes Travel Essentials
✅ Medical letter and travel plan
✅ Extra insulin, pump/CGM supplies, batteries, chargers
✅ Hypo treatment and snacks
✅ Glucose meter and test strips (even if using CGM)
✅ Spare insulin pens or syringes
✅ Frio or insulated bag for storage
✅ Travel insurance
✅ Emergency contacts and clinic numbers
✅ Copy of prescriptions
Travelling with diabetes is safe and rewarding — it just takes planning, awareness, and support.
Good preparation, equitable systems, and culturally safe practice allow people and whānau to travel confidently — whether across the motu or across the world — knowing their mana and wellbeing are protected.
Page updated: October 2025
| LEGAL DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided for general educational purposes only and is intended for a New Zealand audience. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While I strive to ensure accuracy and relevance, please always seek guidance from your healthcare provider for personal medical decisions. Use of the content is at your own risk. Links to other sites are for convenience and do not imply endorsement. |
