Travelling can be both thrilling and little overwhelming, especially when you’re managing a medical condition such as diabetes. Here’s a pre-travel checklist and packing essentials so you can set off with confidence.
Before you travel
Preparation and planning are key to a smooth and stress-free trip. Creating a checklist for packing and pre-travel tasks can alleviate last-minute stress and ensure you have everything covered.
A week or two before you depart, check in with your GP to renew any prescriptions, which you will need to take with you (more on this below.) He or she can also advise on any recommended vaccinations for your destination, along with boosters for flu or Covid.
Research and take out travel insurance before you set off. Canstar is a comparison website where you can compare the best-rated policies and find the right insurance provider for your needs.
Travelling with medication
Pack enough medication to cover your entire trip, plus a little extra in case of delays or lost luggage. Also consider packing it across two bags. Keep your medication in its original packaging and ensure that it is clearly labelled in case you need to show it to a customs officer or healthcare provider at your destination.
Additionally, carry a copy of your prescriptions and a letter from your doctor explaining your medical needs and dosages, particularly if you’re traveling with any controlled substances or medications that require special handling.
Be aware that some medications may have different brand names outside of Australia. Have a chat to your pharmacist before you travel as they will be able to provide you with more information or point you in the right direction.
Packing checklist
Put medication at the top of your list – it is far more of a hassle to get hold of the correct insulin in an unfamiliar place than a new pair of sunglasses or a beach towel.
- Rapid acting insulin, if you use insulin or have type 1 diabetes. Ensure you have the insulin pens and needles to go with the insulin.
- If your insulin requires refrigeration, take a cooler pack or an insulated bag designed for medication.
- Testing devices required for the entire trip and any extra NDSS items that you may require, including a blood glucose monitor and in date blood glucose monitoring strips. If you have type 1 diabetes, then include a monitor that can check blood ketones and make sure those strips are in date as well.
- Make sure you have enough blood glucose testing supplies like sensors, test strips and lancets. You may wish to pack a backup meter and extra batteries, just in case.
- If you use an insulin pump, ensure you have enough (plus a little extra) pump consumables, such as infusion sets, reservoirs and insulin cartridges. You might also like to ask your pump company if you can have a loan pump to take on holiday with you in case your own pump stops working.
- A small emergency hypo kit that includes glucagon for severe hypoglycaemia (if you are on insulin), glucose tablets or gels and packaged snacks for quick carb intake. You may also need a glucagon kit, which can be purchased from a pharmacy – check with your GP or diabetes educator.
- A copy of your sick day plan, including emergency contact numbers.
Having a well-stocked first aid kit and emergency medications can make a huge difference in ensuring a safe and comfortable trip. Here is a rundown of some essential items to pack.
- Pain-relief medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for headaches and minor aches and pains.
- Antihistamines for allergies and mild allergic reactions and insect bite cream.
- Anti-diarrhoea medications (like loperamide), antacids for indigestion and anti-nausea medication.
- Over-the-counter cold and flu remedies for symptoms like cough, congestion and sore throat.
- Oral rehydration salts to treat dehydration from diarrhoea or heat.
- A basic first aid kit of band-aids, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, gauze pads and a digital thermometer.
It is always wise to consult your pharmacist or GP and tailor these suggestions to your specific needs and travel destination. This way, you will be well-prepared for any unexpected health issues that might come up.
Finally, don’t forget to pack your credit card, insurance policy certificate and travel itinerary, and check that your passport is up to date (keeping in mind that some countries require you to have at least six months left on it.)
Bon voyage!
