Do you have diabetes and are planning to travel? Finding a comprehensive and affordable travel insurance plan specially designed to cover diabetes can be less straightforward if you don’t know what to look for and where to look.

This guide explains where you can find the best travel insurance plans for diabetics as well as what to look for and traveling tips for people with diabetes.

What do you need to know while traveling with diabetes?

Providers that specialize in medical cover are renowned for offering the best insurance cover for diabetics. When you want to buy travel insurance, providers usually want to know whether you have any medical conditions, including pre-diabetes and diabetes.

Insurers will ask whether you are taking insulin or other medications and whether you suffer from diabetes-related conditions such as high blood pressure.

While it’s not mandatory for people with diabetes to take out specialized travel insurance, having a specially tailored travel insurance plan for diabetes could prove invaluable if something goes wrong. It assures you that you will be covered for any medical emergencies as well as other diabetes-related expenses while you are traveling.

What will my provider ask during medical screening?

When you want to take out travel insurance that covers diabetes, your provider may ask several questions regarding your health. These may include:

1. Are you taking medication for diabetes?
2. How many medical emergencies did you have in the last 2-3 years?
3. Do you have any diabetes-related conditions or complications such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure?

f you are not honest about your health condition, you risk invalidating your claims. Therefore, it is important to declare your diabetes as well as other diabetes-related conditions, even if they are controlled.

Is travel insurance for diabetics more expensive?

Travel insurance premiums vary based on various factors. You may have to undergo a brief medical screening when getting your insurance quote. This gives your provider a clear picture of how your conditions can be best managed.

Some conditions, including diabetes, may have a considerable impact on premiums. Other factors that impact premiums include age, other medical conditions, places you’ll travel to and for how long.

If you don’t have travel insurance cover, medical expenses abroad can be much higher, especially if you need emergency medical treatment.

What does diabetes travel insurance cover?

Specialist comprehensive travel insurance for people with diabetes should cover emergency medical treatment as well as other diabetes-related costs such as repatriation (getting back home due to a medical emergency). The policy should also cover other issues with your travel plans, such as cancellations when you need to cut your holiday short.

Travel insurance for diabetics policies may also cover other areas where standard policies wouldn’t, such as the replacement of insulin, in the event that it’s lost or stolen while traveling.

What should you pack for your trip if you have diabetes?

In addition to taking out travel insurance cover for diabetics, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes require a little more detailed planning, especially when it comes to packing. Some of the items you should take in your hand luggage include:

• Long and short-acting insulin
• An insulin pump or pen for insulin delivery
• Insulin storage wallet
• Spare needles and pen
• Blood glucose meter
• Spare test/disposal kit
• Spare batteries
• Medical alert identification
• Testing strips to last the entire trip
• Emergency number
• Emergency kit
• Insulin travel case
• Diabetes prescriptions
• Healthy snacks in case of delays
• Letter from your doctor (may prove to be invaluable during security checks)

Should your holiday company know about your diabetes?

In addition to declaring your condition to your travel insurance provider, it is also crucial to notify your holiday, so they know what to do in case of emergencies while you are away. Wearing a medical identification bracelet while traveling may also prove to be invaluable in the event that you are unable to communicate or express yourself to the people around you.

Finding a comprehensive and affordable travel insurance plan specially designed to cover diabetes can be less straightforward if you don’t know what to look for and where to look.

How can you keep the cost of your travel insurance for diabetes down?

Travel insurance price quotes may vary between insurers, so it is recommended that you shop around as you compare what different providers are offering. Keep in mind that cheap doesn’t necessarily mean better value. Some budget insurance plans may not provide the coverage you need.

It is extremely important to consider other factors such as claim limits, excess amounts, as well as elements covered side-by-side.

Although diabetes should not be a reason not to travel, it makes it even more critical to have the right travel insurance policy when you do.