Prepare for Your Trip While Living with Diabetes

Travelling can get you out of your normal diabetes routine, with delayed meals, unfamiliar foods, different time zones and changes in activity all affecting blood glucose. With the right planning, you can travel confidently.¹

 

Quick links

Before you go: speak with your healthcare team Arrow icon
Flying from Australia: security & devices (pumps, CGM/FGM) Arrow icon
Travelling with medicines: Australian rules to know Arrow icon
Packing list (carry-on) Arrow icon
Storing insulin safely on the road Arrow icon
If you need help during your trip Arrow icon

Before you go: speak with your healthcare team

  • Book an appointment 4 - 8 weeks before departure. Discuss your destination, itinerary, vaccinations, sick-day plan, and any adjustments needed for time zones (especially for insulin or other glucose-lowering medicines).1,2
  • Ask for documentation you can show at airport security and customs: a doctor’s letter (covering your diagnosis, medicines, dosing, devices, and why you must carry them), repeat prescriptions, and a printed medication list.1,3
Travel insurance: Ensure cover for pre-existing conditions, medical care and devices (e.g., insulin pumps), and check if your destination has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia.1,2
 

Flying from Australia: security & devices (pumps, CGM/FGM)

  • Carry all diabetes supplies in your carry-on and split critical items across bags (insulin, glucagon, pens/syringes/needles, testing equipment, sensors, chargers).¹

  • At screening: NDSS advises insulin pumps and CGM/Flash glucose monitoring must not be exposed to X-ray in security equipment. Metal detectors are considered safe for the worn device; ask for alternative screening (e.g. visual inspection) for you and your spares.¹

  • What you can request: From 1st February 2025, the Department of Home Affairs clarified processes for travellers with medical devices, screening officers must not remove or interfere with a medical device and should offer a private screening where needed; extra methods may be used to resolve alarms. You can’t choose your method of screening, but you can request options suitable for your device.4,5

  • Name-matched labels & scripts: Ensure your name on pharmacy labels matches your boarding pass, and carry readable scripts for all medications and devices.2

 

Travelling with medicines: Australian rules to know

  • PBS medicines overseas: You may take PBS-subsidised medicines only for your own (or an accompanying immediate family member’s) personal use and should leave them in original packaging with labels. Carry a doctor’s letter or complete a Medicine Export Declaration if required. Penalties apply for breaches.6
  • TGA guidance: Before leaving, check that your medicines/devices are allowed at your destination and carry enough for your whole trip in your hand luggage.7
  • Smartraveller: Some medicines are restricted or illegal overseas. Confirm requirements with the destination’s embassy, and travel with a doctor’s letter stating the medicine, quantity, and that it’s for personal use.3
 

Packing list (carry-on)

Plan to bring at least double what you think you’ll need for the trip (and split across bags) Here are some of the key essentials.¹

  • Glucose monitoring: meter, strips, lancets; backup meter & batteries/charger; blood ketone meter/strips if you use them.1,8

  • Insulin & delivery: rapid- and long-acting insulin; pens/syringes/pen needles; pump consumables (lines, cartridges, batteries/charger); CGM/Flash sensors & spares.1,8

  • Hypo treatment & snacks: fast-acting carbs (e.g. glucose tablets/jellybeans) and longer-acting carbs for follow-up.¹

  • Documents & ID: doctor’s letter, scripts, NDSS card, Medicare card (for reciprocal care), travel insurance details.1,2

  • Sharps disposal: travel sharps container or needle-clipping device.8

  • Medical ID: consider a MedicAlert bracelet/necklace for emergency identification, recognised globally.9

Managing time zones

If you’re crossing time zones, ask your diabetes team how to adjust insulin/medication timing (e.g., basal timing on MDI; pump basal schedules).1,2


Foot care & what to wear

Comfortable, well-fitting walking shoes with cushioning; cotton socks. Check your feet daily (heels/soles) and protect any red or irritated areas during travel.10

 

Storing insulin safely on the road

  • Avoid extremes (freezing or heat). Keep unopened insulin cool (e.g., insulated pouch); in-use insulin can generally be kept at room temperature, per product instructions.11

  • The Royal Children’s Hospital guidance notes unopened insulin is stored 2–8 °C, and if kept outside the fridge below ~37 °C, it’s usually stable for about a month. Always check your specific brand’s instructions.11

 

 

On the plane: practical tips

  • Keep essential items within reach (e.g. seat-pocket), not the overhead locker. If using insulin at mealtimes, wait until the meal is served to avoid mismatches with delays.¹
  • Consider telling cabin crew you live with diabetes to help with meal timing or support if needed.¹
 

If you need help during your trip


Australia (domestic travel)
Emergency: call 000

Health advice
Call Healthdirect 24/7 on 1800 022 222 (registered nurse).12

Overseas
Check Smartraveller for local health contacts and emergency numbers for your destination and keep your travel insurance emergency hotline handy.3

Checklist: quick wins before you leave

  1. Book your pre-travel appointment (scripts, letter, time-zone plan).¹
  2. Confirm destination rules (Smartraveller/TGA/embassy) and insurance cover.3,7
  3. Pack double supplies (split across carry-on bags), plus a sharps container and medical ID.1,8
  4. At the airport, request alternative screening for pumps/CGM (no X-ray for devices/spares).¹
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Important information

This information is general in nature and is not an exhaustive list of everything you may need to do when travelling with diabetes. It is intended as general guidance only.

This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow the guidance of your healthcare professional and your device manufacturer’s instructions.¹

References:

 

  1. NDSS – Travel and diabetes & Travelling by air. Accessed 8th December 2025 Available From: https://www.ndss.com.au/living-with-diabetes/driving-and-travel/travel/; https://www.ndss.com.au/living-with-diabetes/driving-and-travel/travel/travelling-by-air/
  2. Diabetes Australia – Travel and diabetes Accessed 8th December 2025. From: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/living-with-diabetes/travel/
  3. Smartraveller (DFAT) – Travelling with medication and medical devices. Accessed 8th December 2025. From: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/before-you-go/health/medications
  4. Diabetes Australia (News) – Airport security screening changes (from 1 Feb 2025). Accessed 8th December 2025. From: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/news/airport-security-screening-changes-to-come-into-effect-on-1-february-2025/
  5. Department of Home Affairs – Security screening at airports. Accessed 8th December 2025. From: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/what-we-do/travelsecure/security-screening-at-airports
  6. Services Australia – How to manage your PBS medicine overseas (updated 25 Nov 2024). Accessed 8th December 2025. From: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/how-to-manage-your-pbs-medicine-overseas
  7. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) – Travelling with medicines and medical devices. Accessed 8th December 2025. From: https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/consumer-information-and-resources/travelling-medicines-and-medical-devices
  8. Diabetes Victoria – What to pack checklist (2024). Accessed 8th December 2025. From: https://www.diabetesvic.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/a1f0o00000KN72ZAAT.pdf
  9. MedicAlert Australia – Diabetes & MedicAlert. Accessed 8th December 2025. From: https://www.medicalert.org.au/diabetes
  10. NDSS – Travelling with diabetes (Healthy Ageing). Accessed 8th December 2025. From: https://www.ndss.com.au/living-with-diabetes/healthy-ageing/travelling-with-diabetes/
  11. Diabetes Australia – Diabetes: Quick Guides. Understanding Insulin. Accessed 18th December 2025. From: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/220145-Diabetes-Quick-Guides_insulin.pdf
  12. Healthdirect – How healthdirect can help you / helpline 1800 022 222. Accessed 8th December 2025. From: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/how-healthdirect-can-help-you
  13. NDSS Travel Fact Sheet – Version 4.1.0 (June 2025). Accessed 8th December 2025. From: https://www.ndss.com.au/wp-content/uploads/fact-sheets/fact-sheet-travel.pdf