Tommy has over 15 years experience within the insurance industry, and his primary focus is helping travellers find the right cover for their medical conditions.
Why do I need medical travel insurance for diabetes?
We appreciate that it can often be challenging for people living with diabetes to find a suitable travel insurance policy without paying a premium.
That’s why we’re here to make the process as smooth and as straightforward as possible.
Although many standard travel insurance policies will offer a certain amount of medical coverage, many providers won’t cover the costs if you require any diabetes-related medical treatment during your trip. This is why it’s important to have a policy that includes specialist cover for diabetes also.
Medical Travel Compared helps you to compare quotes for specialist travel insurance covering diabetes in minutes. We can compare quotes for travel insurance for type 1 diabetes and travel insurance for diabetes type 2.
With us, you can compare cover from over 30 leading insurance providers at competitive prices.
You’ll be able to find the right policy for you in no time - so why not get started today?
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Is diabetes classed as a pre-existing condition?
Yes, diabetes is classed as a pre-existing medical condition and isn’t something that providers automatically cover. It’s not mandatory for you to buy diabetes UK travel insurance, but without it, you won’t be covered if you need emergency medical attention relating to your condition while you’re away.
However, you can rest assured that it’s easy to declare diabetes as a condition when you compare cover with Medical Travel Compared. We’ve helped thousands of people with pre-existing medical conditions find suitable holiday insurance for diabetes over the years - so you can count on us to find you the right policy at a competitive price.
What does insurance for diabetes sufferers typically cover?
Diabetes holiday insurance could offer coverage for a variety of different things, including:
- Lost, Stolen or Damaged Personal Belongings - this could include any medication you take abroad with you - like insulin, for example.
- Emergency Medical Expenses and Repatriation - this covers you for emergency hospital visits and even covers the cost of medical evacuation back to the UK if necessary.
- Cancellation and Curtailment - the insurance provider will cover you in the event of needing to cancel your holiday or cut it short at the expense of your condition.
- Travel Delay - this won’t always be included, check with your provider.
- Personal Liability - if you cause accidental damage to another person or someone else’s property cover is provided.
These are usually the things you should expect to be covered as a minimum, so it’s always worth bearing these in mind before shopping around.
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Top tips for travelling with Diabetes
Dr Sarah Jarvis is the Clinical Director of the Patient Platform, an active medical writer, broadcaster, and the resident doctor for BBC Radio 2.
Having diabetes absolutely shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your holiday – but you definitely need to take a few precautions. Start planning well before you travel, to avoid medical mishaps ruining your trip.
- Take twice as much as you normally need of any medication or equipment you need for your diabetes. This will avoid problems if the medication is damaged, or your return is delayed.
- Always carry your medication in its original packaging, along with a copy of your prescription in your hand luggage.
- If you use insulin, you will need to have a doctor’s letter with details of your condition confirming that you need to carry needles, insulin, and hypo treatment in your hand luggage (your GP may charge for this letter).
- Check in advance with your pharmacist about how to store your insulin (if you use it) and contact your hotel to check if there’s a fridge to store it.
- Remember that food abroad is often different from your diet at home. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t try new foods, but you do need to know the carbohydrate content.
- Always take out specialist travel insurance, even if you’re travelling to a country covered by the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
You can read more of my top tips in my full guide on travelling with diabetes.
Policies that cover different types of diabetes
Medical Travel Compared enables you to compare quotes from a range of providers that cover all types of diabetes.
Despite 90% of patients being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, it is still possible to get cover for type 1 and other rarer forms of diabetes.
When you compare levels of cover with us, you’ll have the opportunity to declare diabetes as a pre-existing condition. Once you do this, you might be asked a few questions about your diabetes, including the type you’ve been diagnosed with.
This helps insurance providers get a better understanding of your condition and general medical background so that they can offer you the right cover.
Once you’ve purchased a suitable policy, the next step is to prepare yourself for your trip. This includes working around your condition to ensure your trip is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Compare quotes from specialist diabetes travel insurance providers
You can count on us to provide you with plenty of choice when comparing quotes for diabetes travel insurance.
We work with over 30 leading providers, so you can be sure to find a suitable policy that offers you peace of mind in a matter of minutes.
Our straightforward online comparison tool gives you the freedom to choose from all these providers in one place - saving you precious time and money!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Diabetic travel insurance is a specialised type of travel insurance designed for individuals living with diabetes. It provides tailored cover that takes your medical condition into account, ensuring you are protected against unforeseen circumstances while travelling.
Yes, travel insurance is essential if you have diabetes. Most standard policies won’t provide cover for diabetes-related medical treatment while you’re abroad, so having a specialist diabetes travel insurance policy ensures you’re protected in case of emergencies like hospital visits or medication replacement.
Diabetes travel insurance usually includes cover for:
- Emergency medical expenses & hospital stays
- Repatriation costs (returning you to the UK if needed)
- Lost, stolen or damaged personal belongings, including medication (such as insulin)
- Cancellation or curtailment due to your condition
When buying travel insurance, always check your policy's terms to ensure it meets your needs.
Definitely! You can extend your policy with optional extras, like:
- Gadget cover for phones, laptops, or cameras.
- Cruise cover if your trip involves travelling by sea.
- Winter sports cover if you plan to hit the slopes.
Ask your provider about the extras available and whether they match your holiday plans.
Yes, diabetes is classed as a pre-existing medical condition. When seeking travel insurance, you’ll need to declare this, so insurers can tailor your cover. Medical Travel Compared makes it easy to declare conditions online—no phone calls or lengthy forms required.
Absolutely! Whether you have type 1, type 2, or a rarer form of diabetes, we work with over 30 specialist providers to find the best policy for you. Simply enter your details, and we’ll show you options that cover your specific needs.
It’s simple! During the online quote process, we’ll guide you through a few medical questions, using our medical screening tool. Answer them accurately, and we’ll only show quotes that include cover for your condition.
For more information on our medical screening tool, read our guide here.
Here are some essentials for your trip:
- Double the amount of medication and supplies you normally need.
- A copy of your prescription and a doctor’s letter (if using needles or insulin).
- Insulin storage solutions (check if your accommodation has a fridge).
For more tips, read our Travelling with Diabetes guide.
Visit Medical Travel Compared to compare quotes from trusted providers in minutes. Enter your trip details and medical history once, and we’ll show you personalised policies at competitive prices. No stress, no complications—just peace of mind.
* Price is based on one traveller aged 61, who has declared Diabetes and is travelling to France for 7 nights. The price is correct as of January 2025. Prices may vary according to your individual requirements.
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If we're unable to help you find cover for a pre-existing medical condition, the Money Helper Directory has listings of companies that may be able to assist you. Further details can be found on their website.
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