How to Carry Insulin While Travelling

Travelling with insulin doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you're exploring the beaches of Goa, heading to the mountains of Himachal, or travelling abroad for work or leisure, with the right preparation, you can carry insulin safely and enjoy your trip with peace of mind.

This guide explains how to carry insulin while travelling for all kinds of scenarios, whether you're embarking on a long train journey, catching a domestic flight, or heading to a hot climate. We’ll also cover important tips to manage your diabetes while on the go.

Insulin Travel Coolers and Mini fridges - 4AllFamily India

Important considerations when travelling with insulin

If you rely on insulin, travelling requires a little extra planning to make sure your injections stay safe, effective, and compliant with various regulations. Here are a few things to consider when travelling with insulin and diabetes supplies:

✅ Temperature Control: Insulin must be stored between 2°C and 8°C before opening and below 30°C (sometimes even 25°C) once opened, depending on the brand.

✅ Secure Storage: Insulin pens and vials are made of thin, fragile glass. They must be transported securely to prevent breakage during travels.

· Backup Supplies: Travelling always includes a part of uncertainty and unexpected events. Make sure to bring enough for your trip plus a little extra in case of lost baggage, delayed flights, or any unforseen event.

· Custom and Border Regulations: When travelling internationally, there might be different customs regulations on carrying insulin or syringes.

· Airport Security: Indian airports allow insulin and medical supplies, but they must be declared and packed correctly to pass security screenings.

· Travel Insurance: Before departure, ensure your travel insurance policy covers diabetes-related emergencies, lost insulin, or damaged supplies.

· Hypoglycemia Management: Insulin injections come with their risks of low blood sugar. When travelling and away from home, it's important to always have fast-acting sugar on hand!

How to carry insulin during travel in India: 12 practical tips

Now, let's get into our series of 12 practical tips and best practices to make travelling with insulin as smooth and stress-free as possible!

1. Always pack your insulin in your hand luggage

When flying, insulin should always go in your hand luggage rather than checked baggage. This is because the cargo hold can expose your medication to freezing temperatures, which can damage it. Additionally, having your insulin on hand ensures you'll have immediate access during your flight.

Place your insulin and diabetes supplies in a transparent resealable bag to comply with airport security rules for liquids. Inform security staff that you're carrying medical supplies. You can even request a manual check if you're uncomfortable with the insulin passing through the X-ray scanner, although it's fine it it does.

It's also a good practice to pack your insulin supplies in two separate bags. If travelling with a companion, ask if they can carry half of your supplies, helping to prevent baggage loss.

When travelling by train or bus, keep your insulin bag with you instead of storing it overhead or under the seat where it may get too hot.

2. Use a portable insulin cooler

India’s climate varies drastically, but many parts of the country experience high temperatures. Insulin is highly sensitive to temperature and must be kept cool when travelling.

Most insulin should be refrigerated before opening and can only stay at room temperature for a limited time. When travelling, especially in hot weather (e.g., Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat), make sure you carry your insulin vials and pens in reliable travel cooling cases that keep your medication below 25–30°C.

If flying, make sure your insulin cooler is approved for air travel, like the ones from 4AllFamily India!

4AllFamily India - Travel Cooling Cases and Mini Fridges for Insulin

Check the local climate before departure!

· In hot climates: Use a cooler to keep insulin safe when travelling outdoors. Avoid leaving insulin in a parked car, as temperatures can soar.

· In cold climates: Insulin can freeze if exposed to sub-zero temperatures. Keep it close to your body in an insulated pouch during outdoor activities.

Pro tip: Never leave insulin in a parked car or train coach in the sun. The temperature inside can exceed 50°C.

3. Bring a diabetes travel letter

While you do not need any document to fly or travel within India with insulin and medications, a doctor's note or a diabetes travel letter can save you time and hassle, especially when passing through airport security or seeking medical attention while away from home. It may also be required when travelling internationally.

The note should explain your medical condition, the need for insulin, and any related supplies you may use like syringes or pumps.

What to Include:

Your full name and medical condition (Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes).
Details of the medications and devices you carry, including insulin and needles.
Emergency contact information for your doctor or diabetes specialist.

4. Carry insulin pens properly while travelling

Insulin pens are more convenient for travel than vials and syringes. Keep them in an insulated case, and for longer journeys, store unused pens in a portable medical fridge or a travel cooler.

5. Pack More Insulin Than You'll Need!

Whether you're traveling by plane, train, or bus, unexpected delays or accidents can always happen when travelling. It's always wise to carry more insulin than you think you'll need. Bring double your usual amount to ensure you're prepared for emergencies!

Pro Packing Tip: Split your insulin between two bags (e.g., your hand luggage and a travel companion's bag). This way, if one bag is lost or stolen, you'll still have a backup. Also bring extra needles, syringes, or pen refills, as these can be hard to source in certain destinations.

6. Use a dedicated travel case for diabetic supplies

A dedicated diabetes travel case can keep all your insulin supplies organised and protected during your trip. Search for diabetes carry bags or cases that include secured compartments for insulin pens, vials, and syringes, alcohol swabs and spare needles, and all you need for your insulin pump if you're using one.

Insulin vials are made of glass, making them susceptible to breakage during travel. Silicone vial covers provide a protective layer, reducing the risk of accidents. We highly recommend this diabetes accessory when travelling with insulin vials!

4AllFamily India Vial Guard Insulin Vial Protector Cover - Close look

7. Check your travel insurance covers diabetes supplies

Not all travel insurance policies cover pre-existing conditions like diabetes, so it's important to choose one that includes diabetes-related medical emergencies, lost medication, and insulin-related supplies.

Indian companies like ICICI Lombard, TATA AIG, or HDFC ERGO offer travel insurance for international journeys, just be sure to check the fine print that the policy you choose includes pre-existing conditions.

8. Keep snacks and glucose tablets handy

Travelling can disrupt your usual meal and activity schedule, so having snacks and fast-acting glucose on hand is essential. This is particularly important for flights, where in-flight meals might not be served when expected, for instance.

Pack glucose tablets (available at any pharmacy), small juice cartons, or your usual hypo fast-acting snacks. For longer journeys, carry a mix of snacks that are both fast-acting and slow-releasing, such as bananas, granola bars, or nuts.

9. Carry your insulin properly when travelling by train in India

Train travel in India can be long and sometimes chaotic. Here's how to manage:

Use a cooling pouch for insulin, especially in non-AC coaches
Keep insulin in your personal bag, not under the seat
Avoid placing insulin near windows or metal parts exposed to heat

10. Use a Travel Sharps Container for Used Needles and Syringes

Used needles and syringes are considered sharps, and they should never be thrown into regular trash, even when you’re travelling.

Here’s what to do:

Carry a travel-size sharps container
Travel-size sharps bins are designed to securely store used needles and syringes until proper disposal. These containers are an essential tool for safe and hygienic travel with insulin injections, reducing the likelihood of accidental injuries.

You can buy small sharps bins online in India.

Or, use a hard plastic bottle with a tight lid (like a shampoo bottle) while traveling.
Label it “used sharps”
If using a homemade container, write “used sharps” with a marker so others know what’s inside.
Dispose of it properly
- Ask your local clinic, hospital, or pharmacy if they accept sharps from patients.
- Check with your local municipality or Swachh Bharat contact to find a nearby drop-off.
- In some cities, Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facilities (CBWTFs) can help, just call ahead.

If you're flying, bear in mind that used needles must be securely stored. Indian airport security guidelines require sharps to be placed in a secure disposal container or another hard, sealed container to meet safety standards.

11. Plan for Time Zone Changes & Insulin Injection Schedule

If you're travelling across time zones, adjusting your insulin injection schedule is crucial to maintaining stable blood sugar levels.

Before departure, consult your doctor or diabetes specialist to create a plan for adjusting your insulin doses based on the time difference.

During travel, use your watch or phone to keep track of the time at home and in your destination to avoid confusion. Gradually adjust to the local schedule, spacing insulin doses as recommended by your doctor.

12. Inform Travel Companions About Your Insulin Needs

Letting your travel companions know about your diabetes and insulin needs can be helpful in emergencies.

What to Share:

How to recognise signs of hypoglycaemia and how to help.
Where you store your supplies, including fast-acting glucose and insulin.
Insulin storage rules, making sure they know the importance of keeping your insulin cool, especially if they carry some for you in their bags.
Contact information for your doctor or emergency services.

Whether you're exploring India or venturing abroad, insulin doesn't have to hold you back from travelling. By following these tips, you can keep your medication safe, maintain stable blood sugar levels, and fully enjoy your trip!

We'd Love to Hear Your Thoughts!

Are you a frequent traveller with insulin? Do you have any tips or experiences you'd like to share with others? Or maybe you have a question you'd like to ask our community? Don't hesitate to leave us a comment below!