tandem pump travel letter

Traveling with an insulin pump

It is important to check your glucose levels more frequently while you are traveling. All of these factors can affect your diabetes control: the routine hassle and stress of travel; changes in time zones, schedules, and activity levels; and unpredictable meal times and types of food. Be extra attentive to monitoring your glucose levels frequently, and be prepared to respond if needed.

Before you travel, review our general travel tips, see how to update the time on your device, and read through our travel checklist just to make sure you have everything you need.

Travel Loaner Program

For U.S.-based customers, the Travel Loaner Program allows you to take a "backup" insulin pump for a fee of $50 (USD) every 90 days. Take a "backup" loaner pump when you:

• Go on a cruise
• Travel to Hawaii or Alaska
• Travel internationally

Complete the Travel Loaner form and submit it at least 2 weeks prior to your trip to ensure on-time delivery. A signature is required upon delivery and you will need to return the travel loaner when you arrive back home.

Note: The program only includes insulin pumps and does not include blood glucose meters or CGM devices.

Travel checklist

Note: Make sure you have more than enough insulin pump supplies for your trip. Keep in mind that depending on your insurance and quantity of supplies, it may take up to 14 days to get your supplies refilled. Place an order when you have your trip planned to make sure you get your supplies in time to pack.

Use the following checklist as a guideline to remind you of important items to take on your trip. All of these items may not apply.

• Extra insulin with a current prescription
• Insulin pump reservoirs
• Insulin pump infusion sets
• Insertion device for infusion sets
• CGM transmitter
• CGM charger
• Glucose sensors
• Insertion device for sensors
• Tapes and adhesives
• Pump batteries
• Blood glucose meter
• Test strips and lancets
• Glucose tablets or fast-acting sugar
• Ketone strips
• Emergency card with airport information for your MiniMed™ 780G system , MiniMed™ 770G system , MiniMed™ 670G system , MiniMed™ 630G system
• Document with current pump settings
• Insulin syringes for emergency injections and dosing instructions from your doctor
• Alcohol wipes

We recommend that you print out the travel checklist to keep handy.

It is important that you check your glucose more frequently while you are traveling. The routine hassle of travel, including stress, changes in time zones, schedules, and activity levels, meal times and types of food, can all affect your diabetes control. Be extra attentive to monitoring your glucose frequently, and be prepared to respond if needed.

Airport security

Insulin pumps are designed to withstand common electromagnetic interference, including some airport security systems. Taking an insulin pump through airport security is quite common. It is always a good idea to carry the Airport Information Card for your MiniMed™ 780G system , MiniMed™ 770G system , MiniMed™ 670G system , or your MiniMed™ 630G system (located in the front pocket of your user guide) when you are traveling.

Because travel rules are subject to change, it is advisable to check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) before traveling. You can find TSA information here or by calling 1-866-289-9673. International passengers should consult their individual air carriers for international regulations.

• Your pump should not go through the X-ray machine that is used for carry-on or checked luggage.
• The full-body scanner is also a form of X-ray. If you choose to go through the full-body scanner, you will need to disconnect and remove your insulin pump, and, if using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), remove your sensor and transmitter prior to the scan.
• Your infusion set should be disconnected at your site when going through the full-body scanner.
• To avoid removing your devices, you should request an alternative screening process that does not use X-ray.
• Your insulin pump, infusion set, reservoir, and CGM system can withstand exposure to airport metal detectors used at airport security checkpoints.

Equipment interference

Read about guidelines for equipment interference , including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements that devices with radio frequency capabilities should not be used on an aircraft.

All of these factors can affect your diabetes control: the routine hassle and stress of travel; changes in time zones, schedules, and activity levels; and unpredictable meal times and types of food. Be extra attentive to monitoring your glucose frequently, and be prepared to respond if needed.

Our tips on flying and airport security guidelines apply to travel within the United States. These tips are subject to change, so please also check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) . International passengers should consult their individual air carriers for international regulations.

Insulin pumps and blood glucose meters Manually check your glucose levels using a blood glucose meter.

Personal CGM If you wear a CGM device, it is safe for use on U.S. commercial airlines. If questioned by airline personnel about the use of your device, please show them your Airport Information Card. If they still request that you turn off your CGM device, you must comply. If you are asked to turn off your CGM device, you will have a "data gap" when uploading data into CareLink™ Personal Software, where information is missing from the period of time when your CGM system was turned off.

Updating the time on your insulin pump

As you travel through different time zones, you should remember to update the time on your insulin pump and blood glucose (BG) meter.

• Updating the time on the MiniMed™ 780G system
• Updating the time on the MiniMed™ 770G system
• Updating the time on the MiniMed™ 670G system
• Updating the time on the MiniMed™ 630G system
• Updating the time on the MiniMed™ 530G and MiniMed™ Paradigm™ Revel™ pump

Note: Speak with your healthcare provider before you travel to get their advice on which settings and time adjustments will be best for you.

You will want to pay extra attention to updating the time on your insulin pump:

• If you have multiple basal rates, or carb ratios, or targets that vary significantly throughout the day
• If you experience dawn phenomenon
• If you experience low blood glucose in the middle of the night
• If you are traveling far distances (with a time zone change of more than three hours)

Make sure to check your glucose more frequently while traveling, especially when a time change is involved.

Note: To update the time and date on your blood glucose meter, refer to the instructions for use.

Medtronic support in the United States and when traveling overseas

• Where to find the serial number on the MiniMed™ 780G system
• Where to find the serial number on the MiniMed™ 770G system
• Where to find the serial number on the MiniMed™ 670G system
• Where to find the serial number on the MiniMed™ 630G system
• Where to find the serial number on the MiniMed™ 530G and MiniMed™ Paradigm Revel pump
• For calls from outside the United States: +1-818-576-5555
• A list of Medtronic Worldwide Sales Offices may be able to help you source extra insulin pump supplies or CGM supplies should something unexpected happen.

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Diabetes Travel Letter

If you have diabetes, it’s important to have a travel letter from your doctor. This letter will help you if you need medical care while you’re away from home.

The letter should include the following: Your diagnosis of diabetes, your current treatment plan, the name and contact information for your doctor or other health care provider, and any special instructions for your care while traveling.

Having a travel letter can help ensure that you get the care you need while you’re away from home. Be sure to pack it in your carry-on luggage so that it’s easily accessible if you need it.

Sample diabetes letter

  The above-named patient has diabetes and is required to manage blood glucose levels daily with insulin via an insulin pump or injections of insulin.  Self-blood glucose monitoring is done several times a day using a glucose meter or by a continuous sensor system.

The following supplies need to be carried at all times in order to take care of their diabetes:

• insulin pump
• infusion sets
• glucose meter
• glucose strips
• lancing device with lancets
• insulin vials, syringes
• insulin pens , pen needles
• glucagon emergency kit
• food/glucose tablets to treat low blood sugar
• alcohol swabs
• If continuous glucose sensor is used, transmitter and sensors

This patient’s insulin pump , and continuous sensor system if applicable, cannot be exposed to magnetic or x-ray equipment, including a full body scanner.  Please have these devices hand-checked by TSA personnel.

If you have any questions or in case of an emergency , call xxx-xxx-xxxx and ask to speak to the endocrinologist on call.

My Diabetes Team

The opinions expressed here represent the views of a practicing hormone specialist (endocrinologist) and must not substitute the advice of your health care provider. This blog post is written for a non-medical audience interested in learning more about hormonal disorders. The author has no commercial conflicts of interest to declare. Also, read our privacy policy.

Need a sample letter?

Download a pdf version.

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About the Author MyEndoConsult

The MyEndoconsult Team. A group of physicians dedicated to endocrinology and internal medicine education.

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Travelling with an insulin pump: your one-stop guide.

So you've decided you may want to make the switch to a pump , or you already have a pump and are now deciding you want to go on holiday somewhere. So maybe you have some of the following questions ...

"Do you have trouble at the airports when travelling with an insulin pump?" 

"Do you ever just switch back to insulin pens?" 

"Is it annoying carrying insulin pump supplies?" 

The answer is...yes, no and maybe! Keep reading...

When I travel I always bring an insulin pump and insulin pens with me, and if I am on a long term trip, I will bring a spare insulin pump too. This is for many reasons, one being that I need backup insulin if my pump fails me, and another being there are actually situations in which the insulin pump just won’t cooperate with. This ranges from hot springs, to water parks to scuba diving (I am sure there is more that I am yet to discover!).

I hope to one day visit Iceland and embrace the lagoons there, but when in Chile, Bradley and I ventured off into our car and came across a deserted area in the location of a volcano which not only produced breathtaking scenery, but some amazing (albeit ridiculously hot)  hot springs! 

With my particular insulin pump, I am able to take it off for up to half an hour (so when I shower), but if you are chilling in a hot spring for longer than that, you don’t want be jumping in and out to re attach your pump etc, some people will, but I prefer a simple life! It is the same with water parks, my insulin pump isn't waterproof so it is a definite no no in the water, so I always pop my pump in a locker and switch back to insulin pens for a day!

Travellerspoint

Switching back to insulin pens from an insulin pump

There is always a little relief of freedom when you have a day without travelling with an insulin pump, I never do feel restricted by it because of the amazing benefits it gives me, but it is nice to run around a water park without wires hanging out of you! 

Many people ask me how do I make the switch over? 

I think this is personal to every diabetic, but my diabetic specialist nurse recommended a 20% increase in the pen of what I would usually have in my bolus….I don’t use a background insulin when I am off a pump for a day, simply because my Lantus lasts 24 hours, and that means after I finish my event at a water park or lagoon, I have to wait until the next day to re attach my pump, which I would rather not. 

Fast acting insulin lasts around 4 hours (Humalog for me) and as long as I monitor, I never have any issues. However, if you decide to switch back to insulin pens for the duration of a holiday, this becomes a “pump holiday”, and you should discuss with your DSN the appropriate amount of background insulin you need!

Problems with travelling with an insulin pump

I am going to list some problems that I anticipated from travelling with an insulin pump, and others I have read online….then I will back them up with my solution (providing I have one).

If you are travelling to somewhere with a different time zone, this is actually going to change your basal rates of which your body is used to a certain amount of insulin at a certain time at your “home” time, but actually this is a lot easier to rectify on insulin pump, than pens, I feel. With an insulin pump, all you need to do it reset the times to the time of your country you are in, and you will still get insulin at the right amounts!

Yes insulin pumps, I will admit have more packaging, and products and just items you would rather have clothes and souvenirs in! I am a clothes fanatic, so this does actually bother me. However, you have to weigh up the pros and cons.

Do you sacrifice great control for a few extra dresses? Of course not! You're dealing with your life, but there are plenty of ways to save space with pump supplies. I usually remove all packaging, and test strips I stuff in socks, sensors go into small plastic sealed bags and stuff in shoes, and infusion sets also get stacked in socks, oh and insulin goes in Frio bags .

Did you know most airlines will let you carry an extra bag, (small handbag) to carry medical supplies, contact them in advance, but this proves super useful for me wherever I travel! Shout out to Ryanair, British Airways and Easyjet for making life easier!

Changes in altitude

Varying altitude can have an affect on both your insulin and insulin pump, however it really isn't anything major or to worry about, it won’t completely overturn your life, especially if you are away for a short break. I have written more detail about how altitude can affect both insulin pumps and diabetes in general so you can find out more!

Why is an insulin pump good for travelling?

• Spontaneity - Usually the reason you travel is because you are an adventurous, spontaneous person who wants to explore new places….why else would you be travelling! The great thing about my insulin pump is it enables me to indulge in my spontaneous lifestyle. I can hike mountains, swim in the beautiful oceans, camp in the amazon or para-glide off a mountain and my trusty artificial pancreas will stand by my side like a supportive man. I can just adapt my insulin depending on my adrenaline...or stress levels!
• Food  - Being able to eat food means a great deal to me, I love it and travelling the world means I get to embrace new food and drinks with every new destination. We all know food and diabetes can be complicated with complex carbs etc, but with my carbohydrate counting skills and my trusty insulin pump there is no food I won’t try (unless it’s fish- because just no.)-
• Feeling free - A little cheesy maybe, but I remember when I first went travelling with my pump, i thought I’d like wired up, tied down, and just generally upset that I constantly had this reminder on me, but it has been the complete opposite, it actually makes me feel less diabetic,I can discreetly hide my insulin pump, bolus via a handset that looks like a crap phone, and scan my blood sugar on my phone. Technology has enabled me to subtly disguise my diabetes whilst giving me better control and it feels great and secure!

Flying with an insulin pump

I have spoke in the past about flying with diabetes , but the specifics on insulin pump, I have experience on. I have actually only ever flew with an insulin pump, so I know no different!

Here are my three tips to smooth sailing in the airport and in the air

• Before you go through an X-ray, inform someone of your insulin pump. Please remember that insulin pumps cannot go through x-ray- ie airport body scanner. Archways are fine as they are metal detectors, but a scanner can break your pump and you will not be liable for cover. This is true of Medtronic and Accu Check, but check with your own supplier. Have a statement from them, and your doctor stating what you can and cannot do with your insulin pump, and remind the security officers you are happy to do a pat down and have your insulin pump swabbed. This is what I do.

The only time I had an issue was with a “young” lady in Gatwick London when I was flying back from London to Belfast. I have done this route in both directions frequently, and she decided to tell me I could put my pump through a scanner, insisting I could because she had seen another person with an insulin pump doing it. 

I explained to her everyone is different and I have a doctor's letter, which she ignored and decided to push me towards the x ray machine- granted I was mad and refused to cooperate so she called two others over, whom were lovely and apologetic once I explained the situation. 

If I ever bump into said lady again on my next journey from London to Belfast, I will be reporting her straight away. I should have at the time, but I was a little overwhelmed. Travelled all over the world, but it was England I had the problem- typical. Be firm with people, it’s your health and noone can make you do anything you don't want to.

• In the air- Due to the altitude when flying, it may stimulate the release of extra insulin and cause a hypo- however, the amount of insulin delivered is very small and it depends on your own body- how insulin sensitive you are etc. For example, research has shown that as the planes ascend, pumps can deliver an extra 1-1.4 units of insulin- so this amount will affect everyone differently. You can disconnect when you are heading ascending and when you are descending...I did this the first flight I did, but after that, I just haven’t bothered and I have never had any issues. Trial and error- you will find what works for you!
• Always carry insulin pump supplies between you and your travel partner (if you have one) on the plane. I always find it useful to have Bradley carry some supplies in case my pump rips out twice...(this is happened due to me sleeping awkwardly) & if you leave a bag behind….not that this will happen...but it could happen- so stay prepared! Get yourself a cute diabetic travel bag. Myabetic does some great ones!

I know a lot of my american readers have some trouble with the TSA and insulin pumps (I thankfully haven't) but check out their guidelines to help prepare yourself beforehand!

Let me know if you have any other tips for travelling with an insulin pump, or if you have taken a pump holiday before! If you'd like a full comprehensive guide of travelling with diabetes, with over 80 pages of advice, tips, tricks, resources, and more, then download the exclusive e-book today ! Designed for type 1 diabetics around the world.

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Insulin Pumps and Glucose Monitors

Please notify the TSA officer that you have diabetes and are carrying your supplies with you. Insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin, and insulin in any form or dispenser must be clearly identified. For more information, see TSA special procedures . If you need assistance with screening, you may ask for a Passenger Support Specialist or a Supervisory TSA Officer. Devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion batteries should be carried in carry-on baggage.  Most other consumer electronic devices containing batteries are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage.

For more information to portable electronic devices, see the FAA regulations.