Tips on travelling to Spain with diabetes

Here are our top tips on travelling to Spain with diabetes.

1. You can take insulin and non-insulin injections on planes from the UK to Spain but you will need a letter from your GP explaining what they are for and your need to carry medicines, needles and syringes.
2. As liquid is restricted on flights from the UK to quantities of up to 100ml you will need to check with the airline if you wish to carry more than 100ml. You must also carry the medicine separately and declare it when you go through security along with supporting documentation.
3. Always carry insulin and non-insulin injections in your hand luggage as low temperatures in the hold may damage it.
4. Make sure you have your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you at all times. This will allow you to access the Spanish public health system if you need to. You can apply for your EHIC online at www.ehic.org.uk
5. If you run out of insulin you should be able to get a prescription from a Spanish doctor, which can be used at any pharmacy (farmacia). You may have to pay a prescription charge.
6. If you are in the Alicante region and need help with any aspect of your diabetes while on holiday you can visit private British GP practice Medcare.