• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

£25 for doctors letter to allow Insulin on Plane.

Just after paying out for that letter, make sure you keep it for future holidays. I still have my letter from 30+ years ago and would still take it!!


Sent from the Diabetes Forum App
 
It cost around 10p to photocopy at the local post office..
So suggesting a printed template with an ink scribble at the bottom would cost more than that is pretty outrageous ....
 
T1. For 30 years.

Never bothered to get any doc letter, even put my insulin in a metal lined cool bag designed for drugs and it never get questioned!!! Been to USA Cyprus Ibiza uk customs never bothered. But also I never say am diabetic or anything to them!

Hope this helps

Kenny



Sent from the Diabetes Forum App
 
I've carried insulin on a plane many times and never had a letter. Never had to even mention it to security. I just had no idea you actually had permission to carry your own medication on a plane!
 
I've travelled a few times with insulin, and my son travels with an EpiPen (for allergy). We've been stopped by security at airports in England, Hong Kong and Australia, coming in and going out, but the've always been satisfied with the prescription label on the pen. However, we made the mistake of telling one airline that my son has a severe food allergy, and since then they've insisted on a new medical letter each time he flies. This letter is not to explain the needles but to say he's safe to fly. I've been asked for a similar letter for flying when pregnant. We actually avoid that airline now, as once we moved back to the UK and got charged for each letter it seemed a pointless extra expense.

So my advice would be not to worry about a letter unless you've been specifically asked by the airline to provide one.

Kate
 
The first time I travelled overseas since being on insulin I had to get the letter, cost me £10, but travelled to Spain and Portugal (hopefully Bulgaria this year) and never been asked to show it


Sent from fatcat62's iPad
 
My Diabetic unit in the hospital wrote my letter free so I can take my injection and needles on the plane....Think it outrageous that GPs charge for letters when they are given free by Diabetic units in Hospitals
 
Either diabetic nurse or consultant can write the letter, you don't need to have an appointment just phone the nurse or consultant secretary to request it or ask for it via email - no charge.
 
Many doctors charge £25 for all letters for anything, not just diabetes. Sorry Angrymum but whether you agree with it or not,you only have four options.
1. Try and find someone in the practice who will do it for no charge.
2. Change doctors to a surgery that would do it for no charge,
3. Accept the situation and pay up, or
4. Forget the flight and stay at home.
 
John Meds said:
My Diabetic unit in the hospital wrote my letter free so I can take my injection and needles on the plane....Think it outrageous that GPs charge for letters when they are given free by Diabetic units in Hospitals
Click to expand...

Yes it is outrageous John, that's why it best to ask the hospital team to do the letter as there's no charge.

It would seem reading the thread that very few get asked for a letter anyway, I wonder if the repeat prescription slip would suffice now as it has your name, address and meds listed.
 
I got a 'holiday pack' from my DNS, it contained an insulin passport and various other bits and pieces which were great. Speak to your local hospital xx
 

Or 5. Just don't bother to get one!
 
cally said:
Or 5. Just don't bother to get one!
Click to expand...
Yes, I agree but with the increased security at airports it would be horrible to turn up and be refused admission onto the plane. Perhaps cheking with the airports and carriers involved would also be an option.
 
X-entricity said:
Yes, I agree but with the increased security at airports it would be horrible to turn up and be refused admission onto the plane. Perhaps cheking with the airports and carriers involved would also be an option.
Click to expand...
I would love to hear from anyone that has actually been asked to show their letter or been refused admission on to the plane.
As someone said earlier on this thread I think the airport staff have seen it all before.

I just take my prescription request form.
 


The answer is easy: search with google for content and print and sign one yourself!!!
 
This makes me angry - please read carefully. To fly on a civil airliner you do NOT need a letter from your doctor stating you use Insulin. It is prudent to take a copy of your repeat prescription (ie the bit you tear off and keep) to show it is prescribed medication. And when you are passing through airport security, make them aware you are Type 1/2 on insulin and HAVE SHARPS in your hand baggage. Trust me, they see it all the time. Make sure you keep all needles/test meter/strips/pens/vials together and never in the hold luggage. I have been working in aviation for well over 10 years, have been Type 1 for longer and promise you that you don't need a letter, paid for or otherwise. I also, on a daily basis, X-ray things destined for flight and can confirm an injection pen is very easy to spot.
 
Good point well raised. I am new to injections (3rd week now) and hadn't thought about this. I live in France and travel a bit as well. Will see what I need to do. I would be surprised if customs stop diabetics because of the pens, they must see them hundreds of times daily........
 
I have a letter from my diabetic nurse at the surgery (free) I've never been asked for it over the last 7 years of travel but I always let the staff at the airport know that I'm carrying my diabetic kit and it's never a problem
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn More.…