-
Guest, the forum is undergoing some upgrades and so the usual themes will be unavailable for a few days. In the meantime, you can use the forum like normal. We'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »
Doctors letter
- Thread starter Jms1969
- Start Date
Most GPs charge for a letter and form filling, it’s normal practice I’m afraid. It can take up a lot of the GPs time in an already overstretched NHS and lack of GPs in a practice.
I may be wrong on this and things may have changed and I’m sure someone will be along to correct me if I’m wrong.
I’m not on insulin etc and don’t travel abroad, but I know when my dad used to travel he just used to take a print off copy of his prescriptions and this would be enough, airport staff will see dozens of people a day with medication supplies for diabetes and other conditions so they know what they are looking for.
You can get a printout of your all prescriptions from the chemist. I always do this anyway as even though we only travel in this country I once left everyone’s medications on the kitchen side and forgot to pack it. Having the scripts info made it much easier to get emergency meds for all of us lol
I may be wrong on this and things may have changed and I’m sure someone will be along to correct me if I’m wrong.
I’m not on insulin etc and don’t travel abroad, but I know when my dad used to travel he just used to take a print off copy of his prescriptions and this would be enough, airport staff will see dozens of people a day with medication supplies for diabetes and other conditions so they know what they are looking for.
You can get a printout of your all prescriptions from the chemist. I always do this anyway as even though we only travel in this country I once left everyone’s medications on the kitchen side and forgot to pack it. Having the scripts info made it much easier to get emergency meds for all of us lol
I agree it’s a lot just for a signature at the bottom of a proformer letter
My GP charges. Three weeks ago, when I needed a letter, I sent an email to the hospital diabetes nurse who emailed me in return with an attached letter. I was able to date the letter and print it out myself. There was no charge. Of course this letter did not have a signature but it did have hospital letter heading. I also took my prescription. No one asked to see the letter at Heathrow Airport, but I was wearing a disability lanyard and I explained about the liquid insulin. The staff understood about me not wanting to go through X-rays with the insulin pump. Same smooth procedure on return trip through Dublin airport.
MissMuffett
Well-Known Member
Do you need a letter? I’ve just extracted this when I googled ’can I take my diabetic medication and equipment on a plane’
Yes. TSA specifically states that diabetes-related supplies, equipment and medications, including liquids, are allowed through the checkpoint once they have been properly screened by X-ray or hand inspection. Passengers should declare these items and separate them from other belongings before screening begins.
Yes. TSA specifically states that diabetes-related supplies, equipment and medications, including liquids, are allowed through the checkpoint once they have been properly screened by X-ray or hand inspection. Passengers should declare these items and separate them from other belongings before screening begins.
If your diabetes is handled at a hospital/clinic, you may find they will do the letter, without charge. I would certainly call them before going ahead with your GP.
Providing this sort of letter isn't covered (that is, paid for) under the contract GPs have with the NHS. They can charge for providing this sort of service if they want to - the BMA (the doctors' union) provides advice on fees. I used to need a letter for my CPAP - the Sleep Clinic at the hospital emailed me one for nothing.
I personally have never come across such a requirement in respect of taking insulin pens and syringe/needles with me when travelling either when flying or on Eurostar, which I did on a monthly basis from being diagnosed in Dec 2018, right up to me retiring last year, or when I have flown away on Holidays. I did obtain an Insulin and medication ‘Passport’ (which it isn’t, it’s just a folded piece of paper which I listed my meds etc. on) which you can usually obtain from your Diabetic Nurse, but I can assure you that not once in over 60 trips in the the last 4 & 1/2 years, has it been asked for checked.
As long as you have up to date travel insurance with your declared medical condition, I’d keep the £30 in your pocket and use it to buy a travel pack to protect your medical requirements. Here’s an image of the insulin passport, which is ‘Free’ = it’s the size of a credit card or business card
As long as you have up to date travel insurance with your declared medical condition, I’d keep the £30 in your pocket and use it to buy a travel pack to protect your medical requirements. Here’s an image of the insulin passport, which is ‘Free’ = it’s the size of a credit card or business card
Last edited:
D
Deleted member 527103
Guest
The letter should be written in such a way that you can use it again and again and again and ...
My letter is about 7 years old and lives with my passport.
MissMuffett
Well-Known Member
I’m sister and her husband travel to Spain at least 3-4 times a year and have never been asked for a doctors cover letter for their insulin equipment.
Daphne917
Well-Known Member
Not diabetes related but my husband has a pacemaker so can’t go through the security scanners. He carries his card but has never been asked to show it at any airport or port.
