Can I get travel insurance with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes?

Yes. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics can purchase visitor insurance without medical underwriting. The diagnosis does not affect your premium or eligibility. The key is understanding the difference between acute onset coverage (emergencies) and routine care (not covered).

What qualifies as an acute onset diabetic emergency?

An acute onset event is a sudden, unexpected emergency requiring immediate medical care — such as severe hypoglycemia (blood sugar crash), diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), or hyperglycemic crisis. Routine management of blood sugar, scheduled medication adjustments, and known diabetic complications are not acute onset events.

What is the stability clause for diabetes?

Most plans require your diabetes to have been stable for the 60–180 days before your coverage begins. 'Stable' means: no new diabetes-related prescriptions, no dosage changes, no new symptoms, and no hospitalizations related to diabetes. Ongoing use of stable medications (same insulin dose for 6+ months) is permitted.

Is insulin covered under visitor insurance?

Insulin purchased as part of a covered emergency hospitalization is reimbursable. Routine insulin that you bring from home or purchase to manage your regular condition is not a covered expense — it is an ongoing treatment cost, not an emergency.

What should diabetic travelers do before buying a policy?

1) Review the policy's stability clause — confirm your diabetes has met the stability period. 2) Bring enough medication and supplies for the entire trip plus 2 extra weeks. 3) Carry a medical ID identifying your condition and current medications. 4) Know the 24/7 emergency number for your plan before you travel.

🩺Pre-existing Condition Coverage · Diabetes

Travel Insurance With Diabetes

Acute onset coverage for diabetic emergencies — hypoglycemic crises, ketoacidosis, and insulin-related hospitalizations.

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Overview

Diabetes affects approximately 38 million Americans. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics can purchase visitor insurance without medical underwriting — premiums are not increased based on diagnosis. The key benefit for diabetic travelers is acute onset coverage, which protects against sudden, unexpected diabetic emergencies requiring emergency care abroad.

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Stability Clause Requirement

Most plans require diabetes to be stable for 60–180 days before departure: no new medications, no dosage changes, no new symptoms or complications, and no hospitalization related to the condition. Routine monitoring and stable medication use are permitted.

What's Covered

✓

Diabetic Emergency (Acute Onset)

Sudden hypoglycemic crisis, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hyperglycemic emergency, or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state — if the condition was stable before travel.

✓

Emergency Hospitalization

Inpatient care related to a covered diabetic emergency — including ICU admission, IV treatment, and specialist consultation.

✓

Emergency Prescriptions

Insulin and other diabetic medications prescribed during a covered hospitalization are reimbursable.

✓

Medical Evacuation

Air ambulance transport if local medical facilities cannot adequately manage the diabetic emergency.

What's Not Covered

✗Routine diabetes management, monitoring, or follow-up appointments
✗Planned adjustments to insulin dosage or diabetes medication
✗Complications arising from non-acute, ongoing diabetic issues (neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy)
✗Pre-travel diabetic medical visits or consultations
✗Diabetes supplies (glucometer, test strips, CGM sensors) — these are not medical claims

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Cost Note

Visitor insurance premiums are not increased because of a diabetes diagnosis. A 55-year-old diabetic pays the same daily rate as a 55-year-old without diabetes — typically $2.50–$4.50/day for $100,000 in coverage.

Best Plans for Travelers With Diabetes

IMG

Patriot America Plus

Acute OnsetUp to full policy maximum (under 70)

Stability180 days

No sub-limit on acute onset under 70; strong hospital network for direct billing

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Trawick International

Safe Travels USA Comprehensive

Acute OnsetUp to full policy maximum (under 70)

Stability180 days

Competitive daily rates; $500K evacuation; good pharmacy reimbursement

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WorldTrips

Atlas America

Acute OnsetUp to $100,000 (ages 70–79)

Stability180 days

Best acute onset coverage for travelers aged 70–79; COVID covered

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Get Covered — Diabetes Welcome

No medical underwriting. Your diagnosis does not affect your premium.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Ty Taylor

Licensed Travel Insurance Advisor · Texas License #2608479TX

Tower Hill Travel Insurance · (832) 856-1704 · support@towerhillcorp.com