Thailand forum

Given the importance of maintaining a cool supply, I would get a room with a fridge if at all possible.

Also, you might want to consider staying in locations where a supply can be found if something happens to your original supply. Just in case. I would ensure the countries you are traveling in have supply available AND that you won't get hassled bringing your insulin into country.

Thanks Madmac & Somtam, Yeah I guess i will have to budget quite a bit more for my trip unfortunatly. Also, does anyone know if Insulin is easy to buy in Thailand & approx cost?

Thanks again.

ps no idea what will happen in Laos/Cambodia etc..oh well!

Hi there.

I too am a diabetic - have been for 20 years and I also take insulin. You really don't need a fridge at all as insulin will keep for up to a month so long as it's not in full sun. If you keep it in your room in a dark(ish) place, it will be fine. Both my GP and the diabetic clinic confirm this and I know of other diabetics who do this.

Now, you should also be able to get insulin on prescription from any hospital or doctor in the major cities of SE Asia and it doesn't cost too much either. That way, you don't have to have too much of a stock at any one time to become concerned about it going "off" after a month without refrigeration. I've had to get my meds/insulin in Bangkok before when I had all my possessions stolen and all the hospital required was that I took a blood test to confirm that I was actually a diabetic. From there, I got a prescription for my meds at very little cost (which was just as well cos I had no confirmation of my medical insurance as that was stolen too). The "People's Hospital" (can't remember its name but anyone from Bkk will know it) has no charge but you can give a donation if you prefer.

As far as travelling with insulin in blistering heat, you can buy special packs which, when immersed in water, sets off a chemical reaction type thingie (technical term haha!!) so that it will keep insulin cool for up to 48 hours. I know in NZ we can buy them at the local diabetic centre for around NZ$35 and they last for ages. They form sort of a "chilly bin" type environment. Look online for them - you should be able to get them in your country - I don't see why not.

Hope this has helped you - I always used to think that being on insulin would hinder my travels too but this year my husband and I are travelling overland through Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia and we aren't going to be anywhere with a fridge!

If you need any more help, just ask.

Hope you have a great time
Heather

Oops - 300 unit, not 300ml......

Hi Ayla
You

Thanks scottyheather,

hahah hopefully my liver and my blood sugars manage to make it through this trip! am getting very excited now!

Hi! First post, long time reader first time talker...

Sorry to revive the zombie thread, but this is exactly the information that I'm looking for - I'm type 1, and travelling to Vietnam and Cambodia next June. Thank you for the info!

Has anybody had any experiences with travel insurance companies covering pre-existing medical conditions? World Nomads (sadly) seem to exclude pre-existing, I see that CoverMore do accept certain pre-existing conditions include diabetes. Has anybody had to make a claim about a pre-existing medical condition, and if so how did you go?


Thank you, and happy travels!