Quick Answer: You’re allowed to bring all your diabetes medications and supplies, including needles and syringes, on the plane. According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, you’ll only need to provide documentation if you're carrying more than 100 ml of liquid medicine or prescription medicine. Read on for more details!
Air travel with diabetes supplies can be confusing, and many travellers have the same concerns. Can you bring injectable medications on board? What about needles and syringes? How should you pack them for security screening? Will airport scanners affect your insulin pump? And do you need a doctor’s note?
We’ve got all the answers to help you navigate Australian airport regulations smoothly and travel with confidence!
Related article: Helpful Tips for Flying with Diabetes!
Do You Need Documents for travelling with diabetes supplies by Plane?
Wether you're travelling within Australia or internationally with diabetes supplies raises concerns about documentation. Can I bring my supplies such as insulin, other injectable medications, needles, syringes, and electronic medical devices (like insulin pumps or CGMs) on the plane? Am I allowed to take it on my carry on luggage? Do I need a medical prescription?
Having the right paperwork at hand is very important, especially at the airport security check and can ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip.
Domestic Flights in Australia
For domestic flights within Australia, you usually do not need specific documentation to carry diabetes medication and supplies, however its recommended to always bring a doctors letter or your medical prescription in case of a thorough control at the airport.
According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, passengers can carry a reasonable amount of essential medicines, including insulin and injectable medications, in their hand luggage. "You should present medicines and medical items at the screening point with proof that it is required, such as a doctor's letter or medical identification card. For prescription medication, the name on the prescription label must match the name on your boarding pass or the name of the person travelling in your care. You must provide a doctor’s letter if you bring hypodermic needles."
A Diabetes Travel Letter from your doctor is a simple document, which confirms your diabetes diagnosis and lists all the medications and supplies you need to carry on the plane, including glucose treatments like juice boxes over 100 ml, which may be required for treating low blood sugar.
Related article: Download Your Free Diabetes Travel Letter Template for Australian Airport Security.
International Flights
Regulations on import and Insulin availability can vary between countries, that means when flying overseas, having documentation is essential, because some may require proof of your medical condition and the necessity of your medical supplies.
Here’s a breakdown of the documentation you may need:
- A doctor's letter and a copy of your prescription – These can help ensure a smooth experience at airport security and customs. When you're traveling to a non-English-speaking country, it can be very helpful to translate your doctor’s letter and medical prescription in case you encounter language barriers with airport staff, customs officers, or medical professionals abroad. Having a translated copy can make it easier to explain your condition, obtain necessary medications if needed, and avoid unnecessary delays or misunderstandings.
- Medication Labels – Keep your medication in its original packaging with labels clearly visible to avoid any issues at border control. Although Insulin is available in most countries and people worldwide are familiar with it, its very important to check the medication regulations of your destination. Different countries have different rules regarding the import of medicines. It's essential to always carry your medical documentation with you, and if you're traveling to a non-English-speaking country, we recommend having it translated. To ensure you have enough insulin for your trip, plan ahead by checking whether your specific brand and type of insulin is available at your destination.
Related article: International Travel with Insulin: What You Need to Know.
How to carry diabetic supplies on a plane?
Packing for a flight with diabetes supplies can feel overwhelming, but understanding what you can bring and how to pack it makes things much easier. Here’s what you need to know about the different items you might need as a diabetic.
Related article: Travelling with Diabetes: Your Checklist and All You Need to Know Before Departure!
Injectable Medications (Insulin, Ozempic, etc.)
Yes, you can bring injectable diabetes medications on a plane, including insulin, Ozempic, Victoza,Trulicity. These should be in their original packaging with visible labels.
"You should present medicines and medical items at the screening point with proof that it is required, such as a doctor's letter or medical identification card"
Related article: Travelling with Ozempic: All You Need to Know About Coolers, Airport Regulations, International Travels, and More!
Insulin Needles and Syringes
Unused needles and syringes used for diabetes treatment can be carried on board as long as they are accompanied by the corresponding medication.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs specifically says: "If you are travelling with hypodermic needles, you must have evidence such as a letter from your legal medical practitioner, that they are medically necessary for you or a person under your care."
Used needles should be transported in a sharps container or another secure, hard-surfaced container to meet safety standards.
Related article: All You Need to Know About Travel Sharps Containers for Handling Used Needles During Travel!
Insulin Pumps and CGMs
Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are allowed on flights. However, always check with the maufacturer if they are safe to go through the Security Check, some should not go through X-ray machines, so it’s best to request a manual inspection at security checkpoints.
Treating Hypoglycaemia: Carrying Glucose Tablets and Juice on a Plane
If you need glucose tablets or fruit juice to manage low blood sugar, you're allowed to bring them on board as essential medical items. While liquids are generally restricted to 100ml, exceptions can be made for medically necessary supplies—just be sure to declare them at security. To avoid any hassles, carry a doctor’s letter confirming your medical needs and inform airport staff when passing through security checks.
Can Insulin and Diabetes Medicine Safely Go Through X-Ray and Metal Detectors?
Airport security screening involves X-ray machines and metal detectors, so it’s crucial to know how these might affect your diabetes medications and medical devices. Not everything is safe to go through standard checks, and some items require special handling. To help you navigate security smoothly, we’ve put together a quick checklist of essential diabetes supplies and how to manage them during screening.
✅ Insulin & Diabetes Medications
- Insulin, Metformin, Ozempic, Victoza, and other diabetes medications can safely pass through X-ray machines at security checkpoints.
- Metal detectors won't affect your medication, so there’s no risk to its effectiveness.
- If you have concerns about X-ray exposure, you can request a manual inspection instead.
- Always keep your medications in original packaging with clearly visible labels.
✅ Insulin Pumps & Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)
- Some insulin pumps and CGMs are not safe for X-ray or full-body scanners—always check with the manufacturer beforehand.
- Before passing through security, notify airport staff that you're wearing an insulin pump or CGM.
- Request a manual pat-down inspection instead of walking through X-ray or full-body scanners.
- If you're carrying spare insulin pumps or CGM transmitters, remove them from your bag before screening and request hand inspection if necessary.
By planning ahead and knowing what to expect, you can breeze through airport security without unnecessary stress!
Related article: Air Passengers with Insulin Pumps: Are Airport Scanners and X-ray Security Screenings Safe?
Keeping Insulin Cool on a Plane While Flying
As we mentioned before, Insulin is temperature-sensitive and must be kept refrigerated before use. Once opened, it should be stored at room temperature (below 25°C) for a maximum of 28 days, though this can vary by brand. The same applies to other injectable diabetes medications like Ozempic, Victoza, and Trulicity.
Here are some quick tips to keep your medication cool during your journey:
- Always pack your insulin and diabetes medication in your carry-on luggage – never in checked bags, as cargo hold temperatures can fluctuate significantly.
- Use an approved travel cooler, like those from 4AllFamily Australia, to keep your medication at a safe temperature.
- Store your insulin in a fridge as soon as you arrive at your destination.
Related article: How to Keep Insulin Cool While Travelling.
By planning ahead and knowing the regulations, you can travel confidently with all your diabetes supplies, focusing on enjoying your trip instead of worrying!
We’d Love to Hear from You!
Do you have experience flying with diabetes? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!
