Traveling is essential, but as a diabetic, it’s not always that simple. Key questions diabetics have when traveling include: How do I keep my insulin cool? and What precautions should I take when flying? I’ll share my personal experience traveling for one year abroad in Australia where I tested various insulin coolers and travel cases to help keep insulin safe. I’ll also cover flying precautions and how insulin is affected by air travel.
- What is the importance of insulin?
- How to keep insulin cold?
- The precautions related to insulin and flying
- What to pack while traveling as a diabetic?
- What is the best insulin cooler travel case for diabetes management?
Table of Contents
The Best Insulin Cooler Kits for Diabetics
Insulin, a temperature-sensitive medication, is among the most important medicines for many diabetics. Before now, traveling with insulin had been quite challenging, especially regarding its safety from extreme weather, which can be too hot or cold. Fortunately, technology has offered a very dependable solution: The insulin carrying case, which allows diabetic patients to conveniently and safely carry their meds while traveling.
The question on your mind at this point could be, “Which is the best diabetic travel case for me?” Well, having researched a number of options on the market, I arrived at the following top five:
- It offers 3 insulin cooling methods to suit your needs, including a constant fridge temperature.
- It is made of rust-free and high-quality stainless steel, enhancing its durability and keeping your insulin safe.
- It stores up to 7 insulin pens. It might even fit two insulin pumps.
- A universal USB 2.0 adapter is used to charge the cooler. You can charge it with a power bank as well.
- Built-in temperature sensor & anti-freeze security.
- You can easily charge it with a solar panel or your car battery.
- 3-cooling methods, ensuring your medication remains safe for up to 72 hours
- Spacious enough to carry all your diabetic supplies
- The body may get dents if it falls from a height
I found this travel cooler to be very handy during my last trip. The small size made it easy to pack, and it didn’t add much weight to my bag. I liked having both the USB electric cooling and the BIOGEL option—it gave me more flexibility, especially when power wasn’t always available.
After using this small travel cooler for my own medication, I found it reliable and tough enough for travel. The compact size made it easy to fit in any bag, and having both USB power and gel packs kept my meds cold for hours.
If you want a portable cooler to keep your medicine safe on the go, the RXCoolers Mini Cooler is a solid choice.
- Compact and lightweight
- Dual cooling options
- Clear temperature display
- TSA approved design
- Feels durable
- Not much space for extra supplies (there are solutions)
- Occasional problems powering on
The unusual feature of this insulin cooler is that it can maintain a temperature of 35 to 46°F (2 to 8°C) for almost 28 hours. A proper way to use it is to keep this bottle in a freezer for 6 to 8 hours and then leave it to cool down at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes.
The performance of this insulin travel cooler bottle is ten times better than any regular freezer bag.
This spacious insulin cooling kit can store up to two insulin pens with four vials.
Its stainless steel body makes it durable and rust-free. The downside is that if you want to travel for a longer period, you cannot carry much of your medication.
Four color steel variants are available: Gray, Silver, Red, and Blue, providing a good range of colors. It's TSA-approved, and you have a year warranty with a refundable one-month warranty.
The Tempk Large Insulin Cooler Cup is a portable solution designed to keep insulin at safe temperatures during travel or daily activities. Utilizing multiple small biogel ice packs, it ensures even and reliable cooling for insulin vials and pens.
- Effective Temperature Control: Maintains insulin between 2-25°C (35-77°F) for over 20 hours in environments up to 30°C (86°F) when using six ice packs and storing four insulin pens.
- Quick Preparation: Ice packs require only one hour of freezing, significantly faster than traditional large ice packs.
- Adjustable Cooling: Users can modify the number of ice packs to balance between cooling duration and storage capacity.
- Compact and Lightweight: Measuring 65×65×228mm and weighing 15.9 ounces, it's designed for easy transport.
- TSA-Approved: Compliant with airline regulations, facilitating hassle-free air travel.
- Uniform Cooling: Multiple small ice packs provide consistent temperature control, reducing the risk of hot spots compared to single large ice packs.
- Rapid Freezing: Smaller ice packs freeze in just one hour, enhancing convenience for users needing quick turnaround.
- Customizable Capacity: Flexibility to adjust the number of ice packs allows users to manage storage space and cooling needs effectively.
- Travel-Friendly Design: Its compact size and TSA approval make it suitable for various travel scenarios, including air travel.
Insulin cooling was never easier. This insulin cooling bag is the perfect pack for days when the temperature and humidity levels are high and your insulin needs to stay safe. The Breezy Packs Extra Insulin Cooler Bag will keep everything cool, so you don't need to worry about spoiling your medicine or running out. For people living in very muggy climates, this is a lifesaver!
It is made of quality material that lasts at least 8 hours at 100°F (38°C) and full days at lower temperatures. Safe for use at up to 115°F (46°C) for shorter durations. The unique and most important feature of the "extra" model is that it will automatically replenish overnight without needing charging, minus all those pesky dead batteries with no way of getting rid of them while traveling.
Keep your insulin pens and insulin vials cooler than the outside temperature.
The VIVI Cap offers a thermal protective case to shield insulin pens from extreme temperature fluctuations, accommodating traditional and smart pens in its updated model.
Utilizing it is a breeze: replace your standard insulin pen cap with the VIVI Cap and watch for the light indicator. A green light signals that it's good to go.
However, a red light indicates the pen should be cooled – either in the refrigerator for an hour or maintained below 78.8°F (26°C) for about 5 hours until the light goes green.
What sets this product apart is its independence from battery packs, water, or ice to function effectively.
Ensuring your insulin pens remain under a safe 84.2°F (29°C), the VIVI Cap is undeniably among the most hassle-free solutions for safeguarding your insulin pen (traditional or smart) during your travels.
After using the FRIO cooling wallet on multiple trips, I found it reliable for keeping insulin at a safe temperature without ice or power. It’s not a fridge, but it maintained coolness well, even in hot conditions. The added weight from the cooling pack is noticeable but worth the peace of mind.
The sleeve requires proper soaking and timing to work effectively, which might take some getting used to. Its design feels somewhat delicate, yet with careful handling, it holds up over time.
Overall, the FRIO cooler is practical for daily use and travel, especially when refrigeration isn’t an option.
- Reliable for multi-day travel without electricity
- Effective in warm climates to prevent insulin spoilage
- TSA friendly and easy to carry
- Reliable temperature control (not refrigeration level)
- Long-lasting cooling (up to 45+ hours)
- Peace of mind in hot conditions
- Fits multiple insulin pens/vials at once
- Compact enough for most bags
- Versatile for different medication containers
- Limited room for larger bottles
- Not suited for high-volume storage needs
Carrying insulin with you is risky, but having an insulin travel cooler will be much more helpful. This insulin cooler travel case can be a great deal for a diabetic.
Things you carry with you must look good, too. This grey-colored insulin travel case looks slimmer but has much more space than any other.
- Durable polyester gives it a much longer life and makes it more robust.
- A particular insulating layer stitched inside to lock the insulin cooling is in the case and resist external heat.
- Dual zippers are added to give it a premium look.
- A much more compact size with a rigid frame avoids any damage to your insulin.
- Two ice packs come with the package, which is a unique point.
- An inside compartment separated with mesh fabric can be used to store the icepacks.
- It's waterproof. This unique feature makes it more convenient for outdoor use.
- A cashback warranty of 30 days can win anybody's confidence.
- Dimensions of this insulin travel case are 7.9" x 3.5" x 1.6" with a weight of 6.4 ounces.
Traveling As a Diabetic
When you have diabetes, you always hesitate to travel because you feel limited due to your diet, medication, and possibly other health issues. This is normal.
Before I met my current girlfriend, I only traveled for a few weeks and covered only 4 hours of flying. After meeting my girlfriend, she traveled for six weeks to Thailand (from Belgium) and convinced me to travel with her to Australia for one full year.
We also traveled for a month in Sri Lanka and three weeks in Bali. It took a lot of courage and preparation, but eventually, I did it.
I’ll share a few things I thought about in this article, especially with buying the best insulin travel case.
Instead of avoiding traveling, you must take precautions and prepare yourself for any situation. In the end, you’ll grab a ticket to your favorite destination!
Precautions Related to Insulin
It’s one thing to bring insulin (and other extra supplies) while traveling, but a different thing to keep them safe in a cool environment. You usually don’t have any electricity while traveling or flying. So keeping insulin safe and cold without electricity can be a significant issue. The best way is to invest in a high-quality insulin travel case designed to maintain proper temperatures for 20+ hours through advanced cooling methods.
Here are some precautions you should consider when traveling and keeping insulin cool:
- Exposing your insulin to extremely high or low temperatures can change its chemical composition. This can cause insulin not to act as it should and not control your blood sugar.
- If you are traveling with insulin, always have your doctor’s letter and prescriptions with you. Also, pack a signed document from your doctor stating that you can travel with all your medication.
- Set the alarm on your phone for taking medicine when traveling across time zones to ensure to stick to your insulin doses and maintain good diabetes management even on a fun-filled vacation.
- If you board with your insulin travel case or have an insulin pump, continuous glucose monitor, or other medical device attached to your body, identify with the officials and them where the device is located before the screening process begins.
- Pack your insulin separately. If your insulin-carrying case has no extra compartment, please take a wet cloth and wrap it around your ice pack. Direct contact on an icy surface with your insulin can freeze and damage your insulin.
- If you want to keep insulin cold without electricity while traveling, you can use any available insulin travel cases.
- Use insulin vial protectors to keep your insulin vials safe from breaking.
Buying Guide for the Best Insulin Coolers and Travel Cases
Insulin is a very sensitive medication for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. And as such, specific considerations must be taken when buying whatever you need to keep your insulin safe.
When buying your insulin cooling case, the following should be your top-most considerations:
Cooling power
As far as insulin storage is concerned, the temperature is everything! Hence, the cooling power is the first thing to consider when getting a new insulin cooling device!
Unopened insulin supplies should be generally stored at a cooler temperature between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
Your insulin will be safe in your cooling device at such a temperature range until the expiry date labeled on the container – the same applies to many other diabetic supplies.
That said, it’s important to ensure the device you want to buy has an actively-cooling effect that doesn’t go beyond limits.
Cooling method
Depending on where you are traveling to (including the weather, climate, power outages & availability in the location), you surely want to consider if the available cooling method(s) would suffice for such long travels with or without electricity.
For instance, coolers that use ice packs (or biogel packs) are best suited for trips where you have a refrigerator to freeze the packs at night so your insulin can stay cool all day.
However, some products use auto-recharge technology to keep your supplies cool and safe without electricity.
Always choose your insulin cooling cases based on the cooling method that suits the peculiarities of your journey.
Cooling duration
Also, pay attention to the cooling duration the product you are about to purchase offers.
You want to be sure that you can stay as long as possible without worrying about the safety of your insulin pens or vials.
The longer the cooling duration, the better convenience the insulin cooling case offers.
Weight
I am a fan of portability, so I consider weight a lot when shopping for any product. For me, it’s always better the lighter it gets.
If you are traveling for a few weeks and require lots of insulin pens and vials, a portable travel fridge may become necessary – as long as you have access to electricity.
Case capacity
Another core consideration, as far as insulin cooling cases are concerned, is the case capacity.
Always ensure your cooling chamber is wide enough to hold the insulin you require on your journey.
Some small insulin coolers can only store a single insulin pen. And while this is good for everyday purposes, it won’t suffice for long trips where you need to store many insulin pens.
TSA approval
Above all, make sure the product you are about to buy is certified by the US Transportation Security Administration.
TSA collaborates with international partners to guarantee safe transportation not only in the US but across the globe. Therefore, a TSA-approved insulin travel case will make your travels less stressful, especially with airport officials.
How Do I Keep My Insulin Cold While Traveling?
Always try to place your medication and other diabetes supplies near you — where you can easily reach them during flights. Sometimes you don’t have time to ask something from a flight attendant if your sugar level starts dropping down rapidly. If you’re using a pump for insulin delivery, you must take advice from your medical personnel. Takeoff and landing are two critical points where the pressure in the cabin becomes unbalanced and can result in pump failure. I flew many times and had no issues.
If your flight is longer, then check your glucose levels after intervals. Your glucose meter with extra strips or your CGM must be with you all time.
How to Travel with Insulin that Needs to be Refrigerated
Flying with insulin to different time zones, especially for the first time, requires extra measures to guarantee your safety and that of your meds.
- Discuss your travel plans with your medical care provider, who may adjust your insulin dosage and schedule, as well as counsel you on any precautions you should take during your trip.
- Invest in a high-quality insulated diabetic travel case or cooler designed to maintain a consistent temperature. Look for a travel bag that can cool your medical supplies for an extended period.
- Consider using a temperature monitoring device (such as a digital thermometer) to ensure that the temperature inside your travel bag or cooler is within the recommended range for insulin storage (usually between 36°F and 46°F or 2°C and 8°C).
- Ensure your insulin is stored properly in an insulated bag or cooler away from direct sunlight. Also, keep your insulin away from direct contact with the ice packs to prevent freezing.
- Keep your doctor’s prescription letter stating your medical condition and need for insulin. This documentation can be helpful if you encounter any issues at the airport or security checkpoint.
- Pack your meds and supplies in a carry-on bag, not a checked bag, since your insulin could get too cold in your checked luggage.
- Pack extra supplies like extra syringes, pen needles, and blood glucose testing supplies to cover your entire trip duration in case of travel delays or unexpected situations.
- Research the storage options at your hotel and ensure they have a refrigerator for storing your insulin or freezing your ice or gel packs.
What To Pack While Traveling
When I fly, I always have some Sprite (a sugar drink), extra medication for a week, and my insulin in my bag. If my luggage doesn’t arrive, I always have this bag with me and my equipment and medication.
When you’re maintaining your schedule according to your medical conditions, never skip your precautions, and don’t compromise your life for short-time fun. Long-term traveling with type 2 diabetes or type 1 diabetes is not easy and certainly not something you should do without thinking.
As a diabetic, you must prepare for traveling, whether it’s a more extended vacation or a one-day tour. Carrying with you a signed document from your doctor that clearly states that you can travel with all of your medication saves you from the hassle of airport security. When I traveled to Bangkok, Thailand, it was difficult to explain everything, but I had all my medication and signed documents and prescriptions with me, making it easier.
Creating a checklist before packing is a must-have. Below you can find an example of my packing list. I traveled with a FreeStyle Libre CGM and a MiniMed 640G insulin pump. I packed to travel one year.
- Passport
- Certificate for medical devices like insulin pumps
- Doctor’s note listing all diabetic medications and devices
- Prescriptions for all medications
- Travel insurance papers
- AA Batteries
- Charging cables (Phone)
- EHBO set
- FRIO insulin cooling bags
- 16 Freestyle Libre sensors
- 82 catheters for the pump
- 100 syringes for the pump
- 40 bottles of Humalog insulin
- Extra Humalog for MDI if my pump would defect
- Extra Toujeo insulin if everything fails
- Wet wipes and alcohol swabs or wipes, if you’re in a remote area
How Does Flying Affect Diabetes and Blood Sugar Levels?
Traveling is all about planning. Flying with diabetes can be a bit more challenging than you think. According to the National Library of Medicine, changes in air pressure and cabin altitude during flights can directly impact blood sugar levels. From hypoglycemia while ascending to hyperglycemia when descending, in-flight blood sugar fluctuations are common. Planning ahead with proper diabetic meals, medication adjustments, and testing kits is essential.
Taking an in-depth look at which are the crowded places and what you should expect can make your travel a bit easier.
Precautions Before and During Flying
Some of the precautions I took and wished I had taken before flying.
- Reschedule your insulin delivery time when you’re traveling in a different time zone. This is a lifesaver. Especially when you are using an insulin pump.
- Carry your doctor-recommended prescriptions of any equipment or medication you are taking. Use insulin cases or travel coolers, and always keep insulin safe from extreme temperatures.
- Pack with care. Give your medications and other supplies a place so you don’t need to start looking after stuff when you need it the most.
- Every time you travel, never do this without travel insurance. You probably never need it, but when you do, you might not have it.
- Always be conscious about your meals during flights. Most snacks served during flights contain fast-acting carbs, which can raise blood sugar rapidly.
- Stay hydrated by drinking enough water.
- Stay active and prevent blood clots by walking up and down the plane aisle every hour.
- Pack all your medical health care things like test strips, needles, and pens apart from other essentials. A separate bag you take on the plane with you is not a bad idea.
International Standards for Storing Insulin
You must follow international standards if you want to store your insulin for much longer. The standard is to store your insulin in a dry environment within a temperature range of 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C). The critical temperature at which your insulin starts decaying is 77°F (25°C). Never let your insulin hit this top line. The bottom line is never to freeze your insulin. It will stop working.
According to the UK National Health Service, the ideal insulin storage standards are:
- Syringes related to the delivery method must be kept in a fridge
- Pen-filled insulin cartridge packaging must not exceed 10ml
- Only recommended 8mm or below 8mm syringes should be used
- Shake your pre-loaded insulin 20 times back and forth if you’re using cloudy insulin
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best temperature to store insulin?
The top three U.S. insulin manufacturers recommend storing unopened insulin in an insulin pen cooler at approximately 36°F to 46°F.
Opened insulin can be used unrefrigerated within 30 days at a temperature between 59°F and 86°F.
What does spoiled insulin look like?
Most Insulin products are colorless and transparent. And the easiest way to spot a spoilt is via visual inspection. If your insulin looks cloudy, clumpy, or discolored in any way, it could be spoilt.
If your sealed or in-use insulin appears spoilt, please discontinue the usage and dispose of it appropriately.
To reduce the risk of damaged insulin at home or on the way, always use insulin pen coolers at the appropriate temperature.
How do you keep insulin cool without electricity?
If you don't have access to electricity or a fridge in your hotel, then a Frio bag will be ideal. Keeping your temperature-sensitive meds in these insulin cooler bags is perfect for day trips or if you're camping out for one night. The 4AllFamily cooling methods are a perfect solution to keep your insulin cool at all times.
How do I pack insulin in my carry-on?
To make things easier at the airport,
- Ensure your insulin is in its original vial.
- Pack your medical supplies separately from your other belongings.
- Have your doctor's notes, recommendations, or prescription ready in your hand.
Conclusion
No matter what type of diabetes you have, you need to do a little bit of homework before traveling. Four to six weeks before traveling, you need to plan your diet, insulin dosage, medical insurance plan & your doctor’s authorization. A travel cooler bag for insulin or a diabetes travel case is necessary. If you’re alone, make sure you tell someone at the place or in your hotel that you are a diabetic. If you have been following the procedures mentioned above, there is nothing to worry about. Enjoy your traveling alone or with your loved ones.
Sources
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lol imagine needing a cooler just for insulin, though it sounds like a mini fridge party trick. does it come in beer size asking for a friend haha
Really appreciated the section on traveling as a diabetic. Ever since my diagnosis, I’ve been anxious about managing my insulin while on the move. Reading through Ely Fornoville’s tips, especially on the TSA approval for insulin coolers, gave me a sense of relief that it’s completely manageable with the right preparation. It’s important for articles like this to provide reassurance alongside practical advice, and you’ve done just that. Hats off to you!
hey TinaM, saw ur commend. was wondering if you had any issues with TSA b4? kinda worried bout taking my insulin on a flight nxt month. thnx!
Hi there! No major issues so far. Just make sure your prescription label is clear and present with your insulin. Safe travels!
My best option here would be the USB powered 4allfamily insulin cooler. Which is my number one and I also use it on regular basis when I’m traveling.
I used to travel with the Frio cooling pouches and they worked well for me. As long as they are kept in cool place (like on the plane or in backback) they stay cooler for a longer time.
But the 4allfamily insulin coolers provide a better cooling period. The USB powered version can even be transformed in a mini fridge.
Hi. I have a question. I bought 3 of your recommendations for my mother. One of them is the Frio case. She’ll be traveling by air for 13 hours (and this time does not include car drives to airport and time waiting to board). Her insulin needs to be kept refrigerated at 36-46F (2-8C), but according to Frio’s instructions, the case only reaches 64-78.8F (18-26C). Once the insulin reaches room temperature, it no longer can be put back in the fridge. So, I was wondering how is this case safe for travel & putting the insulin back in the fridge? I have not checked the other two yet. I purchased the Disoncare and Apollo pouch. I was thinking maybe just having her use the Apollo pouch or Frio and just asking the airplane steward to put it in the fridge for her. Any advice appreciated. She’ll be traveling with 5-6 pens and don’t want them to go to waste. Thank you.
Axacool insulin cooling is best sporty case fith sanp hook facility, best in market, keep insulin cool for 48 hour without freezing.