How Much Insulin and Supplies to Bring for Long-Term Travel

The night before my first long-term trip abroad, I was up until 2am doing math. How many pods do I use per month? What if I have failures? What if I can’t find insulin? What if there’s a supply chain issue?

That was five years ago. I’ve since refined my calculations, and I’m going to share exactly how I figure out what to bring.

The Basic Formula

Start with your baseline consumption and add safety buffers:

Those multipliers account for failures, higher-than-usual usage, and the “just in case” factor that lets you sleep at night.

Insulin Calculation: Worked Example

Let’s say you use 40 units per day and you’re going abroad for 3 months (90 days).

Step-by-Step Calculation

1. Baseline need: 40 units × 90 days = 3,600 units
2. Add safety buffer (×1.5): 3,600 × 1.5 = 5,400 units
3. Convert to vials: 5,400 ÷ 1,000 = 5.4 vials → Round up to 6 vials
4. Or convert to pens: 5,400 ÷ 300 = 18 pens

I always round up. Having one extra vial is better than running out.

Why the 1.5x Buffer?

• Sick days increase insulin needs significantly
• Stress from travel affects insulin sensitivity
• Lost or damaged supplies happen
• Shipping delays if you need emergency resupply

Omnipod Calculation: Worked Example

Pods last 3 days maximum. For a 3-month trip:

Step-by-Step Calculation

1. Baseline pods: 90 days ÷ 3 days = 30 pods
2. Add failure buffer (×1.3): 30 × 1.3 = 39 pods
3. Round to boxes: 39 ÷ 10 = 3.9 boxes → Round up to 4 boxes (40 pods)

Why More Than 1.3x Might Be Needed

In tropical climates, I actually use closer to 1.5x for pods.

CGM Sensor Calculation

If you use Dexcom G6 (10-day sensors) for 3 months:

Step-by-Step Calculation

1. Baseline sensors: 90 days ÷ 10 days = 9 sensors
2. Add buffer (×1.3): 9 × 1.3 = 11.7 → Round up to 12 sensors
3. Convert to boxes: 12 ÷ 3 = 4 boxes

G7 sensors last 10.5 days but come in different packaging. Libre sensors have their own calculations. Adjust accordingly for your specific device.

Supplies People Forget

Beyond insulin and main devices, don’t overlook these:

Test Strips

Even with a CGM, bring backup strips:

• Minimum: 4 strips per day × trip length
• Recommended: 6 strips per day × trip length
• For 90 days: 360-540 strips

Lancets

Yeah, I know we all reuse them. Still bring enough:

• One box of 100 should last most trips
• They’re small and light anyway

Batteries

Adhesive and Skin Prep

Essential in humid climates:

• Skin prep wipes: 1 per pod/sensor change
• Overtapes: For securing CGMs
• Adhesive remover: Makes changes less painful

Emergency Glucagon

Don’t forget:

• Check expiration dates before traveling
• Know storage requirements
• Consider Baqsimi (nasal) for easier travel

The Prescription Challenge

Here’s where it gets tricky. Insurance typically covers 90 days at a time. If you’re traveling for longer, you need to plan ahead.

Options for Getting Extra Supplies

Stacking Prescriptions

Fill your 90-day supply, then get another fill right before your insurance allows the next one. This can get you up to 150-180 days of supplies if timed correctly.

Doctor’s Letter for Extended Supply

Some doctors will write prescriptions for 6-month supplies for extended travel. Worth asking. Include in the letter:

• Specific travel dates and destinations
• Why the extended supply is medically necessary
• List of all medications and quantities needed

Real Talk: The Anxiety Factor

Let me be honest. No matter how much I calculate, there’s always that voice in my head saying “what if it’s not enough?”

Here’s what I’ve learned:

You can always get more insulin abroad. It might not be your preferred brand. It might require some effort. But insulin exists in most countries.

The harder stuff to find:

• Omnipod
• CGM sensors
• Specific pump supplies
• Particular insulin analogs

That’s where the real planning (and stress) comes in.

My Actual Packing List for 3 Months

Here’s what I actually bring for a 90-day trip:

This takes up significant luggage space. I’ve learned to pack light on clothes and heavy on supplies.

When You’re Running Low Abroad

If despite all your planning you start running low:

Action Steps by Urgency

2-3 weeks of supplies left:

1. Contact local pharmacies about insulin availability
2. Check expat groups for supply sources
3. Consider ordering from home if shipping time allows

1 week of supplies left:

1. Visit local hospitals about emergency supplies
2. Contact your country’s embassy
3. Connect urgently with expat diabetes communities

Emergency (days left):

1. Get to a hospital
2. Call your insurance emergency line
3. Consider flying home early if absolutely necessary

Or, you know, use a service designed specifically for this problem. That’s why NomadPod exists.

The Bottom Line

Packing diabetes supplies for long-term travel is part math, part anxiety management. Do the calculations, add a buffer, and then try not to obsess over it.

The stress of running low is real. The stress of packing enough is also real. Finding the balance takes practice.

Tired of the supply calculation stress? Join our waitlist and let us handle the logistics.