Your Complete Travel Checklist for CGM Users: A Senior’s Guide to Worry-Free Trips

This article provides general guidance for CGM users. Always consult your healthcare provider and CGM manufacturer’s instructions before travel. For those preparing to travel, having a travel checklist for CGM users can be incredibly helpful. For medical emergencies, contact 911.

Planning a trip with your Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)? Having a comprehensive travel checklist for CGM users ensures you’re prepared for a worry-free journey. Whether you’re visiting grandchildren across the country, embarking on a cruise, or taking that long-awaited dream vacation, proper preparation means you can focus on making precious memories instead of worrying about managing diabetes supplies. This guide will walk you through everything you need to pack, prepare, and consider before your next adventure. You can download this checklist here!

Essential Pre-Travel Planning for CGM Users

Start your travel preparations at least two weeks before departure. This timeline gives you plenty of breathing room to gather all necessary supplies, contact your healthcare team if needed, and ensure your Medicare coverage is in order for your trip.

📱 Tech Tip: Take a photo of your travel checklist with your smartphone, or ask a tech-savvy family member to help you save it digitally. This creates a backup in case you misplace your paper list, and you can easily share it with travel companions who might need to help you in an emergency.

Documentation and Prescriptions

Having the right paperwork can make the difference between a smooth trip and unnecessary complications. Here’s what every CGM user needs:

Essential Documents:

• Doctor’s letter explaining your CGM use (dated within 30 days of travel)
• Copy of your CGM prescription (both paper and photo on your phone)
• Insurance cards and Medicare information
• Emergency contact numbers for family and healthcare providers
• CGM manufacturer support number: Save it in your phone under “CGM Help”
• List of all current medications with dosages
• Medical history summary for emergencies
• Pharmacy contact information

Pro Tip: Make two copies of everything – keep one set with you and give another to your travel companion or leave with a trusted family member at home.

CGM Supplies Checklist

Pack double the supplies you think you’ll need. Remember, unexpected delays happen, and it’s better to have too much than too little. This rule has saved countless travelers from stressful situations.

Essential Supplies:

Primary CGM Equipment:

• Extra sensors (1 for every 10 days of travel, plus 2 backup)
• Sensor inserter devices (if your CGM requires them)
• Transmitter and receiver/reader device
• Charging cables and portable charger
• Extra batteries if your device uses them

Support Supplies:

• Alcohol wipes for sensor insertion (pack extra)
• Medical adhesive tape or overlay patches
• Skin barrier wipes for sensitive skin
• Traditional glucose meter and test strips as backup
• Lancets and lancing device
• Ketone testing strips if recommended by your doctor

Emergency Supplies:

• Fast-acting glucose (tablets, gels, or juice boxes)
• Glucagon emergency kit
• Non-perishable snacks
• Medical alert bracelet or necklace
• Cooling case for insulin (if applicable)

Remember: Never pack all supplies in one bag. Split them between your carry-on and personal item when flying, or between multiple bags when driving.

Travel-Specific CGM Considerations

Different types of travel require different preparations. Here’s what you need to know:

Air Travel Guidelines:

Flying with a CGM is generally safe, but following these guidelines ensures smooth security screening:

At Security:

• Inform TSA agents about your CGM immediately
• Request hand inspection if you’re concerned about scanners
• Keep CGM receiver/reader out of checked baggage
• Have your doctor’s letter readily available
• Allow extra time for potential additional screening

During Flight:

• Keep supplies in the seat pocket for easy access
• Set alarms to vibrate mode to avoid disturbing others
• Stay hydrated to maintain accurate readings
• Check blood sugar more frequently due to altitude changes

Manufacturer Guidelines:

• FreeStyle Libre: Safe for air travel, avoid x-ray for supplies
• Dexcom: Can go through metal detectors but avoid body scanners
• Medtronic Guardian: Request manual inspection when possible

International Travel Considerations:

Traveling abroad requires additional preparation:

• Research medical facilities at your destination
• Learn key diabetes-related phrases in the local language
• Check if your CGM app works internationally
• Understand time zone adjustment for your device
• Consider travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions

Medicare Coverage Note: Your CGM supplies are covered while traveling within the US. For international travel, check with your DME supplier about getting extra supplies before departure, as Medicare typically won’t cover supplies purchased abroad.

Setting Up Your CGM Travel Kit

Create a dedicated travel kit that’s easy to access and organize. This becomes your diabetes command center while traveling:

Travel Kit Contents:

Organization Supplies:

• Small carrying case or pouch (preferably water-resistant)
• Ziplock bags for used sensors (airport security requirement)
• Clear medication organizer for small items
• Insulated bag for temperature-sensitive items
• Small sharps container for lancets

Comfort Items:

• Adhesive patches or tape for extra sensor security
• Sensor removal wipes or oil
• Skin prep wipes for better adhesion
• Small scissors for cutting tape
• Hand sanitizer

Emergency Items:

• Emergency glucose tablets (at least 3 tubes)
• Protein bars or crackers
• Emergency contact card in multiple languages
• Small first aid supplies
• Copy of travel insurance information

💡 Organization Tip: Use clear plastic bags to separate supplies by type. Label each bag with large print using a black marker for easy identification. Consider labels like “Daily Supplies,” “Backup Sensors,” and “Emergency Items.”

Pre-Departure Checklist Timeline

Two Weeks Before:

• [ ] Schedule doctor’s appointment for travel letter
• [ ] Contact DME supplier to ensure adequate supplies
• [ ] Check CGM sensor expiration dates
• [ ] Update emergency contact information
• [ ] Research medical facilities at destination
• [ ] Purchase travel insurance if needed

One Week Before:

• [ ] Organize all supplies into travel kit
• [ ] Charge all devices and backup batteries
• [ ] Download offline maps of pharmacies at destination
• [ ] Make copies of all documentation
• [ ] Inform travel companions about your CGM
• [ ] Set up CGM data sharing with family if desired

Day Before Travel:

• [ ] Insert fresh sensor if current one expires during trip
• [ ] Pack supplies in multiple bags
• [ ] Charge all devices to 100%
• [ ] Print boarding passes and documents
• [ ] Set reminder alarms for medication times
• [ ] Prepare snacks for travel day

Day of Travel:

• [ ] Check blood sugar before leaving home
• [ ] Verify all supplies are packed
• [ ] Wear medical alert identification
• [ ] Keep doctor’s letter easily accessible
• [ ] Eat a proper meal before traveling
• [ ] Arrive at airport/station early

Special Considerations for Different Types of Travel

Road Trips:

• Never leave CGM supplies in a hot car
• Pack a cooler for temperature-sensitive items
• Plan rest stops every 2 hours to check levels
• Keep supplies within arm’s reach while driving
• Have a designated driver if experiencing blood sugar issues

Cruise Ships:

• Notify cruise line about medical needs in advance
• Bring 3x normal supplies (limited medical supplies onboard)
• Store extra supplies in cabin safe
• Understand ship’s medical facility capabilities
• Keep supplies in original packaging with labels

Camping or Outdoor Adventures:

• Use waterproof cases for all electronics
• Bring extra adhesive for humid conditions
• Pack supplies in bear-proof containers if required
• Consider CGM protective covers for activities
• Have backup paper logbooks

Managing Time Zones with Your CGM

Crossing time zones can affect your diabetes management routine:

For Short Trips (Less than 1 week):

• Keep CGM on home time zone
• Manually track local meal times
• Adjust eating schedule gradually
• Monitor more frequently first 24 hours

For Longer Trips:

• Change CGM time after first full day
• Adjust medication schedule with doctor’s guidance
• Keep written log of time differences
• Set phone alarms for new routine
• Be patient with your body’s adjustment

Climate and Weather Considerations

Hot Weather Travel:

• Store sensors below 86°F (30°C)
• Use cooling pouches for supplies
• Apply extra adhesive to combat sweating
• Stay hydrated for accurate readings
• Avoid direct sunlight on CGM

Cold Weather Travel:

• Warm sensors to room temperature before use
• Keep supplies close to body in extreme cold
• Monitor for slower insulin absorption
• Check for frostbite around sensor sites
• Use moisturizer to prevent dry skin issues

Technology Tips for Travelers

Smartphone and CGM Apps:

• Enable offline mode for app features
• Download data before losing connectivity
• Set up international data plan if needed
• Bring paper backup logs
• Screenshot important app information

Charging Solutions:

• Universal travel adapter for international trips
• Portable battery pack (10,000+ mAh)
• Car charger for road trips
• Multiple charging cables
• Outlet splitter for hotel rooms

Insurance and Financial Preparation

Before You Leave:

• Call insurance to verify coverage while traveling
• Get pre-authorization for extra supplies if needed
• Understand out-of-network coverage
• Keep receipts for all medical expenses
• Know your plan’s emergency procedures

Medicare Specific Information:

• Original Medicare covers supplies within US only
• Some Advantage plans offer travel benefits
• Plan to bring all supplies from home
• Get supplier contact for emergencies
• Understand your plan’s rules for early refills

Emergency Preparedness

Being prepared for emergencies provides peace of mind:

Create Emergency Cards:

Include the following information in your wallet and phone:

• “I have diabetes and wear a CGM”
• Emergency contact numbers
• Current medications
• Allergies
• Doctor’s contact information
• Insurance information

Know These Phrases in Local Language:

• “I have diabetes”
• “I need sugar/juice”
• “Please call a doctor”
• “Where is the hospital?”
• “I need insulin”

Common Travel Challenges and Solutions

Challenge: CGM falls off due to sweating/swimming

Solution: Pack extra overlay patches, use skin prep wipes, and consider waterproof adhesive options

Challenge: Time zone confusion with readings

Solution: Keep a written log and use phone notes to track actual times versus CGM times

Challenge: Airport security concerns

Solution: Arrive early, have documentation ready, and know your rights to request alternative screening

Challenge: Language barriers at pharmacies

Solution: Keep photos of your supplies on your phone and use translation apps

Challenge: Extreme temperatures affecting supplies

Solution: Use insulated cases and never leave supplies in vehicles

Post-Travel CGM Management

After Your Trip:

• Download and review CGM data
• Note any patterns or issues
• Restock depleted supplies immediately
• Schedule follow-up with healthcare team
• Update travel kit for next time

Share Your Experience:

• Discuss trip challenges with your doctor
• Share tips with other CGM users
• Update your personal travel checklist
• Consider joining travel support groups

Final Travel Tips for CGM Success

Remember these key points for stress-free travel:

1. Over-prepare: It’s better to have too many supplies than too few
2. Stay flexible: Travel may require adjusting your usual routine
3. Communicate: Make sure travel companions understand your needs
4. Document everything: Keep records of all supplies and medications
5. Enjoy yourself: Don’t let diabetes management overshadow your adventure

Your Personal Travel Checklist Template

Print this section and customize it for your specific needs:

My CGM Information:

• CGM Brand/Model: ________________
• Sensor Duration: ________________
• Prescription Number: ________________
• Doctor’s Phone: ________________
• Pharmacy Phone: ________________

My Supply Calculations:

• Days of Travel: ______
• Sensors Needed: ______
• Backup Sensors: ______
• Test Strips Needed: ______
• Other: ________________

Need Help with Medicare CGM Coverage?

Preparing for travel and need to ensure you have enough CGM supplies? Our specialists at Senior CGM Support can help you navigate Medicare requirements and ensure you’re fully stocked before your trip. We understand the importance of having reliable supplies while you’re away from home.

Call Now: 727-831-3729

We can assist with:

• Pre-travel supply orders
• Medicare coverage verification
• Documentation for travel
• Rush orders for last-minute trips
• Setting up auto-shipment so you’re always prepared

Don’t let supply concerns keep you from exploring the world. Let us handle the logistics while you focus on planning your adventure! Download your checklist here!