Can you post insulin to America?

[Wu Banger]

I'm going to America for 3 months and although will have enough insulin, i wondered if it is possible to send through the post? I would hate to think it could get lost somehow and would feel safe to know some more could be sent out from back in the UK. Thanks

[dzug2]

I would have thought you would be better off getting it there

I don't believe you can send it by post as a private individual anyway - doctors/hospitals have special arrangements

[Wu Banger]

I get it for free in the UK though and have no idea how much it will cost there. Possibly if i do need more then my gp could arrange it? Thanks

[dzug2]

Possibly - but he may be restricted to sending it to a US doctor/hospital rather than to you. And if it's readily available there - even at a cost - he may see no reason to do so.

And I don't know if the US have any special customs regulations - I was quoting what the Royal Mail general rules are - overseas is often more restrictive.

[ethandron]

something else to remember is that insulin should never be frozen and if it travels in the hold of a plane there's a good chance it may freeze. we were always told to keep our sons insulin in our hand luggage for this reason.
3 months worth of insulin isn't actually a great deal in terms of bulk, to carry with you. better to take double with you and not need to worry about running out.
they obviously do have insulin in america but it may be that their units of measurement are different, along with the types of insulin available there so i wouldn't take the chance.

[spudqueen]

I would make an appointment with your Doctor and ask their opinion. I'm sure they'll have dealt with this kind of thing before.

[237SJ]

I thought it has to be kept cold. Is that right? It can be out of a fridge while travelling for 24 hours but in the days it takes to get through the US postal system (which is slow) I would have thought it would be damaged. There`s no way I would post it

[237SJ]

By the way, it won`t freeze in the hold of an aircraft. Things don`t freeze in aircraft holds. The reason you are told to carry it with you is in case the airline loses your baggage and you end up parted from your medication

[ethandron]

i stand corrected :)
it was what we were told by the paediatric diabetes nurse 20 years ago.

[Trotbot]

Insulin in an aircraft hold will be damaged, but not totally destroyed, so it will be a lot less effective. This will lead to much higher blood sugar. The best solution is to take enough in a frio walletas as hand baggage