I understand that I need both a prescription and a "Medical Certificate" to carry insulin and syringes in my carry-on, at least enough to last for twice the duration of the flight (in case of delays). Has anyone seen a form for this Medical Certificate, or is it just a letter from the prescribing doctor, with address, phone, and license#? I'm assuming that these documents need to be in both Spanish and English, in multiple copies; is this correct?
Once I'm in Spain, I can get registered at the farmacia, but can I take a 30-day supply of syringes in my checked baggage with a copy of the documents fastened to the container?
I truly appreciate any help you can give me.
Posted by
Freedonia
15082 posts
It may be best to talk to the experts:
The Diabetic Traveler
Traveling with Diabetes Supplies
The Diabetes Travel Guide
Posted by
OP
Kirkland, WA
4 posts
I appreciate the responses I've received, but thus far the resources have only answered one of my questions, that I can take empty syringes in my checked bag.
I can deal with the TSA requirements. I am more concerned about the stated requirements of the Spanish carrier.
I've talked with the Iberia rep, who could not offer any better answers.
Has anyone SEEN a form for the Medical Certificate? Where? Is it like the Intl Vet Certificate?
Posted by
Freedonia
15082 posts
For the definitive answer on what you need for Spain, why not ask them directly as they'll know better than any of us.
Spain Consulate , United States
1405 Sutter St.
94109
San Francisco
California
USA
Phone:
+1-415-922-2995
+1-415-922-2996
+1-415-922-0170
+1-415-922-7942
Fax:
+1-415-931-9706
Email:
conspsfo@mail.mae.es
Posted by
Dallas, United States
705 posts
My wife is diabetic and uses an insulin pump. I'll report what she does and at the same time try to answer your questions from our experience.
"Medical Certificate"--when I asked her about a certificate she was puzzled. She has asked her physician to simply write a statement and it has usually been handwritten on a prescription form. In a half dozen trips to Europe, and others to Israel, Australia, and Mexico she has never been asked to produce this certificate/statement. However, she gets a new one before every trip just in case. (The statement says she is diabetic and carries insulin and pump supplies.) She hasn't seen or used a form, and I don't think you are obliged to translate it into Spanish.
She wears the pump and carries in her carry on bag additional insulin and a syringe. There has not been consistent treatment at security. She used to advise them before hand that she was wearing a pump; sometimes she got scanned with a wand, sometimes frisked, sometimes nothing. What the TSA website says will not necessarily be followed. You should be able to carry supplies sufficient for your trip in your checked bag with a copy of your doc's statement.
"I can get registered at the farmacia"--Not knowing where this information comes from, I can only say that my wife has never registered at a pharmacy in any country. We returned from Spain in mid-October and had no related problems.
Good luck. I'm sure your trip will go well.
You may PM if you have more questions.
Posted by
Springfield, VA, USA
283 posts
All posts are good advice. As a traveling diabetic, I agree that I have never had a problem bringing supplies on board. I always carry a written statement from the doctor which states what I need to carry with me and it is signed and on his letterhead. I have only had to provide it once or twice.
Be aware that the recent bomber tried to use a syringe to inject some of the materials into the bomb while on board the plane and TSA and other inspectors are less friendly about syringes than they had been before.
Carry everything in marked containers, preferably with a prescription label on it with your name. My pump supplies do not have those kinds of labels, but I have never had a problem, if I bring them in the boxes. I also carry back ups in my checked luggage, just in case I lose something at security.
Oh! I have never heard of the certificate and have flown on local flights throughout Europe. I would check with consulate and bring their response with you--do it on email or by letter.