How to Get Insulin While Traveling in the U.S.

Traveling with diabetes requires careful planning, but sometimes things don’t go as expected. If you ever find yourself traveling for work or vacation in the United States and realize you’ve run out of insulin, don’t panic—there are several safe and accessible options to get what you need.

Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate this situation.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Human Insulin

In the U.S., all modern, analog insulins require a prescription from a U.S.-based healthcare provider. However, some older, human insulins (Regular and NPH) can be purchased without a prescription, also known as purchasing Over the Counter (OTC). You can usually find them at Walmart pharmacies under the ReliOn brand for about $25 per vial, or at CVS pharmacies for about the same cost.

These insulins can be life-saving in an emergency, but it’s important to know that they act differently than the analog insulins many people use today. 

They may start working more slowly or last longer, so you’ll need to check with your healthcare provider first, monitor your blood sugar levels closely and adjust your insulin timing and doses very carefully.

Contact Your Doctor Back Home

If you do not already have a copy of your insulin prescription with you, you can reach your healthcare provider from your home country, ask them to email your prescription to you, which you can then forward to a U.S. based provider or clinic.

In some cases, pharmacies can transfer prescriptions if they are for U.S. Federal and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved insulins, but this can depend on the state and pharmacy policy.

Visit an Urgent Care or Walk-In Clinic

If you need your usual insulin type or aren’t comfortable switching to OTC human insulins, visit an urgent care clinic or walk-in medical center. Urgent care clinics can be found in all major areas and are a much less expensive option than visiting a hospital Emergency Room (E.R.).
Many large pharmacy chains, such as CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart, also have in-store clinics that can help you quickly get a prescription filled.

A healthcare provider there can evaluate your situation and prescribe the insulin you normally use. It will be easier to get a U.S. prescription for your insulin if you have a copy of your current prescription from your doctor.

Things to Keep in Mind

The process for getting insulin in the U.S. is the same for everyone, regardless of nationality or immigration status.

However, if you are visiting from another country, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Foreign prescriptions are not usually valid for dispensing in the U.S., but you can use them as a reference when talking to a doctor.
• Cost considerations: if you don’t have U.S.-based health insurance, you will be using “self pay” options for clinics and pharmacies. Expect to pay around $100–$300 USD for a clinic visit to get a U.S. prescription and $80–$150 USD per vial of common, analog (modern) insulins like Insulin Aspart or Insulin Lispro. Always ask for the generic, or biosimilar option, as getting brand name insulins can be more expensive, up to $500+ USD per vial. OTC human insulin options remain the most affordable at about $25 USD per vial, but remember that they work differently than modern insulins .
  • While copay cards—which are savings cards that bring down the out-of-pocket cost of insulin—are common in the U.S., they are typically only valid for current U.S. or U.S. territory residents. You may be able to find other cost-saving coupons at GoodRx.com, by searching for the insulin type you need.

Remember These Important Rules for Traveling with Diabetes

• Check your blood sugar levels frequently, especially if you’re using a different insulin formulation.
• Avoid purchasing insulin from unverified or online sources.
• Keep copies of your prescriptions and any medical letters with you at all times.
• For future trips, always pack more insulin than you think you’ll need—plus a small emergency supply.
• Bring a short medical note in English explaining your condition and treatment plan.

Even in an unexpected situation, help is available. With a bit of preparation and the right information, you can safely manage your diabetes while traveling in the United States. 

If you need help to get insulin, please see our additional resources at getinsulin.org