Is it possible to send insulin via air mail??

[austinlad32]

I will quickly explain my situation. I am a diabetic currently living in china but originally from the UK. When I am in the UK I get my insulin for free on the NHS so I have supplies there. I will be flying home in June but I have recently checked how much insulin I have to last my time here and it seems like I may not have quite enough so I would like a little more to be more comfortable.

So my question is does anyone know if it is possible for insulin to be sent via air mail from the UK to China or would it be damaged too much in transit for it to be useable?

Thanks for your help,

James

[owlyn]

Technically, yes, as long as it is packed in an insulated container with cold packs. BUT- you have no control over how log it will take by air mail. If you can use a private delivery service like FedEx or UPS, you can pay for overnight delivery...BUT what about Customs? Especially in China. All said and done, it is probably cheaper to just buy it there (if you can).

Can you explain the situation to your NHS Doctor and get an extra suplly to bring with?

[austinlad32]

Thanks for your help, i am already in China and have been here for some time so cannot get more without having it delivered to me. I am on Lily humalog insulin which doesn't appear to be available in china or Hong Kong (as I am close to HK) but the website they have isn't that helpful. Any ideas on the cost to send insulin??

Thanks

[DeusXM]

I would say probably not. Whether the insulin is flown in coolpacks or not is irrelevent. If you're flying, you wouldn't put your insulin in the hold because potentially it could get too cold and damaged. It's the same if it's coming by airmail.

Although the Lily website might not be too clear, why not just pop into a chemist's and ask? Humalog is a very old insulin so it's highly likely it's available.

[beau91]

Austinland 32,i worked for an airline company as per airmail they don't usually seperate the perishable .For me the best way for you would be by Cargo like owlin said Fedex ,Ups,and specify that it is perishable avoid freezing or hot temperature .Some compartment are heated ,some not.It would be sent from the UK ,Maybe call the Royal post and ask them if they can ship
perishable.Good luck as for the price ,usually by weight but for special handling sometimes they have Extras Bye Ricky

[sable_032592]

well, the insulin would have to be in a special container to keep it from getting too cold or too hot, and it has to stay at a certain temp, plus it's very fragile and you can never be too sure about it getting to you properly...

also, some countries don't allow certain things to be brought into their country, i'd check with the post office in china before you do anything else... i know in canada, we're not allowed to send insulin thru the mail...