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Travelling with Dexcom CGM Systems

Travel could mean flying to a different country or it could be a road trip to the next town.

No matter how you are travelling, if you live with diabetes, planning is essential.

Planning for travel means adding a few extra diabetes supplies to your packing list. It may also mean doing your research on your destination and making some adjustments to your routine.

Ensure if you are going to be away from home for any length of time (even a day out) that you take at least one spare sensor. If you are going to be away for longer, then we would suggest you take double the number of sensors that you would normally need for the period, you will be away.

If you use Dexcom G6 or Dexcom ONE and your transmitter is nearing the end of its 3-month battery life, ensure you pack a spare transmitter. Ensure that you also have a copy of your transmitter serial number in case you need to repair with a new display device.

Make sure you remember your receiver or mobile phone* charging cables and international power adapters.

Keep all CGM supplies in your carry-on luggage. Extreme temperatures in the cargo hold or lost checked bags can compromise your therapy. Contact your airline to see if you are allowed a medical hand baggage. Most airlines allow this.

If you live in the UK and your delivery is due during your holiday or just after contact UK Customer services on 0800 031 5761 or log in to your Dexcom account to see whether you can bring your order forward.

If you live in Ireland and are receive your Dexcom on prescription. Speak to your GP/ Pharmacist to see if your next month's supplies can be prescribed early. If you are self-funding your Dexcom system in Ireland Please call – 180 0 827602.

For more general advice on making travel easier if you live with diabetes, take a look at our travel blog.

Considerations when driving with your Dexcom CGM System

If you are using your CGM to check your glucose levels whilst driving it is important to know what is legal but also what is safe.

In the UK it is illegal to hold or touch your mobile phone* screen whilst the car engine is running. You can however use devices with hands-free access. 1 If you need to hold or touch your phone, pull over to a safe space, stop the engine and then check your CGM readings.2

In Ireland it is also illegal to hold or touch your mobile phone*. Using a hands-free device is not illegal, but using a mobile phone can briefly distract you and reduce your concentration, putting other road users at risk. As a result, you may be prosecuted for dangerous or careless driving, or for driving without due care and attention. This could lead to penalty points being added to your licence or even losing it.3

Flying with your Dexcom CGM Systems

Whether you're flying domestically or internationally, Dexcom CGM systems are designed to support safe and effective diabetes management while travelling. Here's what you need to know:

Airport Security Screening

General Guidance

  • You can take spare CGM components in your hand luggage along with insulin and needles and other essential medication. Please review the Gov.UK websites4 for the most up to date information. As of now, essential medicines and medical equipment are allowed, but you will need supporting documentation from a medical professional.

  • You can take an extra piece of hand luggage if you have a condition which means you need to take essential medical supplies. It may be necessary to prebook your medical hand luggage – check with your airline.

  • You can wear your Dexcom sensor whilst going through the walk-through metal detectors.

  • You may request hand-wanding, a full-body pat-down, or visual inspection as alternatives to going through the metal detector although this is not necessary.

  • Dexcom components should not be subjected to X-ray, therefore no parts of the Dexcom should go through a baggage scanner if it uses X-ray technology. If you are requested to remove liquids and technology from your hand luggage, then it is likely that X ray is being used. If X-ray is being used, then ask for a manual inspection. If you do not have to remove these items, then CT technology may be being used. See below for product specific guidelines for CT technology

Dexcom G6 and Dexcom ONE Specific Notes:

  • Dexcom G6 and Dexcom ONE components have not been tested with all AIT scanner types. AIT scanners use CT scanning technology. These are the scanners where you must stand in them with your legs apart and arms either up or out to your side. A hand wand or pat-down is recommended over full-body scanners.

  • Inform security staff that the sensor is inserted under the skin and cannot be removed.

  • Carry medical documentation (e.g. a letter from your doctor) to support your use of a CGM device.

Dexcom G7 / Dexcom ONE+ Specific Notes:

  • G7 and Dexcom ONE+ sensors are confirmed safe for use with AIT scanners and walk-through metal detectors.

Using Dexcom on Flights:

  • Smartphone users: Switch your phone to airplane mode, then manually turn Bluetooth back on to continue receiving sensor data.

  • Your data will not transfer to followers whilst you are in flight mode. Make sure your followers know that you are on a flight.

  • Receiver users: Keep the receiver powered on during the flight.

  • Always follow airline crew instructions and check with your airline for device policies.

App Usage Abroad

All apps can be used abroad however it is important to ensure the following before you travel.

  • You have updated to the newest version of the product app*.

  • You are logged in to your account on the app before leaving your home country.

  • Make sure you know your username and password and keep a note of this.

  • If you do not do all the above before leaving your home country, you will be unable to reinstall the app whilst abroad if needed.

If You Encounter Issues whilst travelling, call your home country technical support:

  • Before uninstalling or reinstalling the app, check your local Dexcom website or contact Dexcom Technical Support for help.

  • Most issues can be resolved without reinstalling the app*.

* Smart devices sold separately. For a list of compatible devices, visit dexcom.com/compatibility

1 Using a phone, sat nav or other device when driving. Gov.uk. Accessed April, 2026. https://www.gov.uk/using-mobile-phones-when-driving-the-law

2 Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency: A guide to insulin treated diabetes and driving. 2025. 1-5.

3 Road Safety Authority: Mobile phones and Driving. 2015. 1-2.

4 Hand Luggage restrictions at UK airports: Medicine, Medical Equipment and Dietary requirements. Gov.uk. Accessed April, 2026. https://www.gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions/essential-medicines-and-medical-equipment.