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- Last updated July 29, 2021 - Original publication from March 3, 2020
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10 Best Insulin Travel Coolers to Keep Insulin Cool in 2021
Insulin is a temperature-sensitive medicine that needs to be protected from the heat at all times. As a general rule, your in-use insulin pens and vials should not be exposed to temperatures over 25°C/77°F., while your stocks of unopened insulin should be stored at fridge temperature.
As a Type 1 diabetic, I’ve been traveling all over the world with my insulin kit for the last 10 years. I’ve tried all kinds of cooling solutions for my insulin and came to the conclusion that there’s no such thing as the “best insulin cooler”. Everyone has different needs and habits. The most important thing is to find the insulin cooler that best suits your own needs.
Here’s a selection of diverse types of insulin coolers you can find. To guide you through it and help you make a smart and personal purchase decision, feel free to refer to the buyer’s guide at the end of the article.
- 1. 4allFamily 72 Hours Insulin Cooler with USB Charger and Biopack Gel - Powered
- 2. Vivicap Reusable Travel Insulin Pen Cooler - New Product!
- 3. FRIO Wallets Insulin Cooling Bags For Pens, Vials and Pumps
- 4. Sugar Medical insulated Diabetes Bags, Backpacks & Purses
- 5. GetBacktoBasix Fridge-to-Go Insulin Cooling Case
- 6. Aijun USB Portable Mini-Fridge To Keep Insulin Cool
- 7. LifeinaBox Connected Portable Insulin Fridge Cooler - New Product
- 8. DisonCare 36H Portable Thermos Insulin Cooling Bottle with Temperature Display & QR Medical Tag
- 9. Cooluli Mini-fridge USB Cooler with Power Bank Option - Great for Insulin
- 10. Apollo Walker Insulin Cooling Case - Ice Packs & Insulation Liner
- 11. MediCool Insulin Cooler for Vials - Keeps at Fridge Temperature
2021 Best Insulin Coolers, Cooling Bags, Travel Cases, and Mini-fridges
1. 4AllFamily 72 Hours Insulin Cooler with USB Charger and Biopack Gel - Powered
4AllFamily is the most versatile and performant insulin cooler I’ve ever used. It’s a new product that’s been launched recently. Its unique patented cooling system offers 3 different cooling methods in one product only. By switching the lids, you can transform a simple Biogel thermos bottle into a real USB mini-fridge for medication.
Laboratory tests have shown it can keep your insulin at fridge temperature (2-8°C/35-46°F) for 50 hours and at room temperature 26°C/78°F for 72 hours when the outside temperature is 35°C/95°F. This is the highest performance on the market today. Moreover, it has a high capacity and can hold up to 7 insulin pens, 8 Novolog Vials, or 42 Humulin vials. It’s light, portable, and very easy to use.
I’ve personally used it and tested it in all kinds of situation. Read my full product review here! A few weeks ago, the company has launched 3 new models of insulin coolers: a high-performing medical fridge, and two nomad cooling cases for insulin and other meds. Check out their website to choose which one would best suit your needs! 4AllFamily also wins the competition in the Best insulin vial protectors category.
- Pros
- 3 cooling methods in one product!
- Can keep insulin at fridge temperature and/or room temperature
- High & long-lasting efficiency (72 hours)
- High capacity (up to 7 insulin pen - 42 Humulin vials)
- USB charger included (can charge in car or solar panel)
- Ice Pack gel included
- TSA approved for travel
- Cons
- It is quite expensive (but you get what you pay for!)
- Maybe a bit bulky
- There's only one color available at the moment
2. Vivicap Reusable Insulin Pen Cooler Cap by Tempramed
Tempramed’s Vivicap reusable insulin pen cooler is the most innovative insulin cooling solution available today. The high-technology behind it protects your insulin from overheating and freezing. This new jewel is the smallest and most lightweight insulin pen cooler you can find (2oz/60g only!). It fits in your purse and even in your pocket.
It requires absolutely no maintenance, no electricity, no freezer, no nothing! The cooling method is based on a high-tech insulation and heat absorbing material that prevents heat from rising inside the cap.
Vivicap’s Click and Go system is extremely easy to use: simply replace your insulin pen’s existing cap with the device. It has a built-in temperature sensor that allows you to check the inside temperature.
Vivicap is officially FDA registered for the cooling of insulin. You can safely use it. And it’s good for years of repetitive use. You even get 3 years of product warranty and 30-days money-back guarantee. I’ve just received it myself for trial, so I will soon publish a full product review about it. Meanwhile, here’s a Diabetes Educator and Vivicap user’s opinion.
- Pros
- Most innovative insulin cooling technology
- No maintenance, no battery, no ice packs, no nothing!
- Smallest and most lightweight insulin pen cooler
- Fits in your pocket!
- Built-in temperature sensor and control
- Also protects insulin from freezing
- 3 years warranty + 30-days money-back guarantee
- TSA approved for travel & FDA approved for medicines
- Cons
- For insulin pens only
- Quite expensive (but good for years of repetitive use)
- Protects insulin from heat but does not maintain fridge temperature (not suitable for stocks of unopened insulin)
3. FRIO Insulin Cooling Cases for Pens, Vials and Pumps
If you’ve never heard about the famous FRIO Insulin Cooling cases, it’s time you do! These cooling bags are specially designed to protect temperature-sensitive medicines like insulin against high heat. What I love so much about them is that you do not need ice-packs nor electricity! The FRIO Cooling cases employ a patented technology that uses water evaporation to keep your insulin below the threshold level of 25°C/77°F for up to 48hours at outside temperatures of 38°C/100°F.
How to use Frio Wallets: All you need to make FRIO wallets work is cold water, which you can find absolutely everywhere. They include an inner wallet and an outer cover.“Immerse the inner wallet containing the crystals in cold water and soak for 8-10 minutes. Towel dry and leave the wallet to dry off for 5 minutes. This allows the crystals to absorb any excess water. When semi-dry to the touch, place at the activated wallet in it’s outer cover. Place medication inside”. That’s it! No battery, no charger, no ice packs, no freezer needed! And they’re reusable for infinite number of times.
They’re very light and extremely convenient to protect your in-use insulin pens and vials during hot summer days. Plus, FRIO offers a large choice of sizes and styles. They have Frio bags for everything: insulin pens, insulin vials, and even insulin pumps.
If you want more details, I’ve written a full product review about the FRIO Wallets.
- Pros
- Very convenient, easy and quick to use in every possible situation
- Protects insulin from high heat for up to 48 hours
- No need for electricity, freezer, ice-pack, nor anything but cold water
- Large choice of sizes and colours (the extra-large one fits 8 insulin pens or 10 vials of insulin )
- There's FRIO Wallet for Insulin Pumps too!
- Reusable over and over again
- Very light and compact
- TSA approved for travel
- Cons
- Do not keep insulin at fridge temperature (not suitable for long-term stocks of insulin) - Only suitable for in-use open insulin
4. Sugar Medical Diabetes Insulated Backpacks, Purses, and Belts
Sugar Medical has got style! I personally love that company because their offer a wide variety of diabetes supply cases, purses, backpacks, travel cases, organisers, and more with plenty of different styles. They have a large catalog of insulated cooling bags for insulin that come at very reasonable prices (from $23 to $69 depending on size and models). From what I know off, it’s the only company to offer insulated backpacks for insulin! Extremely practical when you like hiking and outdoor activities.
Sugar Medical’s diabetes insulated cooling bags are good quality and long lasting. They’ll keep your insulin and other medications cool when it’s hot outside. Be aware that they’re not made to maintain fridge temperature though!
- Pros
- Plenty of styles, models and sizes available!
- Keep insulin and medication cool when it's hot outside
- Specially designed for diabetics with great interior organisers for different supplies
- Insulated backpacks, purses & travel cases
- Very reasonable prices!
- Kids-friendly models!
- TSA approved for travel
- Cons
- Only suitable for open insulin. Does not maintain fridge temperature to keep stocks of unopened insulin safe.
5. GetBacktoBasix Fridge-to-Go Insulin Cooling Case
An insulin cooling bag designed by a diabetic entrepreneur! He knows what he’s talking about. Fridge-to-Go is the name of the insulin cooling bag designed by Robin, the Type 1 Diabetic man behind GetBacktoBasix company. These FDA-approved cooling bags use patented freezer panels filled with salt water that keep the interior temperature cool no matter what the external temperature is.
What I love about Fridge-to-Go is its interior organised design. It has several zipper compartments and elasticised straps for insulin pens and vials not to move. And the exterior zipper is lovable, you can have a small padlock if you desire extra security.
Robin has thought about kids too, offering a Kids Epipen Holder with identification window and kids-friendly design.
- Pros
- Light, compact, and easy to use everyday insulin cooler
- Protects insulin from high temperature
- Can hold up to 3 insulin pens or 4 vials
- Chemical-free: uses salt water!
- Interior deisgn is well organized with zippers and pockets
- Kids-friendly versions
- TSA approved for travel
- Cons
- Does not specify for how long it keeps insulin cool
6. Aijun USB Portable Mini-Fridge To Keep Insulin Cool
Aijun mini-fridge is a best seller in the temperature-sensitive medicine category. Specially designed for diabetes drugs to stay refrigerated at all times, it’s an actual mini-fridge and really works just like a real fridge would do. So you’re safe your insulin is constantly properly stored. It keeps your insulin safe between 2-8°C/35-46°F, and has an anti-freeze security function.
It works on a 1040mAh battery for a duration of 10 hours when fully charged. A battery indicator lets you know when you need to recharge, which is very handy. It comes with 3 different charging system: a USB port, a cigaret lighter adapter (so you can charge it in your car), as well as a regular house hold power charger.
Its LCD display shows the time and the refrigeration temperature in both °C and °F. It can hold up to 3 insulin pens and 4 insulin vials. Internal refrigeration space: 170mm*55mm*23mm. External dimensions: 187mm*80mm*68mm.
I have not tested Aijun mini-fridge myself, but many of my readers have reported it’s a great product!
- Pros
- Keeps your insulin safe at fridge temperature (2-8°C/35-46°F)
- Can be charged on USB, car cigaret lighter, and household power
- Display inside temperature for instantaneous control
- Anti-freeze function
- Fast-charging Lithium battery
- TSA approved for travel
- Cons
- A bit expensive (but so is any mini-fridge...)
- Small capacity: can only hold up to 3 insulin pens or 4 insulin vials
- Quite bulky to carry around
7. LifeinaBox Connected Portable Insulin Fridge Cooler - New Product
LifeinaBox Portable Medication Fridge is another new product that did not exist when I first published this article. It’s the world’s smallest intelligent mini-fridge. It keeps insulin and other temperature-sensitive medications safe at fridge temperature (2-8°C/35-46°F) for up to 6 hours when working on battery, and 24/7 when on power. There’s the possibility to buy separate battery packs to take with you on longer off-the-grid trips.
Lifeina is a connected travel fridge: get the app on your phone and it monitors the temperature and the battery level of your fridge. Plus, there’s an alarm that automatically warns you when battery level is getting lower than 20%.
It can hold up to 8 insulin pens, and numerous insulin vials. Includes both a universal 110-240V power cord and a 12V DC power adapter for your car.
- Pros
- The world's smallest mini-fridge for medicines
- Connect to it your phone and monitor inside temperature and battery level
- High capacity: holds up to 8 insulin pens when most mini-fridges only hold up to 3 max
- Possibility to buy extra-batteries for longer off-grid trips
- Includes power adapter for you car
- Premium quality material and stylis design
- TSA approved for travel
- Cons
- It is the most expensive insulin mini-fridge
- It's quite heavy (5.95 pounds)
8. DisonCare 36H Portable Thermos Insulin Cooling Bottle with Temperature Display & QR Medical Tag
DisonCare Portable Insulin Cooling Bottle has been among the best insulin coolers for years now. It still is today, and with an even wider catalog of products! This one is the 36Hours Medication Cooler with temperature display and QR Medical tag. It’s a new upgraded version of the one I used to recommend before.
DisonCare Insulin coolers for travelling diabetics are made with stainless steel and keep the insulin at fridge temperature (2-8°C/35-46°F) for up to 36 hours even if ambient temperature is at 30°/86°F. It’s a bit less than its All4Family competitor which keeps insulin at fridge temperature for 50 hours, but it’s still more than most other ones. It works with natural bio gel freezing packs. It comes with a touch temperature display for better control and tranquility.
My favourite feature: its eye catching QR Medical Tag. Anyone who scans the QR code can view your reserved information. It’s definitely a good reassuring idea for traveling diabetics, as you never know what can happen. Plus, if you loose the cooler, chances are higher someone will contact you.
The only downside I’ve found to this cooler is its limited capacity: you can only put 2 insulin pens, 2 insulin vials, or 12 Humilin vials. It’s probably enough for most of us, but if you’re traveling long term and need to refrigerate a 6-months stock of insulin like I do, you’d rather get the Extra-Capacity DisonCare Insulin Cooler: it comes at a higher price, but can hold up to 6 insulin pens, 8 insulin vials, or 42 Humilin vials, and its cooling performance is 45 hours! Check out all of DisonCare Insulin Coolers in their catalog here. The full diabetes kits are smart choices too.
One last (great) thing about DisconCare: it has a 30-days money back policy, and offers a year warranty on its products.
- Pros
- Great performance: 36 hours at fridge temperature
- Stainless steel premium quality long-lasting material
- Temperature displays for better control
- QR Medical Code for extra security
- Includes natural bio gel freezing packs
- Large choice of options and colors
- 30-days money back policy + One year warranty
- Reasonable price compared to some expensive competitors
- TSA approved for travel
- Cons
- Small capacity (but you can get the extra-large one that holds up to 6 insulin pens, 8 insulin vials or 42 Humilin vials)
9. Cooluli Mini-fridge USB Cooler with Power Bank Option - Great for Insulin
Cooluli mini-fridge is not specially designed for medications, but it’s definitely one of my favourite insulin cooling solution. Many people use it for medications or for cosmetics. It’s a modern mini-fridge of 4-liters capacity with AC + DC + USB adapter so you can use it absolutely everywhere. It’s easy to transport thanks to its inset top handle. It’s without any doubt the largest capacity solution you can get. It works great and it’s actually one of the most purchased cooling system by my readers!
It’s ultra quite, 100% energy efficient, and has a cooling capacity of 40ºF-45ºF below ambient temperature. One thing to be aware of though: Cooluli mini-fridges do not work on battery. It needs power to function (USB, Car, or Household).
Outer dimensions: 7.6″x10.8″x10.25″. Inner dimension: 5.45″x8.12″x5.4″. Cooluli is expert in mini-fridges and offers a lot of different sizes, colors, and styles.
- Pros
- A real mini-fridge!
- Largest Capacity: 4 liters inside storage room
- Comes with USB, DC and AC adapter so you can plug it everywhere
- Easy to transport with inset top handle
- Ultra quite and 100% energy efficient
- Large choice of options and colors
- Reasonable price compared to some expensive competitors
- Cons
- Not sure if it's TSA approved for travel
- Does not work on battery
10. Apollo Walker Insulin Cooling Case - Ice Packs & Insulation Liner
Apollo Walker’s is Amazon’s best choice for the Insulin Cooler Travel case” category. It’s actually the most sold product and has great costumers reviews. It’s a very simple insulin cooling bag that includes 2 reusable ice packs and an interior insulation liner.
It’s made with good quality durable material and a strong zipper closure. The outside is water resistant so it’s easy to clean. I especially like its interior organisation with elasticated product loops and pockets. It has a great capacity, and you can fit numerous insulin pens or insulin vials inside. It will keep your insulin cool and protected from outside high temperature from at least 12 hours.
Dimensions: 7.9” x 3.5”x 1.6”. Weight: 6.4 ounces. Exist in different colors: grey, purple, navy, blue. You get a 30 days money back policy and a year warranty.
- Pros
- Keeps insulin cool for at least 12 hours
- One of the cheapest insulin cooling solution
- Very easy to use and simple insulin cooling bag
- Inside organizers with elastic
- Comes with 2 reusable ice packsew hours
- Lightweight and Large capacity
- 30-days money back + 1 year warranty
- TSA approved for travel
- Cons
- Does not keep insulin at fridge temperature for more than a few hours
11. MediCool Insulin Cooler for Vials - Keeps at Fridge Temperature
MediCool is probably one of the oldest insulin cooling solution on the market. It still does a great job, and at a much lower price than most competitors. Only $24! It keeps insulin at fridge temperature for up to 16 hours. It comes with 2 freezer-safe cooler packs. Dimensions: 8″ x 4″ x 3″. It has inside pockets for syringes and alcohol swabs. Exist in black, blue, or red.
Downside: this one is only for insulin vials (2 vials). You cannot fit insulin pens inside. But MediCool has another insulin cooling solution for insulin pens: the Poucho Wallets. They’re similar to FRIO’s cooling wallets, but I have not tested them myself. You get one year warranty on MediCool products.
MediCool’s Insulin vials cooler is compatible with most insulin vial protectors.
- Pros
- Keeps insulin at fridge temperature for up to 16 hours
- Cheapest fridge temperature cooling solution for insulin vials
- Lightweight, easy to carry around
- Comes with 2 freezing packs
- Inside pockets for syringues and alcohol swabs
- One year warranty on MediCool products
- TSA approved for travel
- Cons
- Only for insulin vials (for pens, MediCool has the Poucho Wallet option)
- Design and style are quite old...
BEST INSULIN COOLING CASE ACCESSORY: MedAngel One Smart Thermometer
MedAngel One is a wireless thermometer and App for iPhone and Android specially designed to monitor the temperature of insulin and other medications.
It’s extremely easy to use. Place the sensor inside your insulin cooling case and it will constantly monitor the inside temperature while sending the information directly to the App on your phone via bluetooth. It sends you alarm when the temperature is getting outside of the defined range.
It’s a bit expensive, but if you’re frequently traveling with insulin, it’s an excellent accessory to have as it gives you significant comfort and peace of mind.
- Pros
- Monitors the temperature inside your insulin cooling case
- Alerts when temperature approaches safe level limits
- Peace of mind and extra-security
- Waterproof
- Compatible with iPhone and Android
- The sensor works with a standard replaceable coin cell battery
- TSA approved for travel
- Cons
- A bit expensive ($39.95)
Insulin Cooler, Cooling Bag, Travel Case, Mini-fridges...what's the difference?
You’ve probably noticed I’m using different terminologies when I write about insulin coolers. I sometimes refer to insulin coolers, insulin cooling bags, insulin travel cases, mini-fridges, etc. Is there actually a difference? Yes and no. I try to follow the product’s name as given by its manufacturers which sometimes vary without much sense. To guide you in your insulin cooler’s search, you can refer to the following common categorisation to help you decide what insulin cooling system is best for you.
Insulin Coolers
Insulin Cooler is the most extensive term. It’s the main category that includes all the other ones. It’s what all of us are looking for. In that same category: Insulin Travel Coolers.
Insulin Cooling Bags, Wallets, Pouches, Pockets
Insulin cooling bags are the lightest insulin coolers you can find, along with insulin cooling pouches and wallets. Usually made with soft flexible fabric, their small size and weight allow you to carry them in your handbag or even in your pockets. They usually work with icepacks (expect for the Frio ones), and will protect a few insulin pens or vials from high temperature during a few hours. They’re ideal for backpackers travelers, dail trips, and everyday use.
In that same category: Insulin Cooling Wallets – Insulin Cooling Pouches
Insulin Travel Cases, Insulin Cooling Cases, Insulin Carrying Cases
Insulin cooling cases are most often found under the name “insulin travel cases”. They are cooling systems as well. They differ from insulin cooling bags in that they’re solid cases instead of soft and flexible bags. Their capacity is greater than insulin cooling bags, pouches or wallets, and their interior design usually includes pockets and elastics allowing you to organise your insulin supplies. Insulin travel cases most often work with ice-packs or gels to keep your insulin cool, so you need access to a freezer to re-activate them. Their solid case provides greater protection to your insulin pens or vials in case of shocks and falls.
Insulin Pen Coolers, Insulin Vial Coolers
These are more specific categories focusing on the kind of insulin containers can fit in the insulin cooler. Before buying, be careful to read carefully the instructions as some insulin coolers are designed exclusively for insulin pens while others exclusively for insulin vials.
Insulin Cooling Bottles, Insulin Thermos
We’re talking about the cooler’s format here. Insulin cooling bottles looks like proper thermos bottle in which you can store your insulin pens or vials for temperature control. Insulin portable cooling bottles such as All4Family or DisonCare Bottle work with USB or household power chargeable battery to keep your insulin at fridge temperature or room temperature. They’re quite bulky but have greater capacity and higher performances than insulin bags and cases.
Insulin Fridges, Mini-fridges, Travel Fridges
Last, but not least, insulin fridges have the highest performances of all insulin coolers as to low-temperature insulin storage. They are ideal for diabetics who need to keep stocks of insulin at fridge-temperature, as they work exactly like fridges would do. Some are more portable and easy to carry than other. Some work on battery while others need to be constantly plugged-in. They’re the heaviest and heavier bulkiest insulin coolers and are not really adapted to backpacking travels, nor trekking days. Ideal for work office, car travel, hotel rooms, etc.
Buyer's Guide to Finding the Best Insulin Cooler for You
There are a lot of features to look at in order to make a smart choice when buying an insulin travel cooler. Temperature, duration, weight, powers, USB, capacity, price, etc… Finding the perfect cooler that fits all of your expectations is a tough task and you sometimes will have to make compromise.
Here’s a little help to guide you through your purchase decision. I’ve listed all the important questions you need to ask yourself before buying your new insulin cooler. For each of your answers, there’s a list of most suited product suggestions.
How cold to you need your insulin to be kept?
To protect your in-use open insulin pens or vials from the daily ambient high temperature, you’ll need an insulin cooler that will keep your insulin below 25°C/77°F. It’s not necessary that your cooler goes as low as fridge temperature. You can use simpler and cheaper coolers such as Frio Bags – ViviCap device – Fridge-to-go – Apollo Walker case
To transport stocks of insulin for more than a month, you’ll need a higher-performance cooler that guarantees your insulin is constantly kept at fridge temperature (2-8°C/35-46°F). As you know, insulin cannot be out of the fridge more than a month without risking going bad. You’ll need to use performant insulin coolers such as All4Family– Aijun mini-fridge – LifeinaBox – DisonCare Bottle – Cooluli USB mini-fridge – Medicool protector
How long do you need your insulin to stay cool for?
It’s not the same if you need your cooler for few hours day trips once in a while, or if you need it to transport your insulin cold for several days in a row. Before buying, read the cooler’s performance laboratory test results and check that it can keep your insulin safe for the time you need. Some can keep your insulin cool for as long as 72 hours! The highest-performance for autonomous (working on battery) insulin coolers at fridge temperature are: All4Family – DisonCare Bottle.
Powered or a non-powered insulin cooler, USB, Car adapter?
Powered insulin coolers naturally have higher performances, but they’re less autonomous and require access to electricity at least to recharge the batteries. Most powered insulin coolers now come with USB chargers and Car adapter, which allows you to recharge the batteries from everywhere. Check at: All4Family– Aijun mini-fridge – LifeinaBox – DisonCare Bottle – Cooluli USB mini-fridge
Non-powered insulin coolers work with either freeze packs (you’ll need access to a freezer to activate it!), cold water, or even nothing! They give you more liberty than powered coolers, are much compact and light-weight, but are usually less performant. Check at: Frio Bags – ViviCap device – Fridge-to-go – Apollo Walker case – Medicool protector.
Insulin pen coolers vs. Insulin vial coolers: check out compatibility
Before buying, be sure your insulin cooler is compatible with your insulin containers. Some insulin coolers are designed to hold exclusively insulin pens and you won’t be able to store any insulin vials: some of the Frio Bags – ViviCap device. Other insulin coolers are specially designed for insulin vials and insulin pens won’t fit in them: Medicool protector, and some of Frio Bags.
How many insulin pens/vials do you need to keep cool?
If you need an insulin cooler to carry up to 3 insulin pens or vials, you’ll be well enough with low-capacity coolers such as: ViviCap device –Frio Bags – Fridge-to-go – Medicool protector – Aijun mini-fridge
On the contrary, if you need your cooler to hold to more than 4 pens, check at high-capacity insulin coolers such as: All4Family – LifeinaBox – DisonCare Bottle – Cooluli USB mini-fridge – Apollo Walker case. Cooluli mini-fridge is the highest capacity you can find.
What's your insulin cooler's ideal size and weight?
Depending on the kind of trip you’re planning, your priority might be to limit weight and dimensions as much as possible? In that case, choose a lighter option such as ViviCap device –Frio Bags – Fridge-to-go – Apollo Walker case.
How smart do you want your insulin cooler to be?
Some coolers are much more high-tech and connected than others. Do you want an alarm to warn you when you run out of battery? Would you like your cooler to display inside temperature? What about connecting it to your phone via an App? Would you be reassured with a security such as a QR Medical code? If you’re into technology and would appreciate that kind of options, check at the following coolers: All4Family – LifeinaBox – DisonCare Bottle
Do you need a TSA-approved insulin travel cooler?
If you’re going to fly with your diabetic supplies, you’ll need an insulin cooler that is approved by the TSA so you can carry it on board with you. All insulin coolers in this article are TSA-approved (expect Cooluli mini-fridge). If you’re flying with your diabetes supplies, don’t forget to download your Diabetes Travel Letter Template and ask your doctor to fill it in. You’ll need it to carry all of your supplies through airport security checks.
- Reading suggestion:
- Flying with diabetes and Airport security controls
Insulin Coolers' Price
Price matters for most of us. Some insulin coolers can be really expensive (LifeinaBox Smart mini-fridge for medicines costs more than $200!). If you can’t afford to pay much for your insulin cooler, there are options around $20 that work just great. The cheapest insulin coolers on this list are: Frio Bags – Fridge-to-go – Medicool protector – Apollo Walker case.
How to make your own insulin cooling case (Bonus!)
If you can’t afford to get one of the best insulin coolers, or if you can’t find one that suits your needs, you can make your own insulin cooler bag with only a few simple things. It can cost you as little as 10$.
All you need is a good insulated cooler bag, some ice, ice packs or gels, and a thermometer.
Insulated Cooler Bag
To pack your insulin that need to stay cool, the first thing you need is a good insulated cooler bag. Nothing crazy, any regular cooler bag or lunch bag that you might even already have at home.
Choose the size that you need. It can go from as small as 100mL up to more than 10L. Enough to pack insulin vials or pens for years of travel!
Choose the ergonomics that you’re most comfortable with. There are insulated cooler shoulder bags, backpacks, or even purses!
Choose the price you’re willing to pay. Prices range from $5 to $80 depending on a lot of options and features.
Ice, Ice packs, Ice gels
To keep your insulin cold, you’ll need to add some ice, bottles of ice, ice packs or ice gels in your insulated cooler bag. It’s really your own choice as to what you prefer using. Here are the pros and cons of each:
Regular ice: you can get it from pretty much any supermarket anywhere in the world for really cheap. If you ask nicely, any restaurant/bar/coffee shop would be happy to refill your bag with free ice cubes.
Ice bottles: fill any plastic bottle with water and freeze it. It’s free! But you’ll need access to a freezer every 24 hours to re-freeze your water.
Ice packs and gels: they’re cheap and reusable. I personally use Fit and Fresh’s reusable Ice Packs and I’m very satisfied with it. You’ll need to have access to a freezer at least every 24 hours to reactivate them.
Insolate your insulin from the ice with a dry cloth and plastic bag
You want your insulin to stay cool, not to freeze! It’s important that you keep you insulin isolated from the ice inside your cooling bag. Frozen insulin is bad. I usually put a dry towel around my insulin pens, and wrap it in a plastic bag. That way, my insulin won’t get wet nor in direct contact with the ice, so it’s impossible for it to freeze.
Use a thermometer to check your insulin temperature
This is optional, but if you want to check the temperature inside your insulin cooling bag, I’d recommend you use a thermometer. That way, you’ll know exactly when the temperature inside your bag is going up, and you’ll be able to control it and add more ice when necessary.
Get a waterproof thermometer, as it will get humid inside your bag. Smart thermometer for insulin and medications such as MedAngel One are a bit expensive but they’re great and connect to your Phone via bluetooth so you never have to open your cooler bag to check the inside temperature.
More about traveling with insulin
Here’s a list of articles that might interest you before traveling with insulin:
I hope this guide and product selection have been useful to you and you’ve found the insulin travel cooler of your dreams! If not, please do not hesitate to comment that post and ask your questions. I’ll be happy to help you with more information.
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- Traveling with Diabetes (13)
About the author
I’m Laura. Type 1 diabetic. Mother. Traveler. Writer. Researcher. I started this blog 5 years ago to investigate diabetes-related topics and share different views on the subject. I hope you find it useful!
18 Responses
Vivicap insulin cooling cap is the best cooling solution for insulin pens. I use it for my Novopen, it’s ridiculously easy, lightweight, and compact. Literally fits into my pocket. If you’re using insulin pens, I definitely recommend! It’s quite expensive but really really worth the price
Thanks for your comment Pachamama, I also use the Vivicap insulin cooling cap myself and it’s really good!
Hi sweettrip! Thank you for this in-depth article about insulin coolers. I find it very helpful, and your advices give a good idea of what we’re about to buy. One question though: about the Vivicap cooler for insulin pens: have you tested it? I don’t understand how it works and would love to have greater details about this new interesting product! Thanks anyway! Loly
Thanks Loly for your comment! I have received the Vivivap insulin pen cooler recently and I am currently testing it. I will write a full product review about it in a few days with all details. So far, what I can say is that it’s a great product, very easy to use, lightweight, and seems to work just perfectly!
I want buy 4allfamily insulin cooling case but their website is not working with credit card so I can’t have discount.
Hi Mark! 4AllFAmily just informed me that they indeed have a problem on their website. It should be back to normal in no time. I think you can still order and get your insulin cooler in the cart though in order to secure your purchase and place payment later when you receive notification.
Great article! Thank you for your work. I’m considering buying an insulin cooling case but I need high capacity that can hold up to at least 10 insulin pens and at fridge temperature. I really like the 4all family USB insulin cooler but I read it’s only for maximum 7 insulin pens. Could you recommend a bigger one?
Hi Laura, thank you for your comment. Indeed, 4AllFamily USB insulin cooler can only fit up to 7 insulin pens, which is the highest capacity that I can think of. If you need to refrigerate more insulin pens, I’d recommend you get the Cooluli Electric USB mini-fridge (#10 on the list). It’s not a cooler specially designed for diabetes and insulin, but it will perfectly do the job. It’s 4 litres capacity, so you can keep dozens of insulin pens cool inside!
Hello,thankyou for your information,I’m Paul,I have Type 1 Diabetes all my life,hereditary through our english family,I live in Darwin Australia.
Because I travel a lot overseas,well I was until covid I do take 25 vials of Humulin Insulin,and lots of other diabetic needs,I need something that will hold a lot of insulin and 2 pens,thankyou.
Hi Paul! Thank you for reaching out. If you need to take such high amount of insulin vials and pens overseas, I’d definitely recommend you use 4AllFamily USB Insulin cooler. Its a product that work really good and can hold up to 42 Humulin vials or 7 insulin pens. You could easily fit your 25 vials of Humulin insulin and 2 pens. Plus it is TSA approved to pass trough airport security checks so you can travel on airplane with your diabetes supplies.
Cooluli mini-fridge also has a great capacity but I’m not sure if you could pass through airport checks with it. Let me know if you have any further question, I’d be happy to help!
Laura, the All4Fanily cooler looks promising. It holds more pens than than the Dison and the Aijun which will take two, From what I can gather, they,the Dison and Aijun, are identical size inside. One problem for me with the All4Family is that my car (2005 Toyota 4Runner) doesn’t have a USB port. Does somebody make some plug- in gizzmo adapter that would go into a the cigarette lighter like cell phones do? Also I wonder if this one can regulate its temp and not get too cold?
Hi again Thomas! That’s a really good question. The 4allfamily USB charger comes with a standard USB port indeed. I did some research and the issue can be easily solved by getting an USB to old car adapter link this one for example. I’ve also reached out to the company and asked them how they suggest we solve that problem, and they are willing to send you an adapter at no additional cost to you. Just send them an email after buying the product telling them you’re coming from SweetTrip and need your car adapter!
Also, here’s the company’s answer to your questions on the temperature regulation: “Regarding the temperature, if used in the car, without the ice pack the usb lid would drop the temperature 15-22F below outside temperature, so it would not risk getting below 36F. Also even if you use the ice pack alone it would not get below 36F as it has the freezzing point at that temperature, designed specifically for storing insulin properly. So overall, it can hold 6-7 pens and also keep your insulin cold for a few days.”
I hope this answers all of your questions, and if not, do not hesitate to ask again!
Very informative, glad I discovered your site. I am going to buy either the Dison or Aijun powered insulin cooler. Factoring out the price is, is one of the two a better unit considering accuracy, quality, reliability, or usefullness, or some other fact that I havent listed. Does just the Aijun come with a lithium battery? Thank you.
Hi Thomas! Thank you for your comment, I’m glad the article is helping.
I’ve just checked and both Aijun and Dison have Lithium battery. Both are good quality and reliable. Personally, my preference goes for the Aijun one, as I feel it’s more “durable” and keeps the temperature cool for a longer time when working on battery. I think the price difference is around $10 between the 2.
I’d be happy to hear your thoughts and comments on the one you choose once you’ve used it!
All the best to you!
Laura, thanks for getting back to me. I’m still in the search for the previously mention coolers and or others maybe. What I’m having is a heck of a time is trying to find out what the INTERNAL dimensions are. My lantus pens are 6 and 5/8 inches in length and I’d like to have a cooler that will hold at least 3 pens for my snowbird trips back and forth to home. It’s a two and a half day drive each way and I can’t always count on motel refrigerators being on or accurate. During my latest trip I had to throw 4 good pens away (not my current use one) because they got too warm even though they were in an ice chest . Expensive!!
Hi Thomas! Maybe you can have a look at All4Family insulin cooler. It’s a new product I have personally not tested yet, that’s why it does not appear on the article. But I have received it and my review is under work. It looks really good! You can check it out on their website here. They say it can hold up up to 7 Lantus pens.
I’m partnering with them and they offer a 5% discount for my readers. In case you decide to buy it, simply use the discount code SWEETTRIP when check out. In any case, I’d be happy to know which one you’ll choose at the end, especially if it’s one I don’t know about, so I can add it to the article if its good!
Nice article, but a word of caution about the Cooluli Mini-Fridge based on Amazon reviews.
* Its cooling temperature is 40-45 f below ambient temperature. -Mary L. Cooluli Customer Satisfaction Manager
Depending on the ambient temperature, insulin could freeze or overheat.
Thanks for adding this information Ron! Always useful to have other people’s attention. Will update the article!