Live with Diabetes? You May Be Eligible for a Free Lifetime National Park Access Pass

In life with diabetes, freebies are pretty much unheard of. The cost of diabetes is high, from doctor appointments to prescription refills for insulin, syringes, pen needles, other blood-sugar-lowering medications, continuous glucose monitor (CGM) sensors—you name it. But the United States National Park Pass offers a potential exception for many people living with various forms of diabetes.

What is the National Parks Service Access Pass?

As of 2026, the Access Pass is a part of the America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass series. 

• How much does it cost? It’s free for U.S. citizens or residents of all ages with permanent disabilities, including diabetes that significantly limits daily activities. You qualify even if your disability isn’t 100%. 
• How do I apply? You can apply in person, as the National Parks Service (NPS) recommends, or online and receive your pass by mail if you’re eligible. 
• What do I need to apply? To apply, you must show a valid photo identification (ID) like a U.S. passport, driver’s license or other state-issued ID. 
• You must also include one of the following documents in your application to verify your disability status: A statement from a licensed doctor, explaining your permanent or severely-limiting disability, a document from an approved federal agency (like the Veterans Administration)  or a document from a state agency (like a vocational rehabilitation agency).

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), various forms of diabetes are qualifying disabilities. 

Is diabetes considered a disability? 

The slightly longer explanation from the ADA is that diabetes qualifies as a disability because “it substantially limits the function of the endocrine system.” 

Various forms of diabetes are qualifying disabilities, which means many people living with diabetes can access the benefits of the Access Pass.

The NPS defines a disability as a “permanent, physical, mental or sensory impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working.”

Under most laws, type 1 and type 2 diabetes are protected disabilities. This protection ensures that people with diabetes (PWD) can access the legal protections they need. The ADA states that “diabetes is still a disability, even if a person is healthy and diabetes is well-managed.” 

Disability: not defining—empowering

A disability shouldn’t define you—the opposite is actually true. A disability status is meant to empower you to do more and get the support you deserve for life with diabetes. 

Classifying diabetes as a disability doesn’t mean people living with it can’t flourish or do the things they love. Still, the term “disability” often carries an unwarranted stigma. You might feel the weight if you’ve never considered yourself this way before. That’s understandable. But remember, identifying as having a disability doesn’t make you lazy, less capable or less valuable. And diabetes is just one part of you, not the whole picture.

People with diabetes, like people living with many other lifelong conditions, have the freedom to pursue jobs, hobbies, relationships and goals. With the tools, resources and technology available today, PWD are thriving more than ever.

Disability resources for people with diabetes

The ADA created the following resources to help clarify when diabetes is considered a disability:

• Diabetes Protections at School
• Diabetes as a Disability in the Workplace
• Diabetes and Law Enforcement
• Diabetes and Access to Public Places
• Attorney Materials: A resource on diabetes-related legal matters

How to apply for a lifetime access pass

Here is a detailed explanation of how to apply for a free lifetime National Parks Access Pass:

Get a copy of a government-issued ID ready to prove you are who you say you are: Qualifying documentation could be your driver’s license, passport or other state-issued ID.

Get proof of your disability. Documentation required for verification includes any of the following:

• A statement from your doctor explaining that you have a permanent disability, which limits one or more aspects of your daily life. (The report must describe the nature of your limitations.)
• Documentation issued by a federal agency like the Veterans Administration (VA), Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
• Documentation issued by a state agency, such as a vocational rehabilitation agency.

Once you have gathered your documents, it’s time to submit them!

How to submit your lifetime access pass application

Once your mail-in application reaches the U.S. Department of the Interior (USGS), it’s usually processed within five business days. Planning ahead ensures you can enjoy your visit without stress or last-minute worries.

When you use your pass, be sure to bring it along with a photo ID. Remember that state parks do not accept these passes.

To truly get your pass for free, you can submit your application at a federal recreation site, or you can deal with a small processing fee and take care of it online. 

How to use your Access Pass once you’re approved

If you’re eligible and your pass is accepted, you can use the NPS search tool to find a federal recreation site or state park near you and start enjoying your pass! Plan a trip with your family, diabuddies, partner or pets. There’s so much to see and lots of life to live with diabetes.

Learn more about the Access Pass and apply today.

Need help with the ins and outs of life with diabetes? It’s a lot to figure out alone, but you don’t have to! Download our Beyond Diagnosis beginner guides for living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes here.