The disclosure provides insertion tools and articles that facilitate entry of a medical device, such as a balloon catheter, into the body, and that can provide advantages in terms of balloon insertion, safety, and drug delivery. The insertion tool includes a tubular portion that accommodates a balloon portion of a balloon catheter, and one or more separation margin(s) in the wall of the tubular portion or one or more split(s) in the tubular wall. The insertion tool also includes a proximal tab that extends from a second lengthwise half having a portion at an angle skew to the lengthwise axis, or that is in the form of a solid article comprising a concave surface that is fastened to an outer surface of the second lengthwise half of the tubular portion; or first and second tabs that extend from first and second lengthwise halves of the tubular portion, respectively.