Your Guide to International Travel with Prescription Medication

Travelling internationally with prescription medication requires careful planning to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Being prepared will give you peace of mind and ensure you can manage unexpected situations effectively.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about travelling with prescription medication – from researching local regulations and packing advice to handling emergencies while abroad – so you can focus on enjoying your trip.

When travelling internationally with prescription medication, it’s vital that you research the regulations of the country you’ll be going to. Laws can vary widely from country to country, and what might be acceptable in one region might be illegal in another.

There may be some destinations that have strict controls on medication that are widely available in your own country and may require a special permit. Some places might only allow you to travel with a certain amount of medication. Knowing what’s required ahead of time will allow you to prepare, and avoid any fines, confiscation of your medicine, or even legal issues.

You can research online, using the country’s embassy website, which usually has lots of information about taking medication into the country and what documents you might need. You could also consult with travel health clinics or your government health services.

When you’re preparing for your trip, you should first ensure you have an adequate supply of your medication, so you’re covered for the entire trip. Where the country’s regulations allow, you may want to bring some extra with you, in case of delays or emergencies.

You should always carry your medication in its original packaging and ensure it’s clearly labelled with your name, the dosage, and the details of your doctor. This will help customs officials to identify the medication and ensure it’s for legitimate use.

Often, it can be beneficial to obtain a letter from your doctor outlining your medical condition and the need for your medication. This should detail the exact name of the medication, your dosage and the prescribed use. This can then be presented to customs officials if they have questions about your medication.

Your prescription medication should be packed in your carry-on luggage and not in your checked baggage. This will ensure you will always be able to access your medication during the flight and also removes the risk of your medication going missing if your luggage is delayed or lost.

As discussed, your medication should always be left in its original packaging with clear labelling. Without this, it can be difficult for customs officials to identify what it is and they might not be able to confirm its legitimacy.

Keeping your medication in the original packaging can also help healthcare professionals overseas identify the medication if required. The packaging will contain information about the drug’s chemical composition and instructions for use, which can be valuable in the case of an emergency or if you need to replace your medication while you’re abroad.

Repackaging your medication into containers or pill organisers can be convenient but it can create complications when you are travelling. Keeping it in its packaging will help to protect your health and also make it easier to comply with international regulations.

In most cases, you should declare your prescription medication at customs, especially if it includes controlled substances or large quantities. Failure to declare could result in a fine, legal issues, or your medication being confiscated. Declaring your medication will help to ensure a smooth customs process.

You will need to carry the necessary documentation with you to support your declaration and prove it is for your own, necessary use. Each country may have different requirements for what exactly this documentation will include, but in many cases, it will include a note from your doctor detailing what the medication is and why it’s required by you. Some locations may have required you to apply for a special permit in advance. These documents should be written in English, but having a copy professionally translated into the local language can help to expedite the customs process.

It’s important that you store your prescription medication properly while you’re travelling, especially when you are dealing with different or extreme climates. Some medications can be sensitive to extreme temperatures and exposing them to very hot or very cold environments can affect their effectiveness or safety. For example, insulin should be kept at cold temperatures and very hot climates can cause it to degrade. In contrast, the potency of some liquid medicines can be impacted in cold climates.

When travelling, you may need to use temperature-controlled packaging, such as insulated pouches or specific medication travel bags. These will help to keep your medicine at the correct temperature, keeping it and you safe while you travel. If you know your medicine will require refrigeration, you should research your accommodation before you travel to ensure they can provide a mini-fridge or access to a refrigerator.

Running out of medication while abroad can be stressful, but there are steps you can take to resolve the situation. In many cases, you will be able to access a local pharmacy – in cities and tourist hotspots, pharmacies will often stock common prescription medications. Before your trip, you could research local pharmacies so you know where they are located, especially if you are travelling to more rural areas where there may be a journey to the closest one.

If your medication isn’t available from a pharmacy, you should then contact your doctor. They may be able to issue a refill remotely, which you can use at the local pharmacy. You can speak to your doctor before you travel to see what they will be able to do if you run out while you’re abroad.

In some cases, you may need to speak to a local doctor in order to have a prescription filled. You should ensure you have the necessary international travel insurance so you will be able to access a doctor when you need to.

In an emergency, you should contact the local emergency healthcare service and seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Carrying a copy of your prescription and doctor’s letter can help local medical professionals understand your condition and give the appropriate treatment.

Make sure you’re covered when you go travelling with international travel insurance from Expatriate Group. We’ll tailor your cover to suit your needs, with emergency and accidental medical treatment and evacuation provided as standard, plus a range of extra benefits available for added protection. Choose from single trip travel insurance or annual worldwide travel insurance – get a quote today.