If you take common over-the-counter pain relievers or medications, or if your health depends on regular doses of prescription drugs, this should be at the top of your ‘to do’ list when planning a vacation or trip – along with buying enough travel gear . insurance and checking passport and visa requirements.
These days, security at airports around the world is so tight that you can even run into trouble bringing over-the-counter (OTC) drugs into another country – let alone your needed prescription drugs. Ask your doctor for a written confirmation to carry with you explaining why you need to take the medications. You need this document to bring your medicines or medical equipment through airport security and customs. Diabetics carrying syringes should take extra care to have their documentation in order.
Some OTC allergy and sinus medicines, cough syrups, products such as Vicks inhalers, and pain relievers containing codeine can cause problems at airport security. Common OTC pain relievers that contain codeine include: Panadol Ultra, Nurofen, and Paracodol Plus. In some countries, airport officials won’t be happy if they find these in your luggage – and claiming ignorance is no excuse! Countries with strict regulations regarding medicines include Cuba, Japan, Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates. In the UAE, many drugs commonly used at home are considered controlled substances and you must obtain prior authorization from the Ministry of Health before taking them into the country. The rules often differ for visitors and residents.
If you’re traveling with prescription drugs, it’s important to declare them on the customs declaration form – even more so if you’re carrying a large supply that may exceed a country’s legal limit. Failure to do so may result in detention and even criminal prosecution.
Always pack your medications, both prescription and OTC, in your carry-on. Give them as much importance as your passport, travel documents, travel money and travel insurance. Your medicines must be kept in their original packaging or bottle, with the original label on it (leave the pretty pill box at home).
While pharmacies in other countries should be able to replace lost medicines, unless you are prepared for such an event, it could be a huge problem. For example, the drug could be called something else, not available, or banned, and unless you speak the language, you could be in for a really tough time.
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor well before you leave and ask them to write down the names under which your prescription and OTC medicines are known in the countries you plan to visit. They should also write down the dosage and the prescribing doctor’s name and contact information. This is useful in case of loss or theft of your medicine supply.
If you have any medical problems or conditions, you should always consult your doctor well in advance to let them know that you are able to travel. You may need vaccinations or a tetanus booster. Some treatments take weeks and can cause side effects.
When taking out travel insurance, it is very important to declare all pre-existing medical conditions. Depending on the condition (or combination of conditions), the premium for your travel insurance may increase. However, don’t be tempted to state any conditions, as failure to do so may void the insurance for any related claims. This would be false economy and could result in many unnecessary costs.
Your doctor should be able to prescribe enough of your medication for up to three months. If your travel plans are longer or indefinite, check well in advance to see if your doctor is willing to provide adequate supplies. If you are unsure whether you should take your medicines with you to another country, please consult your doctor or pharmacist, or visit the website of the embassy of the country you wish to visit, or contact them for advice. If you need special medical equipment, such as oxygen, you must also contact your airline for approval.
Holders of a European Health Insurance Card must carry the card with them when visiting a Member State, but it should never be used as a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance. The EHIC provides free emergency medical care in state-run facilities (not private hospitals). However, keep in mind that you may have to prepay for prescription drugs and request a refund when you return home. It’s important to include extra money for medical emergencies in your vacation budget. Remember, the EHIC and your travel insurance only provide coverage emergency medical treatment while travelling, not traveling abroad specifically for the purpose of obtaining medical treatment.
If you go on a cruise, keep in mind that medical care is not normally free on cruise ships. It is important to get good travel medical insurance. Bring plenty of medication as getting it on board can be problematic and expensive. If you need to pay for medical services or medications for excursions while on the road, check your travel insurance policy before requesting a refund.
We recommend UK citizens to check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for the latest government travel advice as part of their excellence Know before you go campaign. Their advice includes information about taking prescription medicines abroad.
Wherever you travel in the world, it is important to remember that medical treatment is not normally free unless there is some kind of mutual agreement – and then it can only provide emergency therapy. Your embassy does not pay these costs and without a good comprehensive travel insurance you run the risk of having to pay heavily. Why take a chance and risk ruining your holiday!
Taking prescription or over-the-counter medicines abroad?
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