So, you’re all packed and ready to go on your holiday. You’ve weighed your suitcase, checked your documents over and over, and you’re excited to get away with your loved ones – but have you checked whether your prescribed medication is legal in the country you are travelling to?
Understandably if you have an existing medical condition, that requires you to take prescribed medication, you may be concerned about travelling abroad. But don’t worry. We have put together everything you need to know about travelling with prescribed medication and the precautions you should take.
For many of us, taking prescribed medication is part of our daily routine. However, some medications that are widely available in the UK are, in fact, restricted or even illegal in some countries.
If you are caught carrying ‘illegal’ medications abroad, you could face serious consequences. These may include hefty fines, deportation, imprisonment, and, in very rare cases, the death penalty. You may also be banned from returning to the country.
If you are going on holiday and need to take your prescribed medication with you. It is a good idea to discuss your travel plans with your GP or practice nurse. Planning ahead means you can make sure you have enough medication to last for the duration of your trip. It also gives you time to request a doctor’s note (sometimes required for controlled drugs) to take with your medication if needed.
Before travelling abroad, check the regulations that may apply if you are taking your prescribed medication with you. Make sure you understand the rules for taking the medication out of the UK. You should also check any restrictions for the country you are visiting and returning home from.
Most medications will not cause any issues when travelling abroad. However, if you are still in doubt after checking the Government’s Travel Advice and NHS guidance on travelling with medicines, it is best to contact the country’s Embassy or Consulate you’re visiting.
Even if the law does not require it, we recommend carrying a doctor’s note and a copy of your prescription in case customs officials question you upon arrival. Your doctor’s note should include the following information (but check the specific requirements for the country you are travelling to).
If possible, ask for your doctor’s note to be translated into the language of the country you are visiting. This can help prevent any miscommunication. It may also be useful if you need medical attention during your trip and healthcare professionals ask for a list of your medications and medical conditions.
For certain destinations, you may need to have this note notarised or certified by a relevant health authority. Check this with the Embassy of your destination well in advance, particularly if you are travelling with controlled drugs.
Most people chose to keep their medication with them in their hand luggage, just in case their suitcase is lost in transit or it gets damaged in the hold. Be sure to have your doctor’s note and prescription in your hand luggage too. With regards to how much medication you should take on holiday with you; if you are carrying more than three months’ worth, you will need to apply for a personal license. You can find out more about obtaining a personal license from the Home Office and we recommend allowing plenty of time for it to be processed prior to your departure date.
It is important to keep your medication and any associated equipment, such as syringes, pumps and needles, in its original packaging. This is so you and others are aware of what it is and can easily match it to your doctor’s note and prescription. For liquids or gels that exceed 100ml – even if they are medically necessary – you will need to declare them at airport security. Always check airport regulations beforehand.
It is also a good idea to check the expiry dates on your medication, ensuring these are valid for the full duration of your trip abroad. You don’t want to get to your chosen destination then realise you are not able to use your medication!
As we mentioned earlier in this guide, it is important that you take some time to research the laws and regulations of your chosen holiday destination.
Some medications that are widely available on prescription in the UK can contain ingredients that are classed as illegal in other countries. For example:
Not only should you be aware of prescribed medication, also over-the-counter medication may be classed as an illegal substance in some destinations. For example, Loperamide – also known as Imodium – which is commonly used to treat diarrhoea and short-term irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is illegal in Pakistan and India.
Vicks nasal inhalers, allergy, or cold and flu medications, which are widely available to pick up in UK stores without a prescription, may also be illegal in the country you are travelling to. For example, Pseudoephedrine, which is commonly found in these types of medicines, is banned in Japan.
It is extremely important to check official listings of banned products before entering a country. This ensures that you are not caught out at the border, even herbal remedies may be restricted in some countries, so check before you pack them.
If you or anyone travelling with you has an existing medical condition, it is important you declare this to your travel insurance provider when taking out a policy. Here at Insurancewith, we are proud to consider cover for over 1000 medical conditions and always ensure we are assessing your condition on how it affects you day to day and not just based on the diagnosis. Please be aware, if you fail to declare a condition or medication you are taking, you could invalidate your travel insurance policy.
Ensuring yours and your family’s medical conditions are covered, will give you peace of mind knowing that should something happen whilst you’re away and you need emergency medical treatment, your travel insurer will be able to take care of any necessary costs and get you back home safely, subject to your policy’s terms, conditions, and exclusions.
In the event of a medical emergency, it is important to go to your nearest public medical facility for treatment and also notify your travel insurance provider as soon as possible. You should research medical facilities in the area you are travelling to before departure so should something happen, you will know where to go, and it’s also helpful to keep a copy of your policy number and insurance company’s emergency contact details on you. Here at Insurancewith, we also offer access to Air Doctor Connect on all of our policies.
Whilst abroad, if you do end up having to make any payments relating to sickness or injury, it is important to hold onto all of the receipts as you will most definitely need these later on down the line if you submit a claim.
If you are looking for travel insurance to cover your condition, take a look at our dedicated page for those looking to get travel insurance with medical conditions here.
Limitations and exclusions apply, please read terms and conditions within your policy documents, upon quote or purchase or contact one of our team.
For UK travellers, having a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) can be incredibly helpful if you need medical treatment while abroad. These cards provide access to necessary healthcare in many European countries, sometimes for free or at a reduced cost.
As of 2021, the EHIC is being replaced by the GHIC. If you still have a valid EHIC, you can use it until it expires, after which you will need to apply for a GHIC.
For more information and to apply for a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), visit the official National Health Service (NHS) website. Keep in mind, the GHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance, as it does not cover things like private healthcare, mountain rescue, or repatriation.
This blog is intended for general information only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Please consult your doctor and check official sources before travelling.
