Travelling Abroad with Medication

Taking medication or medical equipment abroad can require a little extra planning. Rules vary between countries, airlines and airports, so it is worth checking what applies well before you travel.

Here is Direct Travel's guide to travelling with medication.

Where do I start?

Speak to your GP, pharmacist or medical team well in advance of your trip. They can help you:

1. Check that you have enough medication for your holiday and possible delays
2. Discuss any vaccinations or other health preparations
3. Check whether your medicine contains a controlled drug
4. Understand its storage requirements
5. Plan around changing time zones, if necessary

A medical check-up may also be useful if you need to discuss whether you are fit to travel or make arrangements for medical equipment.

Check the rules before you travel

A medicine that is legally prescribed in the UK may be restricted or prohibited elsewhere. This can apply to prescription medication, controlled drugs and some products available over the counter in the UK.

You are responsible for checking whether you can take your medication into every country you plan to visit, including countries you are only passing through.

Travelling with a medicine that is illegal in another country could result in it being confiscated and, in serious cases, a fine or imprisonment. Check the rules with the relevant embassy or high commission before travelling.

Travelling with controlled medication

Some prescription medicines contain drugs controlled under UK law. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you whether this applies to your medication.

You can also check the GOV.UK controlled drugs list. The list contains the names of controlled ingredients rather than medicine brands, so it is sensible to confirm the position with a medical professional.

When leaving the UK with controlled medication, you should be able to prove that it has been prescribed to you. This can usually be done with a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor or prescribing clinician.

The letter should include:

1. Your name
2. Your travel dates
3. The name, strength and dose of each medicine
4. How frequently you take it
5. The quantity you are carrying
6. The signature and professional details of the prescriber

Your GP practice may charge for providing a travel letter.

Some countries require additional documents, permits or licences. Check with the relevant embassy and read the latest GOV.UK guidance on travelling with controlled medication. If you are unsure about taking a controlled drug out of the UK, you can also contact the Home Office's Drug and Firearms Licensing Unit.

Taking medication through airport security

Essential medication and medical equipment can normally be carried in your hand luggage.

If you are carrying liquid medication in a container larger than 100ml, you will need proof that it has been prescribed to you, such as a prescription or letter from your doctor. Airport security staff may need to open and screen the container separately.

Tablets, capsules, inhalers, hypodermic syringes, cooling gel packs and equipment such as CPAP or TENS machines can be carried, although additional checks may be required. Rules can vary between airports, so check before you travel.

Read the latest GOV.UK guidance on medicines and medical equipment in hand luggage.

Check with your airline

Contact your airline in advance if you need to travel with equipment such as:

1. Needles or syringes
2. Insulin pumps
3. Continuous glucose monitors
4. CPAP machines
5. Portable oxygen
6. Other battery-powered medical equipment

Your airline may ask for medical documentation or place restrictions on how equipment and batteries are carried. Medical oxygen requires the airline's prior agreement, and not every airline allows passengers to bring their own cylinders.

Where possible, check the airline's requirements before booking, particularly if you need to use the equipment during the flight.

Check the rules for your destination

Medication rules differ around the world. Contact the embassy, high commission or consulate for every country you are visiting or passing through.

You can find current contact details on the GOV.UK list of foreign embassies in the UK. It is also worth checking the FCDO travel advice for your destination.

Do not assume that documentation accepted in the UK will automatically meet another country's requirements.

General tips for travelling with medication

1. Keep your medication correctly labelled and in its original pharmacy packaging.
2. Carry essential medication in your hand luggage.
3. Take a copy of your prescription and any supporting medical letter.
4. Pack enough medication for the whole trip, plus a reasonable amount for unexpected delays.
5. If the rules and storage requirements allow, consider packing some spare medication separately in case one bag is lost or stolen.
6. Ask your pharmacist how to transport medication that must remain at a controlled temperature.
7. Check whether suitable refrigeration will be available at your accommodation.
8. Do not transfer medication into unlabelled containers.
9. Keep important medical information and emergency contact details somewhere accessible.

If you need to replace medication abroad, speak to a qualified local pharmacist or healthcare provider. Medicines sold under similar names in other countries can contain different ingredients or strengths.

Check your travel insurance

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, declare it during the quote process where required. Failing to provide accurate information could affect any claim relating to that condition.

Cover for lost, stolen or damaged medication and medical equipment varies between policies. Check the cover limits, exclusions and claims requirements before you buy rather than assuming these items will automatically be covered.

You can compare the travel insurance options available through Direct Travel and review the relevant Policy Wordings for full details.

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