Tips for traveling overseas with prescription medications

May 14, 2024

Heading on a vacation is always exciting, but if prescription medications are on your packing list, there are a few things to keep in mind. For example, if you are traveling overseas with prescription medications, the level of documentation needed as well as local laws can be different depending on your destination — particularly if you’re headed overseas.

Know before you go

Many people need prescription medicine on hand to manage certain health conditions, keep symptoms at bay, or just in case a problem flares up. However, some medicines that are commonly prescribed or over-the-counter in the United States might be unlicensed or even considered a controlled substance in other countries. Be sure to check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention destination pages for detailed information. Also, it’s a good idea to:

• Pack your medications (both prescription and over-the-counter) in their original labeled containers, and only in your carry-on luggage. If prescription, ensure your medications have your full name, health care provider’s name, generic or brand name and dosage.
• For any medications you take regularly, you can request a repeat prescription from your doctor before going on vacation. Though it depends on your medication and travel plans, in general, it is always good to have at least 3-5 days’ worth of extra medication on hand, just in case you experience any delays or if your trip is unexpectedly extended.
• Bring copies of your written prescriptions — these are particularly helpful if you somehow lose your medications or need a refill.
• Ask your doctor for a note if you use any injectable medications such as an EpiPen or insulin.

What if I lose my medication while on vacation?

A lost bag or a stolen suitcase can mean an interruption in taking your prescription medication — a challenging situation to say the least. Your first step is to contact your travel insurance provider, if you purchased a plan. Most travel protection plans (such as SafeTrip International Travel Medical) have 24/7 support. Staff can help you find a local doctor and/or pharmacy to replace your medications, a process that will be much easier if you have a copy of your prescription with you. Be aware that many domestic health plans are limited in how much they can help if you are traveling out of the country.

Can I get a prescription without seeing a doctor?

If you find yourself needing your prescription medications overseas, it’s important to connect with a general practitioner to get a prescription. However, it’s not always convenient or easy to find a doctor on vacation — particularly if you don’t speak the local language. Fortunately, the right travel medical coverage includes on-the-go solutions. For instance, SafeTrip travel medical plans offer access to a telemedicine service. You’ll be able to get a Virtual Visit video appointment with a doctor, who may be able to prescribe the medications you need to be filled locally.

What if I went on vacation and forgot my medication?

No matter how carefully you follow your packing list, it happens! If you’re traveling domestically, you can go to any local pharmacy and ask them to transfer your prescription (again, having a paper copy of your prescription will make things easier).

If you’re traveling internationally, contact your travel insurance provider via phone or email, and have an assistance coordinator help you with next steps. With SafeTrip, that means:

• Through our Medical Assistance Services, which come standard with every plan, we will provide the logistical support needed to get you medication, or the equivalent medication, upon the prescribing physician’s authorization. Our specialist team is multilingual, so you’ll have support in the local language.

What happens if I run out of medication abroad?

Similar to if you forget your prescription medication when traveling overseas, if you happen to run out of your medication while you are mid-international adventure, contact your travel insurance to help you get your prescription replaced. If you have an international travel medical plan like one from SafeTrip, your plan includes an assistance team that can help find a local source to replenish your prescription.

There’s no reason to let a lost medication or a flare-up of a condition get in the way of fully enjoying your trip — and with the right travel insurance plan, handling this hiccup can be easier, safer and quicker. Check out these tips for traveling with a medical condition — and plan your next trip with your best health in mind by protecting yourself with SafeTrip International Travel Medical.