If you are going to move abroad or if you are going to travel for a long time and you really depend on medication, our tips will surely come in handy. “Millions of Americans are dependent on medicines and with the globalization of travel, access to prescription medicine is even more crucial,” explains Dr. Robert Quigley, senior vice-president and regional medical director at International SOS.
Plan Ahead
“In general, countries honor the rights of travelers to transport their prescribed medications with them,” Dr. Hollingsworth explains. As long as you have supporting documentation about your medical condition (ID cards or a letter from a physician), you are unlikely to have a problem.
Dr. Brendan Anzalone, a doctor of osteopathic medicine and the president and chief medical officer at AeroMD Air Ambulance, suggests going digital with these forms, as they can get lost or creased throughout your travels.
Keep the Medication in Its Original Bottle
It is recommended that you keep the medications in the original package, with the sticker indicating your name and the name of your doctor. “Carrying your medication in [its] original prescription bottle with a label on it from the pharmacy is helpful, if there are any questions in the security line.”, explains dr Azalone. If you decide not to take the original bottle because you want to downsize you baggage, make sure you have the doctor’s prescription on you.
Inform Yourself About the Medication Laws Practiced by the Country You Visit
If you’re taking an unusual drug or one that contains narcotics such as sedatives, carry a note from your doctor explaining what the medication is and why you need it.
Flying with herbal medicines or supplements to international destinations can be tricky since each country has its own laws about what’s allowed in. If you are not sure about the your particular medicine, just visit the site of the Embassy and there you should find all the needed info. Similar rules apply to herbal remedies or Ayurvedic medicines. Make sure they are in clearly labeled, well-sealed containers, preferably in original bottles.
Pack Your Medicine in Your Carry-On
Dr. Anzalone warns against packing our medicine in our checked baggage: “It is best to keep medications in your carry-on baggage. If your checked baggage gets lost, you will still have your prescription medications with you. Remember some aircraft cargo holds are not temperature controlled, which may affect temperature-sensitive medications.”
Take Travel Insurance into Consideration
If you’ll need health insurance for your trip, Dr. Quigley recommends exploring your options before heading overseas to determine what policy and plan are best for you. You can also work with assistance companies—like International SOS—to help you if you’re struggling with a health situation overseas.
Have a safe flight and take our advice into consideration. You won’t regret it.