Travelling with medications: A practical guide for healthy adventures
Introduction
In a world where everyone seems to be heading off on new adventures, it can feel like travel is out of reach for those of us with chronic medications. I get it. I’ve been there. While it’s true that medical conditions can add complexity, I promise that it’s absolutely possible to travel long-term while managing chronic medications, and without compromising your health.
How do we know this? As pharmacists who’ve traveled to over 50 countries, Bhavik and I have successfully navigated life on the road with a variety of chronic conditions and medications. Here’s what you need to know about travelling with medications.
My Story
I’ve dealt with chronic migraines for almost a decade. After trying various treatments, I’m on daily medication and also take abortive medications when a migraine hits. On top of this, I have long-term gastrointestinal issues stemming from a severe amoeba infection, which also requires daily medication. And like many women, I’m on birth control too.
My medication bag is just as large as our toiletry bag (definitely not ideal from a packing perspective), but we’ve made it work. While I used to wish I didn’t have to navigate these challenges, I’ve since come to terms with it and now focus on how to make travel with meds as smooth as possible.
How to Travel with Medications
Tip: Start planning 3-6 months before a big trip, and at least 1 month before a shorter journey.
Step 1: Get an Up-to-Date Medication List
Ensure you have an up-to-date list of all your medications, including:
- Generic medication names
- Dosage and frequency (daily, twice a day, etc.)
- Special instructions (e.g., take with food)
Having this list is essential in case of emergencies or if you need to visit a doctor abroad. Ideally this list will be printed on your healthcare provider’s letterhead/stationary and signed by them.
Step 2: Email the List to Yourself & Print a Copy
Scan your medication list and email it to yourself. It’s important to have a both digital and physical copy accessible during your travels.
Step 3: Research Medication Regulations in Your Destination Country
Before your trip, research the medication regulations of the country you’re visiting. You can start by googling “Bringing medications into [Country Name]” for reliable sources. The official customs website or the national ministry of health is a good place to check.
For some countries or trip durations, you may have to apply for permission to bring your medications into the country.
Eg. JAPAN: you may bring a one month supply of prescription medications. For larger supplies you will need to apply for permission.
Important: Rules for controlled medications—like opioid painkillers, benzodiazepines, and stimulant medications (e.g., ADHD drugs)—can vary drastically by country. Some medications legal in your home country may be banned or require special permissions to bring into certain countries.
Eg. JAPAN: Narcotics and psychotropic medications require special permission, regardless of quantity. You’ll need to complete a formal application including documents and a physician’s letter stating the drug is medically necessary.
Step 4: Bring Extra Medication
When travelling with medications, always bring enough medication to cover the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Ensure that your medication is stored in new bottles with clear labels. Avoid using old bottles, your medication vials should have current dates.
Pro tip: If you’re traveling for a short trip, you can ask your pharmacy to provide a smaller vial with a label to save space.
Pro tip: Do NOT take medications in soft sided packages. Use hard packaging only to protect the contents. If your medication comes from the pharmacy in soft-sided packaging, try bringing it inside a tupperware container for more protection.
Step 5: Proper Medication Storage & Transit
Medications should always be kept in your carry-on bag. You don’t want to risk losing your meds if your checked baggage is delayed. Plus, baggage hold compartments may experience extreme temperatures that can damage your medication.
Temperature Sensitivity: Avoid leaving medications exposed to direct heat (like the sun) or extreme cold. If you have refrigerated medications, consider using a cooler bag for the journey and place them in the fridge as soon as you reach your destination. Flight staff can sometimes help by storing them in the plane’s fridge on long flights.
Pro tip: Allow extra time at the airport for security checks.
Pro tip: Non-prescription medications still fall under the 100 mL liquid rule. You may either bring multiple smaller containers or request a prescription from your doctor to carry a larger supply. Prescription liquids and creams are exempt from the 100 mL rule.
A Note on Birth Control
In many countries, birth control is available at pharmacies without a prescription. If you need more while travelling, simply bring your current birth control package to the pharmacy, and ask if it is available. Keep in mind that the brand name might be different from what you use at home, but the active ingredients should be the same.
For longer trips, consider switching to a hassle-free birth control option like an intra-uterine device (IUD). IUDs can remain in place for 3 years or longer, so you won’t have to worry about refilling prescriptions or carrying pills with you during your travels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What if I’m going on a very long trip?
Check with your health insurance provider (not your travel insurance provider). Many offer a “vacation supply” of up to 6 months for medications, but you may need a doctor’s note or to fill out some paperwork.
Q2: What if I lose my medication or run out?
- Visit a local pharmacy with your medication list. Many common medications are available globally.
- If your medication is unavailable, ask for an alternative within the same medication family. If you’re unsure, you can consult a local doctor or use a telemedicine service (in your home country) to ask for professional advice.
Important Caveat: Not all doctors and pharmacists abroad will prescribe suitable alternatives, so it is important to verify that any replacements are in the same medication family.
Q3: Does travel insurance cover medication replacement abroad?
Generally, no. Most travel insurance policies are limited to emergency medical care and don’t cover pre-existing conditions or medication replacements.
Conclusion
Traveling with medications requires planning, but it’s very manageable. Yes, it takes a bit of legwork but it’s worth it to enjoy your travels without worrying about your health or medications.
Additional Things to Consider:
- Travel Health Insurance: We highly recommend having travel health insurance to cover you for medical emergencies abroad.
- Emergency Contact Information: Have a list of emergency contacts, including your physician’s contact details in case you need advice while traveling.
- Know your own medications: Have a basic understanding of the purpose of each of your medications. Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your health.
Let us know if you’d like to see a PART 2 about how to buy medications abroad!
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication or treatment plan.
