Q: I'm planning a trip to a foreign country. Should I take my prescription medications with me? Are there legal and medical factors I should consider?
A: When traveling abroad you must prepare for needs you might have regarding medications. You should always take the supply of medications that you will need plus more in the event that you are detained at your destination for a longer period of time.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people carry a copy of their prescription with them as well and keep medications in their original containers in case there are any questions when going through customs. You should also check with the customs centers or embassies in the countries that you will be traveling to and inquire about which medications will be allowed through customs and the amount of medication that you are allowed to bring. Ask about any other requirements regarding medications or need for a doctor's letter explaining your need for these medications.
You should have all of your medical conditions and necessary medications written down on a card or piece of paper that you carry in your wallet or purse. In addition, you should wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace for serious conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.
Availibility
Many medications that require a prescription in the United States are easily accessible in other countries and might not require a prescription. But the CDC warns that the quality of these drugs in some other countries might not meet U.S. standards and so cannot be assumed to be safe. Also, certain medications might not be available in other countries. The CDC also warns that if you require an injection overseas, you should be sure that the needle and syringe are new, have never been used, and are disposable if at all possible. If this is not possible, you must weigh the risks of getting an injection you might need in an emergency against the risk of developing a transmittable illness through a potentially dirty and/or used needle.
Access to medical care might be readily available in certain foreign countries. And if you require a new medication or refill of a medication, you might be able to see a doctor and have this taken care of. But you should also realize that in more remote foreign locations there might not be healthcare services that are easy to access. Or there might not be any available healthcare services at all. You should be prepared for this.
To Be Safe...
It's best to bring your health insurance identification card and a claim form with you as proof that you have insurance. It's also a good idea to carry your medications in your carry-on bag so that the medication is with you at all times and available to you. Pack more in your checked luggage too. Also, if you wear glasses or contact lenses, pack an extra pair in your carry-on luggage and an extra pair in your checked luggage – just in case.
The U.S. Department of State offers Medical Information for Americans traveling abroad.
The CDC website lists Travel Information – what you need to know when traveling to a foreign country. |
