Important: It is a good practice requirement (advised by CQC, the Department of Health and the GMC) that the prescribed quantity of controlled medications is limited to 30 days. This is the maximum length that we are willing to put on a repeat prescription and prescribe for patients travelling abroad. Occasionally, we will reduce the length of this prescription to less than this.
Plan ahead
If you’re taking medicines for a health condition, and you’re planning on being away from home for a while, it’s good to be prepared.
Going abroad for less than three months
Your GP will generally be willing to prescribe up to a three-month supply of your regular medications. However, if your medication requires frequent monitoring or your health condition is unstable, it may not be appropriate to prescribe for such an extended period.
Please note that your GP is not responsible for prescribing medications for conditions that may arise during travel, such as diarrhoea remedies, travel sickness tablets, or diazepam for anxiety related to flying.
Going abroad for more than three months
According to the National Health Service (General Medical Services Contracts) Regulations 2004, if you leave the UK intending to be away for three months or more, you will be removed from your GP’s list and will no longer be eligible for NHS treatment.
If you are no longer resident in the UK and living abroad, the NHS typically will not cover any treatment or services, including for those receiving UK state retirement pensions. Therefore, you will need to arrange healthcare coverage in your destination country or obtain private medical insurance.
If you plan to be abroad for more than three months, the NHS will only provide a supply of your regular medication sufficient to reach your destination and allow you to find an alternative supply there. The maximum quantity supplied will be for three months. It is advisable to take a copy of your repeat medication list with you, and you may also find it helpful to have your prescription translated into the language of the country or countries you will be visiting.
Travelling with your medication
Before travelling, check if there are any restrictions on bringing your medicines into or out of the UK or the country you are visiting. Some medications that are available over the counter in the UK may be controlled substances elsewhere, and vice versa. If you are unsure, it is important to declare your medicines at customs upon returning to the UK. For example, certain prescribed medicines such as morphine are classified as controlled drugs, and there are limits on how much you can take abroad. If you need to carry more than the permitted amount, you must obtain a special license from the Home Office.
Some countries, including India, Pakistan, and Turkey, have strict regulations regarding which medications you may bring in. If you are uncertain about the rules for a specific country, you should contact the relevant embassy or high commission. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website offers contact details for embassies and high commissions worldwide.
