Traveling With Prescriptions Overseas - Avoid Costly Mistakes
June 6, 2008
If you currently take a prescription medication and are planning on a trip overseas there are some important things you should know and address before you leave on your trip. Many people make the mistake of not planning ahead only to discover later that they are faced with complicated (and very expensive) measures to fill a prescription overseas: all because they didn’t plan ahead or plan for the unexpected.
The first thing to consider is the most obvious, fill your prescriptions BEFORE you go and ensure that you have an adequate supply to last the entire trip PLUS a few extra day’s worth. ALWAYS take a letter from your doctor describing your medical condition and the prescribed medication as well as any generic names for your medications. Carry this with you and leave a copy in a secured place back at the hotel Although it may be more convenient to carry your pills in a travel container, the U.S. Department of State recommends that you carry the medication in the original, clearly labeled container. Check with the foreign embassy of the country you are visiting to make sure that none of your medications are considered to be illegal narcotics in that country.
Many insurance providers and prescription plans will allow the subscriber to refill their prescriptions for greater than normal amount. For example, if your usual refill gives you a 30 day supply of medication, you may be able instead to fill it with a 60 or 90 day supply if you can prove that you will be traveling for that period of time
Always take your medications in your carry-on bags while in transit. However, once at your destination, it is a good idea to keep a few pills with you on your person and then the remainder in a secured location back at the hotel. Should you lose or have your purse or bag stolen, you will still have a backup supply readily available.
In the event that you do have to fill a prescription while out of the country, always check with your insurance provider beforehand to verify exactly what (if any) your coverage is. Medicare DOES NOT provide coverage for hospital or medical costs outside the U.S.A. Most insurance providers in fact, provide no coverage outside of the country. This could be a HUGE expense and most countries, like the United States, require a visit to the doctor before they will prescribe ABY medications. The best safeguard is to purchase travel insurance. Travel insurance is fairly inexpensive and there are a variety of options as far as medical, emergencies and prescriptions along with the typical coverage for trip delays, cancellations and lost baggage. For more information, read our article at www.smartseniortravel.com/travel-insurance/.
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