Holiday Meds

If yo are planning to go on holiday, it is important to check you have the correct amount of medication to see you through your time away.

If you are due to run out of your repeat medication while you are on holiday, please ensure you contact us to order it early, stating you need it for going on holiday. Please ensure you still give us 3 working days to fulfil your request.

If you are taking a course of acute medication that will finish during your holiday, then get advice from your GP. They may be able to give you a repeat prescription.

Our GP’s can prescribe medication for for a stable long-term health condition for up to 3 months in exceptional circumstances, these would include going on a holiday for a long period of time. Our GP’s can not prescribe for longer than 3 months but if you are going away for over 3 months, please do speak to us.

Travel abroad for more than three months

If you’re going abroad for more than three months, your GP may prescribe medication to last until you can make arrangements to get it at your destination. This might be by:

• registering with a doctor in the country you’re visiting
• buying the medication from a pharmacist while you’re away

If you’re travelling outside the EU, before you go, check with your GP whether you can get your medication in the countries you’re travelling to. You can also contact each country’s embassy or high commission for advice.

Will my GP prescribe medication in case I’m ill when I’m away?

Talk to your GP about this. They will only give you an NHS prescription if they think that you need the medication. They don’t have to give you an NHS prescription just because you think you should have the medication.

Some GPs will provide private prescriptions if they agree that you should take medication in case you’re ill while you’re away. You will have to pay for a private prescription.

Check what medication you can take away on holiday with you

Before you travel find out if there are any restrictions on taking your medicine in and out of:

• the UK
• the country you’re visiting

Some medicines available over the counter in the UK may be controlled in other countries.

When you return

If you’re given any medication while you’re away, try to find out if it’s legal to bring it back into the UK. If you’re in any doubt, declare it at customs when you come back.