How to travel with your medications
Unpacking the suitcase only to find you’ve left the meds at home is not a great way to start a holiday.
Before you go checklist
Is the medicine or device for me or an immediate family member travelling with me?
Is it allowed in the country Iʼm travelling to?
Do I have the prescription and a letter from my doctor?
Is the product in its original packaging?
How much do I need for my trip?
Am I allowed to take that much into the country?
For many older people with health conditions, travelling is not as simple as packing a bag and taking to the skies or seas.
Already crammed travel bags must find space for medication and medical devices.
Here are some top tips for older travellers wanting to explore the world while remaining healthy.
Make an appointment
If you’re travelling overseas, and especially to a region that is known for its health risks, it's a good idea to seek professional advice about vaccines and other recommended medications.
Make your appointment 4-6 weeks prior to travel to ensure you have enough time for vaccines to become effective.
Are your medicines permitted?
Many countries have rules about the medicines you can bring with you. For example, some have strict rules prohibiting medicines containing codeine.
Your doctor should be able to advise on this and there’s more information on the Therapeutic Goods Administration website.
To keep account of your medications and when to take them, your pharmacist can make a weekly medication pack that displays how and when to take your medication.
Checked and carry-on luggage
It is advisable to take your medications, doctors’ letters, medications record, and prescriptions in your carry-on luggage, in case something happens to your checked bags. Also, the temperature is more constant in the cabin of the aircraft.
Some travellers recommend packing some medicine in your checked luggage, and some in your carry-on, which means if one of your bags is lost or stolen, you still have access to your medication.
Entering Australia
If you’ve purchased medications overseas and are bringing them into Australia, you need to comply with these rules:
Only bring medicines or devices that are for you or an immediate family member travelling with you.
Don’t sell or supply the product to another person.
Keep the product in its original packaging.
Carry a prescription or a letter from your doctor.
Don’t bring more than a three-month supply.
Adequate supply
Make sure you have adequate supplies of your regular prescription medication and check the expiry dates of any medicine you might already have.
Travellers with chronic or complex pre-existing medical conditions should carry an introductory letter from their own GP or specialist in case they need to consult a doctor overseas. Those with a known heart abnormality should carry their most recent ECG heart tracing.
Keep your medications cool and dry. Hot, damp, or freezing conditions may cause them to deteriorate.
Be careful about buying medicines overseas, as other countries have different regulations and the medicines could be different to those sold in Australia. Read the instructions carefully before taking any medication.
Always keep in mind that if you have visited a malaria-infected area, any fever could be malaria.
Related reading: TGA, Smartaveller, Health Department, Travel Doctor
