Ordering Your Medication Before a Holiday
To help ensure you have enough medication for your trip, please request your prescription 2 weeks (10 working days) before you travel.
This allows sufficient time for:
- Up to 24 hours for the practice to process your prescription request.
- Up to 3 working days for your pharmacy to order and receive any medication that is not currently in stock.
- Up to 6 working days to resolve any issues that may arise, such as medication shortages, prescription queries, or requests requiring GP review.
Please do not leave your prescription request until the last minute, as delays can occur and we may not be able to guarantee that your medication will be ready before you travel.
If you need a larger supply of medication for your holiday, please include your travel dates when submitting your request.
Travelling Abroad for More Than 3 Months
If you are planning to travel or live outside the UK for more than 3 months, please read the following important information about how the NHS can support your medication needs. The advice below has been provided by the British Medical Association.
NHS Rules on Supplying Medication for Travel
- The NHS and the practice can supply medication for temporary travel abroad of up to 3 months.
- If you are travelling for longer than 3 months, the NHS can only provide enough medication to enable you to travel safely and arrange an alternative supply at your destination.
- NHS prescriptions must not be obtained by friends or family on behalf of a patient who is already abroad, even if the patient:
- Owns property in the UK.
- Pays UK taxes.
What You Need to Do
Please contact the practice 2 weeks in advance of your travel to discuss your medication requirements.
If you will be away for more than 3 months, you should:
- Make arrangements for ongoing medical care in the country where you will be staying.
- Register with a local healthcare provider to continue receiving your medication and treatment.
Important Travel Information
Patients are responsible for ensuring that any medication they take into another country complies with that country’s laws and regulations.
Before you travel, we recommend that you:
- Carry your medication in its original packaging.
- Take a copy of your prescription.
- Request a GP travel letter if required by your destination country (please note that a fee may apply for travel letters).
- Keep essential medication in your hand luggage where possible.
Please note that regulations regarding medicines vary between countries. It is your responsibility to check any restrictions before travelling.
