Pre-Departure Health Preparation

Taking medications abroad

If you have a pre-existing medical condition that may require treatment or need prescription medication while traveling, be sure to bring an adequate supply in the original container, and a prescription with your physician's explanation of the condition and generic and brand names of the medication and dosage information. Also know that come common prescription medications in the U.S. are illegal abroad. Check with the embassies of the countries you expect to visit to make sure your prescription and over-the-counter medications are permissible. 

Do not plan on sending medications abroad since it will require customs paperwork and may be delayed in delivery. Be sure to maintain your usual dosage and pattern of taking your medication while you're abroad, and ask your physician how to make adjustments due to any time zone changes.

If you will be abroad long enough to require a prescription refill, our medical insurance provider (HTH), works with a pharmacy in Washington, DC, that specializes in shipping medications overseas.  Call the 24/7 phone number on your HTH identification card to receive more information.  Our policy with HTH covers the cost of your prescriptions.