TRAVEL ABROAD

Under NHS legislation, the NHS ceases to have responsibility for people when they leave the UK. For patients intending to be away from the UK for a period of at least three months, the health board can remove them from the contractor’s list of patients as specified in the NHS General Medical Services Contracts Regulations (Schedule 6, Paragraph 25) 19. However, to ensure good patient care, the following guidance is offered. Following Brexit, healthcare provisions akin to those provided by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will continue. If an EHIC is still in date, it will remain valid for travel to an EU country. If an EHIC has expired, a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) should be applied for. Patients should be advised that neither the EHIC nor the new GHIC is a replacement for travel insurance, and that they should have both in place prior to travel. Patients are advised to check specific details on the UK Government website. Guidance for GPs on risk assessment for travellers and appropriate advice is available from the NaTHNaC website41.

Medication required for a pre-existing condition should be provided in sufficient quantity to cover the journey and to allow the patient to obtain medical attention abroad. If the patient is returning within the timescale of a normal prescription (usually one and no more than three months) then this should be issued, providing it is clinically appropriate. Patients carrying certain prescribed medication for their own personal use may require a doctor’s letter or a personal licence41. This will depend on the duration of travel, the type of medicine (e.g. codeine, Sativex®) and the country of travel. More information on the carrying of prescribed controlled drugs abroad for personal use is covered in section 15.3. Patients who require over-the-counter (OTC) medicines should check that the medicine is available OTC in the country of destination42.

Travel Abroad – Medication and Health Advice

Planning a trip? Here’s what you need to know about getting medical advice and medication before you go abroad:

✈️ Travel-Related Medication

We do not provide antimalarial prescriptions or travel-related medication at the practice.
For these services, please contact:

These services can provide expert advice, vaccinations, and prescriptions for medications such as antimalarials or traveller’s diarrhoea treatment.

💊 Medication for Long Stays Abroad

If you are travelling for more than 3 months, we recommend:

  • Registering with a local doctor in the country you’re visiting for any ongoing medication needs.
  • Checking in advance whether your medication is available and legal in your destination country (you can contact the manufacturer for this information).

🧳 Self-Care & Travel Kits

It’s a good idea to take a personal medical travel kit with you.
This may include:

  • Over-the-counter remedies (e.g. for travel sickness or diarrhoea)
  • First aid items
  • Any personal medication

Your pharmacist can help you choose what’s appropriate, and you can find official guidance at www.travelhealthpro.org.uk (NaTHNaC).