Travelling Abroad: Consultations and Medication Policy

Consultations Whilst Abroad

As an NHS Provider, Old Coulsdon Medical Practice is unable to provide routine medical consultations to its patients while they are outside the United Kingdom. This includes telephone, video, online consultations.

The Practice cannot manage acute medical problems, or medical emergencies that arise outside the UK.

If you become unwell whilst abroad, you should seek medical advice and treatment from a local healthcare provider.

Medication for Travel

If you take regular medication, please request your prescription well in advance of your departure.

Where clinically appropriate, the Practice may provide up to three months' supply of regular medication for travel, in line with NHS guidance and prescribing policies.

Please note:

• The Practice cannot issue prescriptions for dispensing overseas.
• The Practice cannot prescribe medication solely for possible travel-related illnesses. Patients should seek advice from a travel clinic, pharmacist, or private provider if specialist travel medication is required.
• It is your responsibility to ensure that any medication you take is legal in the country you are visiting and to obtain any required documentation.
• Patients are responsible for ensuring they have sufficient medication for the duration of their trip.

We recommend travelling with:

• A copy of your repeat medication list.
• A copy of your prescription or a translated version if required by the destination country.

Travel Abroad for More Than Three Months

Patients who leave the UK for more than three months should make arrangements to obtain healthcare and medication in the country where they will be staying.

The NHS does not generally provide ongoing prescriptions for patients who are residing abroad for extended periods. Patients planning a lengthy stay overseas should register with a local healthcare provider where appropriate.

Medication Requests Whilst Abroad

The Practice will not issue additional prescriptions once a patient has left the UK where the intention is for a friend, family member, or representative to collect the medication in the UK and send or courier it overseas.

Patients should ensure they have made suitable arrangements for their medication before travelling.

Controlled Drugs

Some countries have strict rules regarding controlled drugs and other restricted medicines.

Before travelling, you should:

• Check the import and possession requirements of your destination country.
• Obtain any documentation required by the relevant authorities.
• Allow sufficient time to make any necessary travel arrangements relating to your medication.

Controlled drugs are subject to additional prescribing restrictions. In line with Practice prescribing procedures, supplies are usually limited to a maximum of 30 days and requests for additional quantities to cover travel may not be approved.

Medical Emergencies Abroad

If you require urgent or emergency medical treatment whilst abroad, contact the local emergency services or healthcare provider immediately.

Old Coulsdon Medical Practice cannot provide emergency medical care or ongoing management of conditions that arise whilst you are outside the United Kingdom

Key Travel Reminder

Before travelling, make sure you:

• Request repeat medication in good time
• Check whether your medication is permitted in your destination country
• Carry details of your current medication
• Arrange healthcare locally if you will be abroad for more than three months
• Obtain travel insurance and any necessary travel health advice before departure