Are you planning on travelling soon? If so, you likely need tips for travelling with medications… even if you don’t know it yet! Here are our top “need-to-knows” regarding travelling with your prescriptions:
Why You May Need to Travel With Medications
Your flights are booked, accommodations have been made, and you’re preparing to set off on that trip you’ve been thinking about for a long time. But what about your medications? If you’re going to visit family for a week or going out of the country for an extended period of time, it’s a good idea to visit your physician or pharmacist to get a prescription topped up or refilled. There are two reasons for this. If you have a medication that your pharmacist customizes specifically for you, there’s a chance it can’t be replicated at your destination. If you have a chronic disease or condition that requires specific medication, it is definitely worth making an appointment with your family doctor to get the correct amount of medication you need. Your health and safety always comes first at home, and that same care and attention extends to travelling, too.
Our Tips for Travelling with Medications
If you’re travelling for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s not a bad idea to give yourself a little refresher on travelling with medications. If you have prescription medications for valid health conditions, note that there’s a chance your medications may be under close examination by foreign officials. Authorized and available medications in Canada are deemed as illegal in some countries, and if they require a prescription, it may provoke suspicion among foreign officials, customs and immigration authorities. We strongly recommend you communicate with the foreign government offices that are recognized in Canada. By doing so, you can confirm whether or not your prescribed medication is legal in the country where you plan to go on holiday. The two carry-on bag limit does not pertain to medical supplies, equipment and mobility assistance. We recommend that your medications are stored in your carry-on with the original containers, the labelled containers that were given to you by the pharmacist. This will aid with airport security and the screening process at customs. The screening officers at the Family/Special Needs security lines have received training to give further support if needed.
Remember to Always Check the Rules Before You Travel
The rules and laws are what keep everyone safe. Travel rules surrounding medications should be adhered to and double-checked before departure to clear up any confusion or uncertainty around what is permitted in foreign countries and what is not. To ensure extra security, have a copy of your original prescription on hand and make sure that the generic and brand names of your medication are included in case you lose your prescription, or it is stolen while you are out of the country.
Contact Us Today to Learn More About Travelling with Medication
Still have concerns about travelling with your specific medication?
Visit one of our nine locations (or give us a call) today!
