By law, the NHS ceases to have responsibility for the medical care of patients when they leave the UK. People traveling within Europe are advised to carry an authorised European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) at all times and this gives entitlement to reduced cost (and sometimes free) medical treatment. Patients should be advised to check specific entitlements prior to travel.
- For patients who will be out of the country for less than 3 months, it is reasonable to provide sufficient medicines for an existing condition (i.e. asthma, diabetes). The practice will supply 2 months of medication for this purpose. This is as the prescriber cannot review or amend any medication for a patient outside of the UK, but the prescriber remains responsible for the prescriptions they sign and must be prepared to explain any decisions made when prescribing and monitoring.
- For patients leaving the country for more than 3 months, they should be advised to register with a local doctor for their continuing medical needs. It is reasonable for GPs to provide sufficient medication to give patients time to do this. No medication will be issued once we are aware the patients is out of the country above a 3 month period as the prescriber cannot review or amend any medication for a patient outside of the UK, but the prescriber remains responsible for the prescriptions they sign and must be prepared to explain any decisions made when prescribing and monitoring. Any patient we are made aware of being out of the country for over 3 months will be removed from our practice list, but can re-register once they are back in the country.
GPs are not required by their Terms of Service to provide prescriptions for the treatment of a condition that is not present and may arise while the patient is abroad. Persons who have left the UK, or who are intending to leave the UK, for more than 3 months are not normally allowed to continue to be registered with a practice.
The NHS accepts responsibility for supplying ongoing medication for temporary periods abroad of up to 3 months. The practice will supply medication for a maximum of 2 months for this purpose. If a person is going to be abroad for more than three months then all that the patient is entitled to at NHS expense is a sufficient supply of his/her regular medication in order to get to their destination, where they should then find an alternative supply of that medication.
Travellers should check the regulations on importing or transporting medicines to their chosen destination by contacting the relevant embassy or high commission, or by checking the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) country advice. Information can be difficult to obtain for some countries and a resource from ISTM Pharmacist Professional Group may be helpful for travellers as a general guide, rather than a definitive statement of country requirements.
Travellers who are taking certain ‘controlled drugs’ may be required to obtain an export licence prior to transporting set quantities (usually three months’ or more supply) into or out of the UK. The application should be made at least 10 days prior to travel. Some examples of controlled drugs include: diamorphine, diazepam, codeine, fentanyl, methadone, morphine, pethidine, Ritalin and temazepam. Further information on the drugs requiring an export license, as well as application forms can be found on the GOV.UK website. Those carrying controlled drugs and other prescription drugs on shorter trips are advised by the Home Office to obtain and carry a letter from the GP or prescriber detailing the medicines.
For more information on taking medicine abroad: NHS Choices