Picture this Scenario:
After a long day of traveling, you finally arrive at your resort destination. You’re ready for some relaxation, fun, and sightseeing. As you settle in and head out for dinner, you remember to grab your blood-thinner medication. Frantically, you search your bags, but it’s nowhere to be found. You recall leaving it on the kitchen counter at home!
DON’T PANIC!
Easier said than done, but it is possible to get your prescription medication you need while on vacation, and travel insurance, can help too!
How to Fill a Prescription While Traveling In The U.S.
Call your home pharmacy first and explain the situation. Most of the time if your home pharmacy is part of a nationwide chain, they can make arrangements to dispense the medication you need because your information is already in their system. Occasionally the pharmacist may have to reach out to the prescribing physician.
If you can’t reach your healthcare provider because it’s a weekend or holiday and you need the medication immediately, try going to a local urgent care clinic or emergency room.
What if your insurance company won’t pay for extra medication?
Ask for a one-time vacation override. You may still have to pay for a copay, but insurance should cover the costs.
If you have travel insurance, contact the travel insurance 24×7 assistance if you’re having trouble getting your medication..
How to Refill a Prescription While Traveling Overseas
Traveling with prescription drugs internationally can be challenging, but refilling a prescription outside the United States is even tougher! Typically, pharmacies overseas will only accept prescriptions written in that country.
What Should You Do?
1. Contact your healthcare provider back home
Ask them to email you a copy of your prescription and include a letter from your doctor that explains why you need the medication. Make sure the prescription includes both the brand and the generic name of the drug.
2. See a local healthcare provider
Explain your situation and provide the letter and prescription from your doctor. Be aware that some medications may not be available in your destination country.
3. Visit a local pharmacy
Because U.S. health insurance is not typically accepted overseas expect to pay out of pocket for your medication.
Prescription medications are not covered by travel insurance except if received as part of care for a covered medical emergency or a qualifying trip interruption that caused you to run out of your medication.
How to Refill a Prescription on a Cruise Ship
The first step is to see the ship’s doctor. If you have a common prescription for example, blood pressure or diabetes chances are the onboard pharmacy can fill it and the charge will be added to your bill.
If the cruise ship pharmacy does not have the medication you will have to see a doctor at the next port and fill the prescription there as well.
If you have travel insurance contact their 24 hour assistance to help locate and make the appointment for you.
Tips for traveling with prescription drugs
1. NEVER pack your prescription medication in your checked bag. It’s best to put them in your carry-on bag.
2. Pack a few extra days of medications you think you will need in case of dropping one or a flight delay.
3. If traveling Internationally, make sure your medication is legal in the country you will be traveling in.
Some stimulant medications are considered controlled substances and illegal in some countries therefore it’s always best to check.
4. Don’t hide your medicine in your suitcase and hope they won’t be found! American citizens have been arrested for traveling with prohibited drugs.
International Narcotics Control Board:
Lastly, consider obtaining travel insurance, especially for frequent cruising or international travel. Lost luggage, forgotten medication, or medical emergencies will outweigh the cost of your trip.
Safe travels and stay prepared!
