Holidaymakers planning to jet off abroad this summer have been warned to make sure they’re aware of the rules around travelling with medication.
The British Medical Association issued an important message to travellers with prescription medication, advising anyone planning to board a plane to ensure they have the correct documents to bring their medicine on their trip. The BMA’s GP Committee said: "It has been brought to our attention that some airlines are advising that travellers bringing medication in their hand luggage should bring a letter from their medical practitioner confirming the type of medication and what it is for.
“We will raise this issue with the airline, but in the meantime, we would remind practices that patients can print off their medical record from the NHS app, or alternatively, practices are able to charge for travel-related requests for information,” they advised.
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A spokesperson for easyJet confirmed that passengers bringing prescribed medication must bring a medical certificate or a copy of their prescription with them, and that they can also bring liquid or gel medicines larger than 100ml through security with a relevant doctor’s certificate, the Liverpool Echo reports . And other major airlines have similar rules when it comes to medication.
British Airways, TUI, Jet2 and Ryanair all state on their websites that medications should be carried in your hand luggage, and that you will need a prescription or doctor’s letter confirming what the medicine is and that it is prescribed to you. The NHS advises speaking to your GP or practice nurse about your holiday plans at least two months before you’re set to travel, to make sure you leave plenty of time to get everything you need.
As well as making sure you’ve got the right paperwork to bring your essential medicine on board your flight, it’s also recommended that you check up on the rules when it comes to your destination country. Some countries have restrictions when it comes to certain types and quantities of medicine that can be brought in - you can check this by contacting the embassy of the place you plan to visit, with a full list on the gov.uk website .
The NHS advises to always carry your medicines and medical equipment in their original packaging. The health service also recommends checking the expiry dates of your medicines to ensure they won’t expire while abroad, and to consider packing some extras in your suitcase in case you lose your hand luggage.
Those with prescription medication are also advised to check what the storage temperature is for their medicine - some need to be kept at a room temperature of 25C or below, while others need to be stored in the fridge. If you’re travelling to a hot country, the NHS recommends seeking advice about how to best store your medicine - you may need to use something like a thermos flask or ice pack when transporting it on holiday.
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