Taking your HRT abroad: everything you need to know

If you have a holiday or long-haul flight coming up, here is the lowdown on travelling with HRT and other medications

Why you need to check your travel insurance policy
How to determine what medications you can take and where to pack them
Avoid buying medications abroad

Your bags are packed, passport safely stored and boarding pass downloaded on your phone. But before you head off on holiday or on a non-UK work trip, you may have some questions on taking your HRT and other medication abroad – this guide will ensure you have a stress-free trip.

Notify your travel insurance company

Did you know that most travel insurance policies require you to disclose if you are taking any prescribed medicines, and that includes HRT (and antidepressants)? In general, you also need to declare any condition that’s required you to have treatment in hospital (as an in or out patient), clinic or GP surgery – the time frame for this will be declared but can often be within the last two years.

You also need to declare any mental health problems, including depression.

If doesn’t necessarily mean you will pay more for declaring you are taking HRT or any other medicines but it is important that you inform your insurer.

Do your research

Check the rules of the country you’re going to as well as any you’re just passing through. Different countries have different rules about the types of medicine they allow to be taken into the country and the maximum amount you can take in. Some medicines you get over the counter in the UK may be controlled in other countries and vice versa.

Most countries will allow most medications if you show your prescription for them too – and this includes your HRT. For controlled medicines and strong painkillers, check the website for the embassy of the country you are visiting to see their specific rules and regulations as some restrict these types of medications.

On the flight

Always carry medicines (and applicators/syringes) in their original, correctly labelled packages. Check that you have enough to last your trip, and that any medication you take will remain in date.

It’s a good idea to carry your medicine in your hand luggage with a copy of your prescription. According to Gov.uk, you’re allowed to carry the following in your hand luggage:

Essential medicines of more than 100ml
Medical equipment, if it’s essential for your journey

You’ll need to carry proof that the medication is prescribed to you (for example a letter from your doctor or a copy of your prescription) if it’s both:

In liquid form
In a container larger than 100ml

You do not need to show proof if the medication is either:

In tablet form
liquid in a container that’s 100ml or smaller

There are different rules if you are travelling with medicine that contains a controlled drug.

Airport staff might need to open the containers to screen the liquids at the security point. Medical equipment is screened separately.

You could consider packing some extra medicine in your luggage going in the aeroplane hold in case you lose your hand luggage.

Some medicines need to be kept at room temperature (below 25°C) or stored in the fridge. Check the directions on your medicine and you could use a small thermos flask, or mini cool bag with ice pack or insulated pouch to help keep it cool.

Controlled medicines

Although HRT products do not come under this category, you may also take a medication that is controlled. This means that additional legal controls apply to these medicines; you may need a personal licence to take controlled medicines abroad or there may be specific rules about how to carry them. You can apply for an export licence and this should be done at least 10 days before travel.

Some examples of controlled drugs include: diamorphine, diazepam, codeine, fentanyl, methadone, morphine, pethidine, Ritalin and temazepam.

Check with the embassy about the rules for the country you’re going to before you travel. You can find a list of foreign embassies in the UK on Gov.uk.

Buying medication in another country

Fake drugs are much more common in certain regions and can be a significant health risk. Be aware that while the name and appearance of medication prescribed in your home country may look the same or similar in other countries, the amount and type of active ingredients may differ. Avoid this by taking plenty of what you need with you from your usual place of residence.

Further information

Gov.uk: Export drugs and medicines: special rules

Gov.uk: Foreign embassies in the UK