GP letter

[Dudtbin]

does anyone get a gp letter re prescriptions when going abroad? I noticed on the government website it advises carrying a letter as well as the prescription slip.

[BobD Volunteer]

no. Prescription is usually enough from my experience though never been to USA.

[Dudtbin in reply to BobD]

Thanks I don’t think ill bother, we’re not on anything out of the ordinary.

[BenHall1]

My travels are usually to a Commonwealth country and I wouldn't bother, just the prescription ... but it may depend on the drug. If I were going to a non Commonwealth I would take a letter and leave it to the authorities to arrange an interpreter - say Myanmar or Hong Kong.

[Dudtbin in reply to BenHall1]

Im lucky enough to be going to Caribbean but we’re not on anything out of the ordinary!

[Popepaul]

The NHS app states what medications you take and the last date of issue. I would think that this would be sufficient for border agencies. I have never had any problems when taking my medication across a border.

[Dudtbin in reply to Popepaul]

Thanks i keep forgetting abut the app!

[Kaz747]

I live in Australia and my husband and I have a letter from our doctor which lists all our prescription drugs when travelling overseas just in case there are ever any questions at Customs or if one us ends up in hospital and the other one needs to let the doctor know what medications we take (I know what I take but I couldn't rattle off the meds or doses that my husband takes and he'd have no idea what I take). I keep the letter in the folder with our passports and travel documents.

[AAJJTt]

No. I just take my latest prescription with all my medication, as dispensed, in labelled packaging and carried in hand luggage. So far, I have never had an issue. I do take the time to check any local country requirements too.

[opal11uk]

Yes I always did especially for the USA, not so much for the EU because we had the reciprocal health care arrangement in place at that time however I used to take the appropriate form and used it on several occasions.

[Janelr]

I got a fit to fly letter of my doctor lists medication I’m on that was last year and no one asked for it so this year didn’t bother. Even took my cpap machine and letter for that no one asks for that either.

[Speed]

Can anyone detail a time when they were identified as having medication by the authorities and then if they were either asked or not asked for further information and if asked what was sufficient to avoid further enquiries?

[Dudtbin in reply to Speed]

That’s what i should have asked as well!

[Profound15]

I got a letter from my cardiologist when we went to Oz this year. In addition I had the prescription slip. This was mostly to do with stopping in Singapore and on return Doha. Was never required to show anything but I’m a great believer in being prepared just in case. Think it’s the old engineer in me

[Morzine]

I think a doctors letter they would charge you for!!!

Can’t see the need. The main thing if your in apixaban etc is the person your with knows to tell anyone should you fall I’ll. Having said that I’ve told my husband umpteen times, I doubt he’d remeber that at all….anyway it’s an idea…..but fallen on deaf ears here!!

Grin!

Sue

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

hi

yes, i do.

and all meds need to be in their right boxes.

cheri. joy. 74.

[Qualipop]

Yes I always get one purely because I take opiates which are banned in many countries.

[Dudtbin in reply to Qualipop]

Thanks i think well be ok without.

[Desanthony]

Yes. Since moving house 6 years ago our new GP has given us a letter as well as repeat prescription forms to take with us where ever we go. Visit the USA frequently as my grandchildren are there.

[Dudtbin in reply to Desanthony]

Thanks i was thinking if we went to states would get one.

[Desanthony in reply to Dudtbin]

I would. I have never been asked to provide it to anyone - just seeing the boxes with the labels on them is enough - though I also put the repeat prescription in a bag with the tablets as well. Better to be safe int he knowledge that you have everything and possibly more than required to prove these are prescription medications. Our pharmacy now runs ff the letter and takes it in to the Docs to be signed - doesn't cost us anything.

[Dudtbin in reply to Desanthony]

I don’t think ours will do that!

[Desanthony in reply to Dudtbin]

Our pharmacy is next door to the surgery so it's just like phoning the pharmacy up and asking them for a repeat prescription - they run it off and take it in for signature. Obviously not all pharmacy's can do that.

[Dudtbin in reply to Desanthony]

Ours is too but last i heard doctors wanted £20 per letter and that was a few years ago!!!

[Desanthony in reply to Dudtbin]

they always threaten but actually never charge this was at our last GP surgery and new surgery. I wouldn't mind paying if I had to but they've never actually asked for payment. Last time I had to pay for anything was top up vaccinations for going to South Africa.