If you need regular medication for a stable long-term health condition, your GP can prescribe a maximum supply of three months. Please do not ask the surgery for longer than a three month supply.
If you’re taking a course of medication that will finish during your holiday, then get advice from your GP. They may be able to give you an extended prescription, however, this will depend on, for example:
- how long your GP thinks you’ll continue to need your medication
- how often your treatment needs to be reviewed
Travel abroad for more than three months
If you’re going abroad for more than three months, your GP may prescribe medication to last until you can make arrangements to get it at your destination - this will not exceed three months. This might be by:
- registering with a doctor in the country you’re visiting
- buying the medication from a pharmacist while you’re away
If you’re travelling outside the EU, before you go, check with your GP whether you can get your medication in the countries you’re travelling to. You can also contact each country’s embassy or high commission for advice.
Check what medication you can take
Before you travel find out if there are any restrictions on taking your medicine in and out of:
- the UK
- the country you’re visiting
Some medicines available over the counter in the UK may be controlled in other countries. For more information, go to the NHS website