Travelling or Moving Abroad?

The NHS ceases to have responsibility for the medical care of patients when they leave the UK.

The practice therefore regrets that it cannot offer telephone or online consultations to patients who are outside of the UK.

If you are travelling abroad, you should ensure that you have adequate medical/travel insurance. If you require medical assistance while abroad, you should seek a local service and inform your insurance company as appropriate.  You should ensure that you have applied for a GHIC card; see Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC) – NHS

Travelling out of the country for less than 3 months

Patients who inform us they will be out of the country for less than 3 months, will be provided sufficient medicines for an existing condition (e.g. asthma, hypertension) for the period while the patient is away where it is safe to do so.  Drugs that require frequent monitoring or controlled drugs may not be prescribed where there are safety concerns.  There is usually a 1 month limit for any controlled drugs.

Travelling out of the country for more than 3 months

Patients who inform us they will be leaving the country for more than 3 months will be prescribed sufficient medication to enable them to make alternative arrangements at their destination (up to 3 months’ supply where safe to do so).

Patients should be aware that some drugs commonly prescribed in the UK may be illegal in certain countries and you should check with that country’s embassy before you travel.

Patients who return to the UK for the purpose of obtaining medication, or who use a local proxy to request prescriptions on their behalf will be refused supply.  Patients will be directed to local services in their country of residence with the offer of supplying appropriate medical notes and a list of current medicines to their qualified medical practitioner

Medicines for potential future illness while travelling

The practice is unable to prescribe medicines on a “just in case” basis for illnesses that may occur while you are abroad. This includes, but is not limited to, antibiotics for possible infections, steroid tablets, pain relief, or other treatments intended for use if you become unwell during your trip. If you develop a new medical problem (or flare up of a previous problem) while overseas, you should seek assessment and treatment from an appropriate local healthcare provider. If you are travelling to a remote area where access to healthcare may be limited or unavailable, it may be appropriate to seek advice from a private travel medicine service before you travel regarding any medicines that may be recommended for your itinerary. This is a private service and is not provided as part of NHS primary medical services.

Please note that NHS England guidance also advises against GPs prescribing medicines to delay periods for non-medical reasons such as holidays or special events.