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Managing Medications while Traveling

Managing medications while traveling requires careful planning to ensure you stay healthy while on the go. Here are some practical tips to help you manage your medications effectively while you travel:

Plan Ahead

  • Consult Your Doctor: Before traveling, discuss your itinerary with your healthcare provider to adjust your medication schedule if needed, especially if you’ll be crossing time zones.
  • Request a Medication Summary: Obtain a summary of your current medications, including generic names, which can be helpful if you need to consult a doctor or pharmacist while away.

Keep Documentation

  • Prescription Copies: Bring copies of your prescriptions and a letter from your doctor explaining your need for the medication, especially for injectable medications.
  • Medical Alert Information: If you have a condition that could require emergency care, carry a medical alert card or wear a medical ID bracelet.

Pack Smart

  • Keep Medications in Original Containers: Carry medications in their original labeled containers to avoid issues at security checks and to ensure you are taking the correct dosage.
  • Pack Extra Supply: Always pack more medication than you think you’ll need, in case of travel delays. A good rule of thumb is to bring at least a week’s extra medication.
  • Divide Medications: If possible, split your medication between your carry-on and checked luggage in case one gets lost. However, always keep enough in your carry-on in case your checked luggage is delayed or lost.

Manage Time Zone Changes

  • Adjust Schedules Slowly: If you need to adjust your medication schedule, try to do so in stages. Your healthcare provider can help you create a plan for adjusting the timing of your medication as you move across time zones.
  • Use Alarms and Reminders: Set alarms on your phone or watch to remind you when it’s time to take your medication according to the new time zone.

Storage Considerations

  • Temperature Control: Some medications need to be kept at a certain temperature. Use insulated bags with ice packs if necessary.
  • Avoid Direct Sunlight: Keep medications away from direct sunlight as much as possible.

Legal Requirements

  • Check Legal Restrictions: Research the medication laws of your destination. Some medications legal in your country may be restricted elsewhere.
  • Carry Proper Identification: Always keep identification with you when carrying prescription medications, especially when traveling internationally.

Stay Organized

  • Use a Pill Organizer: A pill organizer can help you keep track of your medications and ensure you take them at the right times.

Upon Arrival

  • Check Medication: Once you arrive at your destination, check your medications to make sure they have not been damaged during travel.
  • Find Local Pharmacies: Know where the nearest pharmacy is in case you need to refill prescriptions or require assistance.

Medical Care and Pharmacy Access

If you are a service member preparing for a permanent change of station inside or out of the continental US, you can use the resources below to help you access care and your medications.

  • Medical Treatment Facilities: Search the Tricare database to locate a military hospital or clinic near you.
  • Community Resource Guide: The Community Resource Guides list programs and services available to you and members of your family.
  • TRICARE Prescriptions:
    • Visit the Filling TRICARE Prescriptions When Traveling page to learn more about your options on filling prescriptions in and outside of the U.S.
    • TRICARE Express Scripts: Find a pharmacy nearby to refill prescriptions and learn how to transfer prescriptions to a local retail pharmacy. For specialty medication use the TRICARE formulary search tool to get more information on coverage.
  • Retail Pharmacy: If you fill your specialty medication at an in-network retail pharmacy, you will pay the in-network retail copayment. If you use a non-network pharmacy, you will pay full price for your medication and will need to file a claim for reimbursement.
  • Military Pharmacy: Visit tricare.mil/mtf to find a military pharmacy near you.

By following these tips, you can manage your medications effectively while traveling, ensuring that you stay healthy and enjoy your trip without unnecessary complications. Learn more about prescription drug facts here.

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