Your guide to traveling with medications

Key takeaways

• When flying, you can pack medications in carry-on or checked luggage, but carry-on access is often better for urgent needs. Liquid medications are exempt from the 3.4-ounce rule, though you’ll need to declare them at security.
• Different countries have varying regulations for medications, and some common U.S. prescriptions may be controlled substances abroad. Research your destination’s rules and consider carrying a prescription or medical certificate, as many countries allow a 30-day supply.
• Pack enough medication for your entire trip, plus extras in case of delays. Keep them in original pharmacy-labeled packaging and use insulated cooler bags with gel packs if refrigeration is needed.

Overview

There are lots of things to remember when you’re traveling, and your medications are an important part of your packing list. Whether it’s over-the-counter basics, prescription treatments, or even medications that need to be kept cold, making your travel health kit should be a priority.

However, it’s important to keep in mind different rules and regulations around medications when you travel to make sure your journey is as smooth as possible. Here are some tips to help you travel with medications with confidence.

—————-

Need a diagnosis or prescription quickly? Optum Perks offers personalized on-demand care in as little as 15 minutes. For $29, answer a few questions online and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a US-licensed healthcare professional. Get started here.

Taking medications through airport security

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for screening passengers and luggage at airports. The TSA outlines guidance for traveling with medications and medical devices.

Flying with medications

You can carry your medications in either checked or carry-on luggage, but it may be best to keep medications in your carry-on for easier access if you need your medications urgently. Most medications are screened by X-ray, but you can ask for a visual inspection if you prefer.

You don’t need to declare that you have medication with you unless it is in liquid form. Liquid medications are exempt from typical TSA rules limiting liquids in a carry-on bag to less than 3.4 ounces, but you need to let the TSA agents know that you have them, and they may need to undergo extra screening.

You don’t need to keep the medications in prescription bottles, but many states require you to keep the drugs in their original, pharmacy-labeled packaging.

Pro tip: Use the TSA What Can I Bring? tool to find out what you can take through airport security.

Flying with medical devices

When you arrive at a checkpoint, let a TSA agent know about your medical devices. If you have a medical device attached to your body, such as a glucose monitor, let the agent know where on your body it’s located. They might ask you to perform a self-pat-down of the device and then test your hands for traces of explosives.

If you’re traveling with medical equipment or supplies, they will need to undergo separate screening. The TSA officer will check the supplies and conduct any necessary testing.

Pro tip: If you’re feeling nervous, you can provide the agent with a TSA notification card to discreetly describe your medical condition. If you need extra support, you can reach out to TSA Cares.

Getting to know international regulations

Different countries will have different rules and regulations around medications. Some medications that are commonly prescribed in the United States may be considered controlled substances in your destination.

Consider researching your destination’s rules before you fly, including checking with the embassy to see whether your medications are allowed. Many countries allow a 30-day supply of certain medications, but also ask that you carry a prescription or a medical certificate from your doctor.

Pro tip: Use the International Narcotics Control Board’s website to find information about controlled substances in many countries.

Storing medications while traveling

If you travel with medications that need to be kept refrigerated, you can use a cooler or an insulated travel bag and frozen gel packs. Let TSA know you’re traveling with cooled medications.

Try not to store the medications directly against ice packs to prevent the medications from freezing.

Stocking up on your medications before traveling

Make sure you have enough of your medication to last for the duration of your trip, plus some extras in case of travel delays.

Depending on your health history and your travel destination, you can discuss prescription medications to pack in your travel kit with a doctor. Some options to consider include:

• Malaria prevention medications: If you’re traveling to an area, typically internationally, where you may be at risk of malaria, your doctor might prescribe preventive drugs. You will start taking these before your trip and continue taking them while you travel. Examples of these include atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone) and chloroquine.
• Sleep medications: If you’re likely to experience jet lag or sleep problems on your travels, a doctor might prescribe a short-term sleep aid like zolpidem (Ambien).
• Motion sickness medications: If you experience motion sickness, you may take some medications to reduce feelings of nausea.

Optum Perks Online Care, for example, offers a travel health kit. You can submit an online form answering some questions about your health history, and a US-licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after to prescribe a treatment plan. There are also services for malaria prevention and motion sickness.

————-

If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.

What you can do today

If you’re going to be taking a trip, being prepared with your medications is essential. Here’s a checklist of things to remember in advance of your vacation:

• Make sure you have enough of your medication for the duration of your trip, including some extras. Take stock of your medication at least 4 weeks before your trip so you have plenty of time to request refills if you need to.
• Research the local regulations about traveling with medications in your destination country.
• Pack your medications in their original, pharmacy-labeled packaging. You may need to carry a copy of your prescription as well.
• Aim to pack your medications in carry-on luggage for ease of access. Look into insulated cooler bags if your medication needs to be refrigerated.

If you have questions about what medications to take on a vacation and how to pack them, consider reaching out to a doctor or pharmacist.

—————

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.