If you are planning a trip overseas, organising your medicine is one of the most important things you can do. If you require prescription medicine, it is important you have this medicine with you so you remain in good health while you are away.
It is illegal to take Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines out of Australia unless the medicine is for your personal use, or the personal use of someone travelling with you.
If you are planning to take PBS medicines overseas for your own personal use or the personal use of someone travelling with you, you should:
- read the travel advice and check with the embassies of the countries you’re visiting to make sure your medicine is legal there
- carry a letter from your doctor detailing what the medicine is, how much you'll be taking and stating the medicine is for your personal use or the personal use of someone with you (for example, a child)
- leave the medicine in its original packaging so it can be easily identified.
For more information about travelling with PBS medicines call 1800 500 147 or visit the Medicare website: Taking and sending PBS medicines overseas.