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  • Sponsored Q&A

    How do I prepare my medications when travelling overseas for 12 months?

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    Epilepsy & Seizures
    I am volunteering in a remote area overseas for 12 months. How can I get my medication there when I can only take three months’ worth out of the country?

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    There are exceptions to restrictions on the amount of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines you can take overseas in some circumstances. Considering you will be in a remote area, you risk not receiving the medication if you arrange to have it sent to you, so you will need to organise to carry 12 months’ supply.

    If you are planning to take PBS medicines overseas for your personal use or the use of someone travelling with you will need to:

    • Contact the country’s embassy to ensure the medicine is legal there. Visit https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/our-locations/missions/our-embassies-and-consulates-overseas

    • Ensure you have the documentation you will need for that country.

    • Customs may detain medicine it suspects is being illegally exported so carry a doctor’s letter detailing what the medicine is, how much you are taking and that it is for your personal use.

    • Leave it in its original packaging.

    • Separate the quantity between your bags in case some luggage goes missing.

    If you are unable to get a letter from your doctor, Medicare Australia’s Medicine Export Declaration may be sufficient to satisfy Customs that it is for your personal use. More information on travelling with medicines is available from Medicare at https://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au or 132 011. Also register your details at https://www.smartraveller.gov.au before you leave so you can be easily contacted in an emergency.

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