Whether you’re heading on a cruise, chasing winter sun or planning a ski trip, travel insurance experts at PayingTooMuch have some guidance. There’s one important thing you shouldn’t overlook when preparing for your trip.
When packing for your holiday there are certain items you should pack in your cabin bag rather than your hold luggage that you check in at the airport. Whether it’s a vital prescription or an over-the-counter remedy that you rely on, your medication should be the one thing you keep with you in your hand luggage.
“Where possible, always keep your medication with you just in case your checked–in suitcase getslost. If your luggage does go missing during travel, not having your prescribed medicine with you is one less thing to worry about” warns PayingTooMuch.
“It’s best practice to make sure you have enough medication with you for the duration of your trip anda little extra in case of delays. It’s also worth familiarising yourself with the rules of carryingmedication for the country you’re visiting and the airline you’re flying with. Taking medication on aplane is usually allowed but you should always check before you travel. Some airlines will let you bring more than your usual supply without needing to declare it.”
But there’s no one size fits all answer as rules can differ depending on your destination. Some countries have strict controls over specific medication, even if they’re legal in the UK. So, it’s crucial to do your homework before you jet off.
PayingTooMuch says, “travellers may need to take extra care when carrying medication to make sure they don’t fall foul of airport security or local laws. Apart from keeping them accessible, in some cases, you may even need a doctor’s note or a prescription to carry certain substances. It’s worth checking with your airline and countries you’re visiting to confirm the regulations well in advance of your trip to avoid any problems.”
At some airports, you’re not required to remove all items from your hand luggage during security checks. It’s best to familiarise yourself with the specific rules of the airport you’re travelling from.
In some cases, you can’t take liquids or gels over 100ml in your hand luggage. However, if your medication is in liquid form or a prescribed gel, you should be able to take it with you. Make sure it’s in a clear, sealed bag and that you have proof it was prescribed by a GP.
Another tip to remember is to always take out travel insurance just in case your medication is lost, stolen or even damaged. Make sure to always compare medical travel insurance to see which policy offers cover for lost or stolen items including medication.
“The right travel insurance can help you reclaim the cost of your prescriptions. There are many policies available, so even if your priority is cheap medical travel insurance, always make sure you have the appropriate level of cover for what’s important to you. That way you can travel with peace of mind,” says PayingTooMuch.
