Prescription medicines

Maybe if you explain about the trip, they will allow a one time exception- that's what my company does. I'm allowed to get a "double" amount . With insulin, you espeically don't want to risk running short! Does yours have to be refrigerated?

Martha, I can tell you now that we need a lot more info... I can also tell you that whatever you're planning to take is probably just fine. If it's liquid, you'll need to bring the prescription and show it to the TSA agent at security along with your regular 3-1-1 bag. Carry your meds onto the airplane with you! Don't check them with checked baggage! If you'll be traveling with a controlled substance, that's different; depends on the country, but usually bringing a doctor's note and only a necessary amount is OK. If you're only bringing Crestor, Celebrex, and a beta-blocker, they're OK. Heavy-duty pain meds might be a different story. Whatever you're taking, take extras - pills end up down the drain, under the bed...somewhere...,under the airplane seat behind you, etc. Also, if you experience any sort of flight delay (weather, strike, equipment problem) you'll need a few extra days of meds. EDIT: Whoa! You were editing while I was typing...! First of all, you won't be held up; I can almost guarantee it. You can bring in whatever quantities you need, and a month's worth is fine. You'll need to fill your prescriptions before you leave home, if possible. Otherwise, yes, you'll probably need to have a prescription written for you in Europe. Others on this board have more personal experience with this; I'm sure they'll be along soon...

My pharmacist contacts my insurance company and gets permission to give me extra doses when we travel (usually I'll get 6-8 weeks as opposed to 4). You do not need the original prescription- the pharmacy label is fine- or the info sheet they print for you. Med do NOT have to be in the original bottle- use baggies, an organizer etc. if you wish. I also take a medical information form tha lists all my meds- both "real" and brand name, doseage info, when I take and what condition I take them for and a short medical history and docotrs' names, phone #s, pharmacy name, phone #, etc as well as emergency contact info. If you want a copy, private message me with your email and I'll send it to you. Liquid meds really should be in the original bottle with the lable from the pharmacy, but can be in their own, individual baggies- just declare them to TSA. If you use a nebulizer, CPAP, etc. let us know and we'll explain about those kinds of devices. Also if you use hypodermics, we can give some suggesstions.

The odds of your meds being stolen or your being held up are infinitesmal. But if you need a prescription over there, you're right - you'll need one from a local doc. If this happens, just go to a pharmacy and explain the situation. The pharmacist will know which local docs see walk-ins, and they'll take care of you.

Thanks for the prompt reply! I should have used the word "delayed" instead of "held up." One problem I am running into is that my Aetna Medicare policy will not override the timing on my refills enough to cover more than one day beyond my scheduled return. Although I have an insulin pump and sensor, I could probably get a doctor to prescribe insulin and needles if necessary, and MiniMed would hopefully ship other supplies, but what about the other prescription meds? I live a very full life, and don't generally plan my days around my diabetes. However, I would like to be prepared to cover the possibilities as well as I can. Martha

Nice that your insurance company will accommodate you. When I carried Blue Cross (before Medicare) I had no problem getting extensions for travel. However, times have changed and Aetna folks may think I cost them too much already! I did try to explain my predicament, but the only response was "well, you'll be back on October 10th, and can fill it then." Perhaps I should insist on speaking with a supervisor, although the customer service rep took long breaks from our conversation, presumably to consult up the line.

Delays can happen, of course, with weather or other things that may prevent you from being back October 10. I would try to explain that to the insurance, or maybe say that you rebooked your flight for October 15. (Not that I think it is good to lie, but in this case where it is a serious health problem, I think you need some extra insulin.)

If you don't want your medicine to get stolen, don't do what my husband did! In the 2nd week of our 5 week vacation in Europe, his two glaucoma medicines were in his small bag which he placed on the rack above our heads on the train in Antwerp on our way to Brugge. When we arrived the bag was gone & we never saw it again. The lady at the B&B offered to call our eye Dr., but my husband refused the offer and did without the meds until we returned home. From what we were told, the bag was probably stolen before the train left the station. Hang on to your small bags!

If worse comes to worse and you need a refill of insulin in Europe, I doubt any doctor would deny your request. Narcotics- yes, that would arouse suspiscion, but not insulin. Just make sure you know which formulation (including the generic name, as brand names often differ in Europe) and dose you take.

My last trip to Europe back in May, I purchased travelers insurance (medical/evacuation) via http://www.medexassist.com. After I purchased it, I noticed a new(?) benefit to the policy; something called "Assistance in replacing lost or stolen medication".
So if you find yourself in that situation, they may be able help.

i take prescription drugs to Europe every summer including one that has a narcotic. I have always brought a letter from my doctor (forgot that for my departure tomorrow AM) and keep the prescriptions in their original bottles with the original labels. I also take some "over-the-counter" things that I dump into any available container and label it. I have never been asked about all my pills in the last 10 years. Guess I should not have included that last sentence - don't want to "jinks" myself. Since I am only over there for about a month, or less, I do not have a problem in getting sufficient supply. Good luck and happy travels.

Martha, if you've only placed one phone call to Aetna about this, I suggest calling them back. You'll speak to a different person (unless you get 'Peggy'...! Got any TV commercial watchers here?!?) and you may get someone more willing to work with you. If not, try again... LOL - Sorry - since "held up" and "stolen" were in the same sentence, I had to assume you were in a 'criminal' mood...! Yes, since "held up"='delayed' - bring extra meds. And THAT'S the problem... Perhaps your doctor can nudge Aetna in the right direction. Charlie, I've decreed that you'll have no problem with your meds ;-)