CCG Policy for Medication for Pre-existing conditions

Going abroad for less than THREE months 

• Medication required for a pre-existing condition should be provided in a sufficient quantity. Most prescriptions will cover holiday periods but if a repeat is due during the trip, the GP may be able to give an early repeat (usually one and no more than three months).
• Where medication requires frequent monitoring (i.e. blood tests, blood pressure etc.), it may not be appropriate for the GP to prescribe for extended periods. Providing a prescription for longer than the normal 28 days supply is at Practice discretion.
• Patients may require a letter stating the drug name and condition it is being taken for to prove medicines are for medical use to the patient. There is a charge for this service

Going abroad for more than THREE months and/or moving abroad permanently

• A GP will only provide the regular repeat prescription of a sufficient quantity (maximum 3 months) in order to get to the destination.
• Patients should be advised to register with a local doctor for continuing medication (this may need to be paid for by the patient). It is wise for the patient to check with the manufacturer that medicines required are available in the country they are moving to.
• Patients may require a letter stating the drug name and condition it is being taken for to prove medicines are for medical use to the patient. This is at the GPs discretion and may be charged for.