Consultations for Medical Advice and Treatment While Abroad

 

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The NHS ceases to have responsibility for the medical care of patients when they leave the UK. The practice therefore regrets that it cannot offer telephone or online consultations to patients who are outside of the UK for acute or new conditions.  We may be able to provide advice for ongoing chronic conditions; however, this will be at the discretion of the GP, and will most likely be advised to seek medical care locally.

If you are travelling abroad, you should ensure that you have adequate medical/travel insurance. If you require medical assistance while abroad, you should seek a local service and inform your insurance company as appropriate.

If you are travelling to a country in the Europe Economic Area (EEA), you can apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which may give you access to free or reduced cost medical treatment.

 

Travelling out of the country for less than 3 months

Patients who inform us they will be out of the country for less than 3 months, will be provided sufficient medicines for an existing condition (e.g. asthma, diabetes…) for the period while the patient is away where it is safe to do so.  Drugs that require frequent monitoring may not be prescribed where there are safety concerns.  1 months’ supply only will be issued for drugs normally available over the counter, such as paracetamol.

 

Travelling out of the country for more than 3 months

Patients who inform us they will be leaving the country for more than 3 months will be prescribed sufficient medication to enable them to make alternative arrangements at their destination (up to 3 months’ supply where safe to do so).

They will also be removed from our patient list. We will be pleased to re-register patients on their return to residence in the UK and can reassure patient that their electronic notes are kept on file for reference on your return.

Patients and relatives should not seek medication for themselves while they are abroad as this constitutes NHS fraud.

Patients should be aware that some drugs commonly prescribed in the UK may be illegal in certain countries and you should check with that countries embassy before you travel.

 

See NHS facts of travel abroad