Travelling with medicines in 2018

Planning ahead is key for travelling with medicines to ensure sufficient supplies, compliance with legal restrictions and adequate documentation. In general, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme allows up to a six-month supply of subsidised drugs to be taken overseas for personal use. Medicines should be transported in their original packaging whenever possible. Refrigeration during flight is seldom necessary. Some medicines, such as insulin, will require adjustment of dosing with a change of time zones. Travellers should avoid purchasing medicines in low-income countries if possible. Substandard and counterfeit medicines are common.