GPs have a responsibility to monitor a patient for whom they are providing healthcare or prescribing medicines.
When a patient registered with a GP practice in Derbyshire travels abroad, provision of medicines for the treatment of existing long-term conditions may be provided at NHS expense for up to three months.
If a patient is travelling abroad for longer than three months, they are expected to arrange for an alternative supply of medicine in their location. Most medicines are available in most countries, so they are likely to be able to access a continuing supply for long-term conditions.
Under the National Health Service (General Medical Services Contracts)Regulations 2015, a person must be removed from a practice’s list of patients when:
- they notify that they intend to be away from the UK for a period of at least three months
- they have been absent from the UK for a period of at least three months.
The removal of the patient from the list takes effect from:
- the date of their departure; or
- the date on which notification is received of their departure, whichever is later.
The Government has provided guidance on the medical and health support available for British people who are unable to return home due to unforeseen circumstances or emergencies. Foreign travel advice – GOV.UK
Anyone in this situation who is running out of their prescription medication should contact their travel insurance company, which may be able to help arrange a replacement prescription. If they cannot help, patients should seek medical assistance locally and follow the advice of the local authorities.
The Government’s foreign travel advice pages offer healthcare information for different countries, including details of local healthcare systems and any specific health advice.
UK citizens travelling in Europe can read the guidance on accessing state healthcare when visiting the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. Healthcare systems vary between countries, and in some cases, patients may need to pay for treatment. Separate guidance is available for those visiting Spain, visiting Ireland, or moving to live, study or work in the EU.
To find healthcare services while abroad, patients can use the Government’s worldwide lists of doctors and medical facilities, which include English-speaking doctors where available. Doctors and medical facilities: worldwide list – GOV.UK
Those in need of urgent advice or assistance can contact the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling their nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate. Find a British embassy, high commission or consulate – GOV.UK