How to Replace Lost or Stolen Medications While Abroad

Running out of medication while traveling abroad isn’t just inconvenient-it can be dangerous. Whether your bag was stolen, your suitcase got lost, or you accidentally left your pills in a hotel room, you need to act fast. The good news? You can get replacements. The bad news? It’s not always easy, and doing it wrong could put your health at risk.

Don’t Panic-But Do Act Quickly

The first thing to do when you realize your meds are gone is stay calm. Panicking won’t help, but waiting will make things worse. If you’re traveling with insurance, call your provider’s 24/7 emergency line right away. Companies like Allianz, AIG, and World Nomads have medical assistance teams that can connect you with local doctors, pharmacies, and even arrange telehealth visits. In fact, 78% of travelers who use these services get their meds within 24 hours, according to UHC SafeTrip’s 2023 data. Those who try to handle it alone? Only 42% succeed.

Check Your Travel Insurance Coverage

Not all travel insurance plans are created equal. Basic plans often cover only emergencies like broken bones or hospital stays-but not prescriptions. Look at your policy. If you have a comprehensive plan, you’re likely covered for up to $500-$1,000 in medication replacement. That’s enough to cover most common prescriptions like blood pressure pills, antibiotics, or asthma inhalers. But here’s the catch: you need to file a claim. That means getting a police report if your meds were stolen, or an airline baggage report if they were lost in transit. IATA requires these reports within 24 hours for flights and 21 days for baggage claims. Don’t skip this step-without documentation, your insurance won’t pay.

Get a Copy of Your Prescription

This is the single most important thing you can do before you even leave home. Carry a printed copy of your prescription, including the generic name, dosage, and prescribing doctor’s contact info. Many countries won’t fill a foreign prescription-even if it’s legitimate. The International Pharmaceutical Federation found that 89% of countries prohibit pharmacies from honoring prescriptions from other nations. So if you’re in Thailand, Germany, or Brazil, and you walk into a pharmacy with a U.S. script, they’ll likely say no.

Call Your Doctor Back Home

If you have a refill available, your U.S. pharmacy might be able to send it electronically. Chain pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS share systems and can transfer prescriptions between locations. But if you’re out of refills? Call your doctor. They can fax or email a new prescription to a local clinic or hospital. The problem? Only 63% of U.S. doctors are available for same-day emergency calls, according to MedAire’s 2022 study. If you’re in Europe or Canada, you might get lucky-many doctors there will work with your U.S. provider. But in Southeast Asia or parts of Africa? That’s unlikely.

Visit a Local Doctor

Most countries will let you see a local physician who can write you a new prescription. But here’s the twist: many require an in-person visit, especially for chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or depression. A 2022 survey by the American Medical Association found that 76% of international doctors won’t prescribe unfamiliar meds without seeing you. Bring your medical records, your doctor’s letter, and any lab results you have. If you’re diabetic and lost your insulin, don’t expect a local clinic to guess your dose. They’ll want to check your blood sugar, review your history, and maybe even run tests before writing anything.

Watch Out for Counterfeit Drugs

This isn’t scare tactics-it’s a real threat. The World Health Organization estimates that 1 in 10 medications sold globally are fake. In parts of Southeast Asia and Africa, that number jumps to 30%. Fake pills can be harmless… or deadly. They might contain the wrong dose, no active ingredient, or even toxic chemicals. The CDC warns travelers to only buy meds from licensed pharmacies. Look for official signs, ask to see the pharmacy license, and avoid street vendors or unmarked shops. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Controlled Substances Are a Whole Different Problem

If you’re taking Adderall, Ritalin, OxyContin, Vicodin, or any other Schedule II controlled substance, you’re in a tough spot. U.S. federal law doesn’t allow refills for these drugs-even in the U.S. And most countries won’t prescribe them to foreigners at all. The DEA’s 2023 guidelines make it clear: no exceptions. You can’t get a replacement in Mexico, Spain, or Japan. Your only option is to contact your doctor back home and ask if they can issue a new prescription that’s sent to a U.S. embassy or consulate. Some embassies have medical liaisons who can help, but it’s not guaranteed. In the worst-case scenario, you might have to wait until you return home. That’s why carrying extra supply is critical.

Carry Medications in Original Containers

Never transfer pills to pill organizers or ziplock bags for international travel. Many countries require that medications be in their original bottles with the pharmacy label showing your name, the drug name, and the prescribing doctor. The International Society of Travel Medicine says 63% of countries enforce this rule. If you’re stopped at customs and your pills aren’t labeled, you could be detained, fined, or even arrested-especially if the drug is controlled in that country. For example, codeine is OTC in the UK but requires a prescription in the U.S. Pseudoephedrine (in cold meds) is banned in Thailand. Know your meds. Know the rules.

Use Digital Tools-But Don’t Rely on Them

Apps like Medisafe let you store digital copies of your prescriptions and track your doses. That’s helpful. But only 17% of countries accept digital prescriptions as official documentation. So use the app, but still carry printed copies. Some telehealth services like MyUSADr let U.S. travelers video-call licensed U.S. doctors who can prescribe non-controlled meds. But again-no controlled substances. The Ryan Haight Act still blocks that. So while tech helps, it’s not a magic fix.

Prepare Before You Go

The best way to avoid this mess? Don’t let it happen. Before you leave:

• Bring at least a 7-day extra supply in your carry-on. IATA says 1 in 150 checked bags get lost. Don’t risk your health on a suitcase.
• Get a letter from your doctor explaining your condition and listing all your meds by generic name. This is what 92% of travel medicine specialists recommend.
• Research your destination’s drug laws. The CDC’s Yellow Book 2024 has country-by-country rules. For example, melatonin is a prescription in the UK but sold freely in the U.S.
• If you need insulin or other temperature-sensitive meds, pack a cooling pack. The International Diabetes Federation found 41% of travelers lose effectiveness when meds overheat.

What If You’re in a Country With No Insurance or Doctor?

If you’re traveling without insurance and your meds are gone, you’ll need to pay out of pocket. Costs vary wildly:

• Western Europe: $75-$150 for a typical prescription
• Southeast Asia: $40-$90
• Latin America: $120-$200

In some places, you can buy the same drug under a different brand name. Ask the pharmacist for the generic version. In India, for example, you might pay $5 for a month’s supply of metformin that costs $50 in the U.S. But don’t assume it’s safe unless you verify the manufacturer. Stick to well-known chains like Boots in the UK or Watsons in Asia.

Final Tip: Know Your Limits

Some medications are just too risky to replace abroad. If you’re on complex psychiatric drugs, immunosuppressants, or chemotherapy, your best bet is to delay travel until you can get a solid backup plan. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control found that 22% of travelers on long trips (over 30 days) had medication access issues-and the most common problems were with heart, mental health, and diabetes meds. If your life depends on these drugs, don’t gamble. Bring extra. Bring documentation. Bring insurance.