travel 101

Travel 101

An introductory guide for travelers, covering essential topics such as travel protection, travel insurance and how to navigate specific scenarios. This resource aims to equip travelers with basic travel knowledge and confidence.

All You Need to Know About Bringing Prescription Pills on a Plane

Learn how to safely carry prescription medications on international flights. Understand TSA regulations, medication screening, and country-specific rules.

Can You Bring Prescription Pills On A Plane Internationally?

Are you planning an overseas trip and not sure if you can bring your prescription pills on the plane? You are not alone. Taking medicines on an international flight, even if they are prescribed by a doctor, requires understanding the regulations and preparing accordingly. Below, you will learn how to travel internationally with prescription drugs safely.
 

Can I Carry Prescription Pills on an International Flight?

Yes, you can generally take your prescription medication along on an international flight. But it requires more planning than packing your toiletries. You'll need to understand the regulations of both the United States and the country you're visiting. For example, if you’re flying from the U.S. to Australia with medication for a chronic condition, you need to ensure that your medication is legal in Australia. This is because some common medications allowed in the U.S. may be restricted or even banned in other countries.

How do I Carry Prescription Medication on a Plane?

For starters, it is a good idea to keep your pills in their original prescription bottles when flying internationally. This helps provide clear proof that the medication is legally prescribed to you. Having the original bottles with the pharmacy labels attached makes it easier for airport security and customs officials to verify your medications.

TSA allows prescription pills in both carry-on and checked baggage. However, it is advisable to keep them in your carry-on bag. This ensures you have access to them during the flight and prevents issues if your checked baggage is delayed or lost. If your medication gets lost or stolen, along with your luggage, travel insurance with baggage coverage can assist in replacing it. You may also consider medical coverage in your travel insurance plan as it can cover medical needs abroad, including emergency doctor visits and hospital stays.

When traveling internationally with liquid medications, TSA recommends carrying them in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less if packed in your carry-on bag. If you have medically necessary liquids that exceed this limit, you should declare them to the TSA officers at the checkpoint. They are allowed, but you need to inform the security staff about them.

Another thing to take notice of is that you should ensure proper considerations for temperature-sensitive medications. For example, insulin for diabetes often needs to be kept cool. In such a case, use a portable cooler or insulated bag with gel packs to maintain the required temperature. Inform the airline staff and security personnel about the process to ensure it is handled correctly during the flight.

Also, if you need to carry injectable medications or medical devices, like EpiPens or insulin pens, these should also be packed in your carry-on bag. You would have to declare these items at the security checkpoint so they can be screened separately. Make sure you have a letter from your doctor explaining the necessity of the medication or device. This is crucial to avoid delays and ensure you have access to your medical supplies when needed.
 

Security Screening at Airports

As discussed above, any medication you are carrying has to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings. When you arrive at the security checkpoint, inform the TSA officer that you are carrying prescription medications. This helps them understand what to expect during the screening process. You may be asked to remove your medications from your bag and place them in a separate bin for screening.

If you prefer not to have your medications x-rayed, you can request a manual inspection. However, be aware that this may take additional time. You must also carry a copy of your prescription and a doctor’s note to avoid any complications during screening.
 

Can you take non-prescription medication on a plane?

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications like pain relievers, cold medicine, and vitamins are allowed both carry-on and checked luggage. Many travellers bring common OTC medications to manage minor health issues during their journey like Tylenol, Advil, allergy medicines, Pepto-Bismol or Tums. It is best to keep them in their original containers though.

When traveling internationally, some countries have specific regulations regarding certain OTC medications. For instance, ingredients like pseudoephedrine, commonly found in decongestants, may be restricted in some countries. Before you travel, check the regulations of your destination to ensure that the medications you are carrying are permitted. If any ingredients are restricted, consult your healthcare provider for alternatives that you can take with you.
 

Taking Medication Overseas

It’s not just about packing your medicine and clearing security at the airport; there’s more to consider. You need to be aware of the laws regarding medications in your destination country. Some medications that are common and legal in the U.S. may be illegal or require special permits abroad. Opioid painkillers like OxyContin are tightly controlled in Japan due to concerns about abuse and diversion. You can usually find this information on the website of the destination country's embassy or consulate.

If you need to refill a prescription while abroad, be aware that many foreign pharmacies cannot fill U.S. prescriptions, so it’s crucial to have a sufficient supply before you travel. In case you need to seek medical help, find out in advance where you can access healthcare services in your destination country. Carrying a letter from your doctor detailing your medical condition and the medications you take can also be helpful.


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What to do if My Medication is Not Allowed?

If you find out that your medicines are not allowed in your destination country, don’t worry; there are alternative options to ensure you stay healthy during your travels. One of the best strategies is to discuss potential alternatives with your healthcare provider before you leave. They can prescribe different medications that are legal in your destination or suggest over-the-counter options available there.

Your doctor can sometimes provide a letter explaining your medical condition and the necessary medication, which can help a local doctor prescribe an equivalent medication. This is especially useful for long-term travelers who might run out of medication while away.
 

FAQs

1. What do you do if your medication is lost or confiscated at the airport?

If your medication is lost or confiscated, contact AXA travel insurance assistance. They can help you find a local doctor to prescribe a replacement and cover any associated costs.
 

2. How do I get my prescription refilled while traveling abroad?

If you run out of your medication on your international trip, visit a local doctor with your original prescription and a doctor’s note explaining your condition.
 

3. Are there any restrictions on bringing supplements or vitamins along?

Check the ingredients of the supplements or vitamins and check the regulations of your destination country to make sure that they are allowed. Please keep them in their original packaging to make the security checks smoother.
 

4. What should I do if I forget to pack my medications before leaving for the airport?

If you realize you forgot to pack your medications, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately. They may be able to advise you on how to obtain a replacement.
 

Also Read: Pre-existing Condition

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More Travel 101

How to Buy Travel Insurance- An Honest Guide

Chances are, you know how important it is to travel insured. On the off-chance that things don’t go as planned before or during your trip, you need travel insurance coverage to account for missed flights, airline delays, medical emergencies, or contingency plans. But how do you go about purchasing travel coverage? For something so important, it’s essential you understand the ins and outs, the how, and the whys — we’re here to take you through the process step-by-step and to help you shop with confidence. It’s also important to read and understand the features and limitations of your plan. 

How to Purchase Travel Insurance 

Buying travel insurance is more straightforward than you might think! All you have to do is choose which buying route you want to take, click order, and purchase online. You get the option to handle things yourself online or get guided professional assistance by phone. 

Online Process 

AXA has made the online travel insurance buying process seamless and user-friendly for anyone who wants to purchase online themselves. Here’s how: 

  1. Fill out the travel insurance quote form with your trip information.  
  2. Review your insurance coverage options.  
  3. Select one of our 3 travel protection plans, customized for your needs.  
  4. Purchase your plan using Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover.  

*If you need assistance, use the chat function at the bottom right of the screen or call a representative at 855-327-1441 (Option 2). Our verified secure payment system, confirmation emails, and 24/7 help lines make your travel insurance shopping experience as safe and seamless as possible.   

Agent-Led Process 

If you want help choosing the right AXA Travel Protection plan, you can call our sales team and speak with a specialist directly. Our agents are here to answer your travel questions: we’ll help generate a quote, walk you through plan benefits in detail, book your plan, and take over-the-phone payments. Feel confident knowing that a trained professional will assist you throughout the process, ensuring that all necessary steps are taken care of. 

For Agent-Assisted Booking: 

  1. Call 855-327-1441, the general line for all things AXA travel insurance.  
  2. Operating hours are from 8 am-7 pm CST, Monday through Saturday.  
  3. Select option 2 to be connected with a team member who can handle it all.  

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Hassle-Free AXA Travel Insurance Quotes  

Not ready to book, but just looking for ballpark costs? We know that the thought of just getting a travel insurance quote can be daunting: you don’t want to commit to a plan yet, and you definitely don’t want to be bombarded with sales calls from tons of companies. 

That’s why AXA makes getting a simple quote just that — simple.   

AXA offers clear, no-obligation insurance quotes that outline your coverage options, specific plan benefits, and how much each policy would cost. You get detailed information upfront so you can make the most informed decision possible. Here’s how:  

Find the Quote Form 

Go to the AXA travel insurance homepage. There is a form at the top entitled “Quote Your Travel Insurance.” 

Fill Out the Form 

To get your insurance quote, you’ll enter some very basic information about yourself and your trip, including your state of residence, the destination country, the number of travelers, and traveler ages. These fields are very straightforward.   

Note for policies for multiple trips: If you need a policy for a trip spanning multiple destinations, just select the destination you’ll be spending the most time in from the dropdown. Also, take a peek at all the destinations in that list. If a given destination isn’t listed, AXA can’t issue a policy for that destination.  

Here are some brief descriptions of the other fields on the quote form:  

  • Travel Departure Date: Select the date you’ll be leaving your state of residence for your trip.  
  • Travel Return Date: Select the date you’ll be leaving your destination country.  
  • First Deposit Date: Select the date that you have (or will) be paying any money for your trip. Qualifying costs include travel agent fees, tour guide fees, or any other fees that make your trip possible.  
  • Total Trip Cost: Enter how much your trip costs. 

*For more information, click the blue “i” icon above each field.  

After you’ve entered all the information on the quote form, click Get a Quote Now at the bottom of the form.  

View Your Coverage Options 

After completing and submitting the form, you’ll get a result like this:  

It shows each of the travel insurance plans available: Gold, Platinum, and Silver. 

In addition, you’ll see the basic benefits of each plan and how much the policies cost. You can click “see more benefits” under each plan to learn more about what would be covered.  

When should I buy Travel Insurance? 

You can purchase travel insurance before your departure! For the widest plan availability, you should purchase your plan immediately after booking your trip. One of the main benefits of getting your travel insurance policy right away is having active coverage in the event of trip cancellations. Given the expenses associated with travel (hotel, flights, and other pre-paid costs), securing travel insurance can help you recover these funds if your trip is disrupted according to the terms of your policy.  

With a travel insurance plan in place, you may be able to recoup some or all of that pre-paid money.  

Can I Purchase Travel Insurance After My Departure? 

Typically, purchasing a travel insurance plan after your departure is not an option. 

For these reasons and more, it is best to get your policy right after booking your trip.  

What to Expect Post-Purchase 

Once you purchase your plan, you’ll receive a few things by email:  

  • Your travel insurance card  
  • Your Confirmation of Coverage 
  • Any other plan documents that apply 

Here’s a sample insurance card and the information you’ll find on it:  

 


 

AXA Travel Protection Plans: An Overview  

Getting travel insurance shouldn’t have to be complicated. That’s why AXA offers three travel protection plans that provide coverage whether you’re taking an international or domestic trip. These plans may help reduce the stress associated with trip is cancellations, unexpected delays, illnesses, and other travel disruptions by providing financial protection and support services. Here’s a little about each AXA Travel Protection Plan:  

Silver Plan 

Going from state to state? Our Silver plan is the way to go. It provides the following basic coverage:  

  • 100% coverage for trip cancellations 
  • $25,000 for emergency accident and sickness medical expenses 
  • $750 for baggage and personal effects protection. 

Gold Plan 

Best for cruises, the Gold plan offers coverage from shore to shore and back. This plan gets you:  

  • 100% coverage for trip cancellations 
  • $100,000 for emergency accident and sickness medical expenses 
  • $1,500 for baggage and personal effects protection. 

Platinum Plan 

Among the three options, the Platinum plan is the most popular, offering the most substantial coverage. Benefits include:  

  • 100% coverage for trip cancellations 
  • $250,000 for emergency accident and sickness medical expenses 
  • $3,000 for baggage and personal effects protection 

Additionally, you can purchase a Cancel for Any Reason insurance add-on with our Platinum plan. 

Note: These are only the basic benefits of each of these plans. Here are some other benefits you may be eligible for depending on your specific plan:  

Learn more about the benefits of the AXA Travel Protection Plan here.  

Buying your Travel Insurance 

So, there you have it - how to buy travel insurance. We hope that the information we’ve shared simplifies the process of buying travel insurance, especially if you go with one of AXA’s travel protection plans. Each plan offers a variety of benefits designed to assist with travel-related risks, enhancing your safety, security, and financial protection while traveling abroad or staying local. We wish you the best as you prepare for your next adventure!  

FAQ 

Can I go to different countries with one insurance plan?  

Yes, you can go to different countries with one insurance plan, provided that that country is covered under your policy and that the policy is active during your trip. Just be sure to disclose your full travel plans (including all destinations) to the travel insurance company.  

Can I buy travel insurance after booking a flight?  

If you’ve already booked your flight and think it’s too late to get travel insurance, don’t worry. You can buy travel insurance after booking your flight. In fact, you can buy your policy until you depart. Remember that the sooner you get your policy, the better your coverage options and benefits may be.  

Sources 

AXA terms and conditions: AXA Travel Insurance. AXA Travel Insurance. (n.d.-a). https://www.axatravelinsurance.com/contact-us/terms-and-conditions  

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection. (2022b, May 17). How do you buy travel insurance? What you need to know. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection. https://www.bhtp.com/how-to-buy-travel-insurance/  

Compare Travel Insurance plans: AXA Travel Insurance. AXA Travel Insurance. (n.d.). https://www.axatravelinsurance.com/our-plans/compare-plans   

How to buy travel insurance. Nationwide. (n.d.). https://www.nationwide.com/lc/resources/home

Travel insurance plans: AXA Travel Insurance. AXA Travel Insurance: Our Plans. (n.d.). /our-plans

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Get AXA Travel Insurance and travel worry free!

Travel Assistance Wherever, Whenever

Speak with one of our licensed representatives or our 24/7 multilingual insurance advisors to find the coverage you need for your next trip.

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