Emergencies

There are a number of options for people running out of medication, depending on where you are. It is very important to provide as much documentation as possible in order to get access to the medication required and to limit the cost to you.

If you are stranded overseas you can approach local HIV clinics or support organisations for help. You can search for organisations and clinics by country.

What you pay will depend on where you are. If you have the European Health Insurance card you can use this throughout the European Economic Area to obtain whatever is freely available through the local health system. You will have to pay any local costs that would be normally met by local residents from their own pockets or health insurance.

A similar situation applies for countries with reciprocal health agreements. You can check the list and find out what is freely available and find general advice for British citizens on health care abroad.

Your clinic in the UK should be able to provide a letter by email or fax detailing what treatment you are receiving and what drugs you need - in particular the correct dosages.

An NHS prescription is not valid overseas so you may need to obtain an appointment with a doctor in order to get a prescription. This will not be the case in all countries and it may be possible to buy antiretrovirals without a prescription from a pharmacy.

Emergency situations highlight the importance of having adequate travel insurance that includes HIV cover.