Survey: Nearly half of Americans don’t check what prescriptions are legal to pack for international trips, and more than a quarter have had drugs confiscated

With summer travel about to kick into high gear, millions of Americans are planning and packing for their perfect vacation. In May 2024, SingleCare, a free prescription savings service, conducted a survey of 1,048 U.S. respondents, revealing that the overwhelming majority (82%) said they are planning to take a trip this summer. Forty-five percent plan to travel internationally, potentially inspired by popular events taking place abroad this summer, such as the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic games in Paris and the Taylor Swift Eras Tour.

While international travel can provide memories that last a lifetime and fulfill life-long dreams, for the more than half of Americans who take prescription medications, it can also create logistical headaches and the potential for travel nightmares. 

SingleCare recently reported on the prescription drugs that can get you into hot water when overseas, since countries such as France, Japan, Greece, and Singapore impose strict bans on certain medications that are legal in the U.S.—some with severe consequences, including imprisonment. In light of these restrictions and potential repercussions, SingleCare’s survey sought to determine how Americans travel with prescriptions, and to gauge general awareness of regulations on medications in foreign countries. The results may surprise you.

27% of Americans have had their medications confiscated when traveling 

Traveling with prescription medications isn’t always as simple as placing your medication in your luggage and heading to the airport. In fact, SingleCare’s survey revealed that nearly half (48%) of respondents do not declare their prescriptions when they arrive at customs, while 35% of respondents said they’ve hidden their medication in their travel bag due to concern it may be taken by authorities. Perhaps it's no surprise then that over a quarter (27%) of respondents said they’ve had their medications confiscated while traveling!

Of those surveyed, the reason medication was confiscated while traveling was… 

• 54% said they were missing the proper medical documentation for their prescription

• 50% said they did not have their medication in its original container 

• 41% said the name on their prescription did not match the name on their passport

• 40% said their medication exceeded the quantity that they were allowed to bring into the country 

• 22% said their medication was considered to be illegal in the country 

Of those surveyed who said they’ve had their medication confiscated, they experienced the following consequences… 

• 53% said they experienced side effects from missing their medication 

• 45% said their trip was delayed 

• 40% said they were fined 

• 30% said they were detained 

• 22% said they had to return to the U.S. immediately 

• 21% said they faced criminal charges 

• 9% said they had no additional consequences 

Americans are unaware of international laws for prescription and over-the-counter medications 

According to SingleCare’s survey, the majority (77%) expect to take medication on their trip this summer. Despite the majority planning to pack their prescriptions, nearly half (43%) are unsure if their meds are even allowed into the country they’re traveling to. The survey also revealed… 

• Over a third (35%) said they are not aware that some countries have restrictions on certain prescription medications.

• 43% of respondents said they are not aware that some countries have restrictions on certain over-the-counter medications.

• 40% of respondents said they are not aware that some countries have restrictions on certain medications that can lead to criminal charges or detainment, even with a prescription.

• 46% of respondents said that they have forgotten their prescription documentation when traveling. 

While traveling overseas, over a quarter of respondents have lost their prescription

Adhering to your medication regimen is incredibly important, especially when traveling abroad, as it's difficult to get a prescription refilled. SingleCare’s survey uncovered that 28% of Americans have lost their prescription while traveling. Additionally, 32% of respondents said they’ve tried to obtain a prescription or refill while traveling in another country. 

While it’s difficult to get a refill after losing your prescription when traveling internationally, 22% of respondents said they’ve traveled out of the U.S. to obtain a prescription just to get a lower-cost medication. In addition to a lower cost, 7% said they’ve traveled outside the country to get a prescription because they couldn’t access the drug in the U.S. 

Survey methodology

SingleCare conducted this traveling with prescriptions survey online through SurveyMonkey on May 9, 2024. This survey includes 1,048 United States residents, adults ages 18+. Age and gender were census-balanced.