Six Weeks Before Departure — See Your GP
☐ Book a pre-trip medication review appointment — tell GP you are going grey nomading
☐ Request three-month supplies of all stable chronic medications
☐ Request electronic prescriptions (eScripts) for all medications — not paper
☐ Ask GP to set up or update your My Health Record
☐ Request a standing pathology order for INR testing if you are on warfarin
☐ Discuss Schedule 8 medications — get documentation and plan supply carefully
☐ Ask GP whether any of your medications affect driving
☐ Register with NDSS if diabetic and not already registered (ndss.com.au)
☐ Confirm DVA telehealth cover if you hold a DVA Gold Card (1800 555 254)
Before Departure — Visit Your Pharmacist
☐ Set up Active Script List at your regular pharmacy (bring mobile and 100 points ID)
☐ Confirm all current prescriptions are loaded on your ASL
☐ Ask pharmacist to check your medication storage temperatures for travel conditions
☐ Buy a digital min/max thermometer for your fridge medication zone (under $20)
☐ Buy an insulated medication bag for refrigerated medications
☐ Stock sufficient supply — minimum 3 months for long trips
☐ Photograph all medication labels — store photos in cloud, not only on phone
☐ Save your pharmacist's phone number in your mobile contacts
Medication Storage in Your Van
☐ Never store medications in the closed van in direct sun — temperatures reach 60-80°C
☐ Store non-refrigerated medications in a cool, dark location in the van — not the glovebox
☐ Store refrigerated medications in the middle of the 12V fridge — away from back wall and freezer zone
☐ Check min/max fridge thermometer each morning — replace if below 0°C or above 8°C repeatedly
☐ Keep insulin and freeze-sensitive medications in an insulated bag in sleeping area on cold nights
☐ If fridge fails — insulated cooler bag with ice packs buys 6-8 hours
☐ Do not use medications that have been stored outside recommended temperature range — replace them
If You Run Out or Lose Medication on the Road
☐ Step 1: Call your home GP for a telehealth consultation and eScript
☐ Step 2: Call the nearest pharmacy — ask if they have a prescribing pharmacist (QLD especially)
☐ Step 3: Ask pharmacist about Continued Dispensing if you cannot reach your GP
☐ Step 4: Three-day emergency supply available at pharmacist's discretion (state legislation)
☐ Never drive to a distant pharmacy without calling ahead to confirm they stock your medication
Key Contact Numbers
☐ Your home GP — save mobile number for direct contact
☐ Your home pharmacist — save direct number
☐ 13SICK after-hours GP: 13 74 25
☐ DVA pharmacy enquiries: 1800 552 580
☐ DVA general enquiries: 1800 555 254
☐ PBS enquiry line: 132 290
☐ Healthdirect (health advice line): 1800 022 222
☐ Emergency (all states): 000