Lost Luggage in Edinburgh? How to Replace Your Medication

Your flight has landed and your suitcase has not, and your medicine is inside it. Report the bag before you leave the airport, tell the airline your medicines are in it, and then work out how long you can safely go without them. If the answer is less than a day or two, do not wait for the bag: come to the pharmacy and ask for the pharmacist.

This page takes you through the first few hours. What we can supply depends on which country your doctor is in, which is explained in full in our guide to medication help for tourists in Edinburgh.

At the airport: what to do before you leave

1. Go to the airline's baggage desk before you go through to arrivals, if you still can. Airlines work through handling agents, so ask staff if you cannot see the desk.
2. Fill in a report. You will get a reference number. Take a photo of it.
3. Say that your medicines are in the bag, and ask how quickly it can reach you. Some airlines can prioritise this.
4. Give the address where you are staying, and a phone number that works in the UK.
5. Ask what essentials the airline pays for, and what receipts it needs.

If you have already left the airport, do this online or by phone using the airline's baggage page. Do it the same day where you can, as airlines and insurers can have time limits for reporting.

How long can you wait?

A delayed bag can arrive within a day or two, but there is no guarantee. A missed vitamin does not matter. Other medicines do, and you should not wait for the bag if you take any of the following:

• insulin or other diabetes medicines
• epilepsy medicines
• long-term steroid tablets
• blood thinners or heart medicines
• high blood pressure medicines
• an inhaler you may need at short notice
• the contraceptive pill, where a late start can reduce protection

If you are not sure about your own medicine, ask a pharmacist. If you have crossed several time zones, ask about that too, because the timing of insulin, the pill and some other medicines may need a small adjustment.

Find out exactly what you take

With the box in your suitcase, you will need another way to show the pharmacist what you take. Look for a photo of the label or box on your phone, an email from your pharmacy, or your prescription history in a health app. Someone at home can take a photo of anything left behind. If your medicine came with a card or alert, such as for steroids, insulin or blood thinners, look for a photo of that as well. Your pharmacy or doctor at home can confirm the details too, so check whether they are open and note the time difference.

Try to get the active ingredient as well as the brand name, with its strength and your usual dose. Brand names differ between countries, and the active ingredient is what we need to find the right medicine here. If you are not sure, don't worry. You can still come to the pharmacy, and the pharmacist will check.

Which route applies to you

• Doctor in the EU, EEA or Switzerland: a pharmacist can consider an emergency supply of a medicine you have been prescribed before. It is limited to 30 days for most medicines.
• Doctor elsewhere in the UK: the same emergency supply route applies.
• Doctor anywhere else: a pharmacy cannot make an emergency supply. You need a new prescription from a UK prescriber. We can help by issuing a private prescription by one of our Independent Prescribing (IP) Pharmacists following a consultation where appropriate.

If your prescription was not in the bag, it may be possible for us to dispense it. Our guide to prescriptions from abroad explains when that is allowed.

Come in and see us

Bring your phone, your baggage reference and your passport to the pharmacy. There is no need to book, or to be staying nearby. Tell us at the start that your luggage is missing, as it saves time.

• Address: 45 Forrest Road, Edinburgh EH1 2QP
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm (closed Sunday)
• Phone: 0131 225 7770

What we will ask you

The pharmacist needs to speak to you directly. You will be asked about your condition, your usual dose, your last dose, your doctor, any other medicines and any allergies. We also ask when you expect the bag and when you fly home, because that tells us how much you need.

Controlled and specialist medicines

Controlled drugs are the main problem: strong opioid painkillers and ADHD stimulants cannot be given as an emergency supply, and they are the medicines most likely to be questioned or restricted when you travel. If one of these was in your bag, tell us straight away, and tell the airline as well. You will probably need to see a UK prescriber, so start early rather than waiting for the bag.

Devices and supplies

Lost luggage can also mean lost spacers, pen needles, test strips, sensors or chargers. Tell us what is missing. Some items we can sell or order, and others you may need to get from the manufacturer's helpline. Keep receipts, as these can often be claimed too.

Claiming the cost back

Most visitors pay privately for an emergency supply or a private prescription, and we tell you the cost first. You may be able to claim this back.

• From the airline: many pay for essential items while a bag is delayed. Ask what they cover before you spend money if you can.
• From your travel insurance: many policies cover lost medicines and delayed baggage. Phone their helpline early.
• What to keep: your baggage reference, every receipt, and a note of what the pharmacist supplied and why.

How to protect yourself next time

Always carry medicines in your hand luggage, and take a few days more than you need. Photograph each label, and save the generic names in your phone. If you travel with someone else, each of you can carry part of the supply. A letter from your doctor in English is useful if you take anything important, and essential if it is controlled.

Frequently asked questions about lost luggage and medication

The airline says my bag will arrive soon. Should I wait?

Only if you have enough medication to ensure that you do not miss doses.

I have no proof of my medicine at all. Can you help?

Yes. Please come in. We can try to confirm the details with your pharmacy or doctor at home. If we cannot, we will explain what to do next.

Will the airline pay for my medicine?

Some do, as an essential item, but the rules vary. Ask them, and keep your receipt.

Can I buy any of my medicines without a prescription?

Some, depending on the medicine. However, if the medication you are prescribed is a prescription-only medication in the UK, then you will require a prescription written by a UK prescriber. In this scenario, one of our Independent Prescribing (IP) pharmacists will be able to assist. A medicine sold freely at home, may need a prescription in the UK.

My bag never came back. What then?

Speak to your insurer and the airline. For your medicines, tell us how long you are staying so we can help you plan, and speak to your doctor at home about your next supply.

Related reading

For the wider rules for overseas visitors, see our guide to medication help for tourists in Edinburgh.

• Can a pharmacy in Scotland accept a prescription from abroad?
• Fallen ill on holiday in Edinburgh? A guide for overseas visitors
• Emergency prescription service at Forrest Pharmacy

Reviewed by Ather Diab, Pharmacist and Independent Prescriber (GPhC 2233707). Forrest Pharmacy, 45 Forrest Road, Edinburgh EH1 2QP. Last reviewed: 7th November 2026.

This page gives general information and is not a substitute for an individual assessment. A pharmacist only supplies a prescription-only medicine after checking this is legal and suitable for you, so we cannot guarantee a supply. In an emergency, call 999.

Sources: Human Medicines Regulations 2012, regulation 225; NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Community Pharmacy Services, version 2.0, June 2026; GOV.UK, Prescriptions issued in the EEA and Switzerland, guidance for pharmacists; all checked 2 November 2026.