Ex pat Healthcare in Oz

scorpio
scorpio Member Posts: 159
edited 22. Aug 2012, 04:30 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi all, I was just wondering whether an ex pat in Oz would get cover for Humira..............strange question I know, but I hoped one of you helpful people would know the answer

Thanks in advance

Comments

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I'm not quite sure what you're asking here. Are you saying you're a British ex-pat now living in Australia? Or are you planning a holiday there? Or are you a British ex-pat, living in a European country, but planning a visit to Oz? And, what do you mean by 'cover'? Do you mean can you get it free? Or can you take it into the country? Or can you get health insurance while on humira?

    I would never travel anywhere without adequate health insurance and it can cost more if you have pre-existing conditions. I think Australia would give basic medical care in an emergency without insurance but only for the emergency and, as I understand it, they'd charge for an ambulance and repatriation.

    Maybe this site will help. http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/general-guidance-for-travellers-bringing-medicines-to-and-from-australia
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • scorpio
    scorpio Member Posts: 159
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I am considering a permanent relocation to Australia as a teacher and wanted to know if I could still get Humira whilst there and if this is possible, what are the costs to me.

    Sorry but typing on my iPhone is difficult.... Haha
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I think all Aussies have health insurance so I can't see why they'd give healthcare free to Brits.

    Unfortunately, we arthritics are an expensive lot. I think (though I'm not sure) the average cost of a Humira jab is around £1,000 so I imagine the insurance would be costly. Try the site I gave you as a starting point.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    I dont know about humira but everything costs over there.....pre arthur I lived in Australia for a couple of years and went to the GP for a repeat prescription.....just anticonvulsants.....normal repeat. He charged me $10 and that was many yrs ago.....{1968} just for scribbling a prescription :shock:
    I eventually did a deal with him after a few visits and he said OK half price if its only your repeat but if you have even a sniffle you pay the full price....then he said "if all my patients were like you how could I afford to bet on the GG's" :lol:
    I know that doesnt answer your question....sorry ...hope you get a more sensible answer

    Love
    Hileena
  • LignumVitae
    LignumVitae Member Posts: 1,972
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Mr LV tells me that it's a similar set up to over here- you pay through your taxes and receive Medicare...he does regularly tell me how much better treatment generally is over here and, wait for it, no sniggering, how much faster our system is. Hope that helps a bit,
    Love LV xx
    PS if you do go, watch out for spiders, snakes, kicking kangaroos, sharks and mud crabs
    Hey little fighter, things will get brighter
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    The one thing I found {although it didnt apply to me at that time} was you have to pay for ops in advance and then claim them back

    Love
    Hileena
  • petals
    petals Member Posts: 217
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Look here www.pbs.gov.au

    Best wishes petals x.
  • scorpio
    scorpio Member Posts: 159
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for all of the warm replies, i really appreciate your help and advice - as always