Infusion abroad

stephibabe2
stephibabe2 Member Posts: 60
edited 4. Jul 2013, 04:33 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi, I have been on the infusion of Toczilizimab for just over a year now. I am looking into spending a few months in America next year and was just wondering if anyone has had any experience of having an infusion outside of the UK? Is it possible to do this and is it quite easy to arrange?

Thanks! Steph

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I have absolutely no idea but I do urge caution: the NHS works free at the point of use over here (and in fellow EU countries if you have the right paperwork) but more than likely not in the States. You may have to pay a very hefty bill, not only for the drug but also for the 'use' of the hospital and nurses. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I would echo DD's words 100%. Getting an infusion would probably not be much of a problem but funding it.... :shock: Everything medical costs in the USA. There are no reciprocal health arrangements. The cost of tocilizumab is, I believe, somewhere between $1,000 - $2,000 per month. Then you'd need to pay the medics too.

    Maybe your first port of call should be a specialist travel insurance company.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • stephibabe2
    stephibabe2 Member Posts: 60
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for the advice! I see what you mean about the cost, not sure I will be able to afford to pay for it myself :( Do you think a insurance company would cover an infusion? Looks like it will be something I would have to research into. It will be unfortunate if I would be unable to go due to the infusion.
    Thanks again for the help, Steph
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    My point about the specialist travel health insurers was that they might have some experience of how people deal with this kind of problem. I don't think there's a chance that they'd pay for it. The only person who might take on the costs is your employer if it's a work-related visit. I guess you could ask your rheumatologist if there's any way round it but personally I just can't see one. I'm sorry but these meds are very expensive.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright

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