Diabetes and emigrating
 

I just want to reassure people who like me are/were worried about having the medicals when a member of the family has diabetes.

My husband is type II on insulin. The doctor advised that it didn't matter what level his sugars were at, CIC wouldn't be interested. What apparently is important is that he has a clear kidney xray. (Only done today so we won't know for a while).

So from panic I am feeling quite relaxed now. Just need to start waiting again for the next step!! :o

Re: Diabetes and emigrating
 

to all the peeps who are planning to move there - the only thing to remember:

Meds!!
My cousin (UK) and my Dad(Canada) both have severe type 2 diabetes.
the difference is NHS pays for everything my cousin needs and in Canada OHIP does not cover a thing.

My dad's meds and supplies cost (before privately paid healthcare ie Bupa) are around 400-600 dollars a month. Remember when moving into Canada to check this type of thing, it can make a big hole in any budget.

But good luck and have fun :-)

Re: Diabetes and emigrating
 

Thanks for this information. I have Type 2 and will be moving over in the Fall. I did not realise this and thought it would have been covered :ohmy:! so,

Can someone also tell me if diabetics get annual Diabetic checks etc over there? I also get flu jab over here in the UK which my GP says I should get being a diabetic..

Any other information on this would be very much appreciated.

Thanks :thumbsup:

Julie

Re: Diabetes and emigrating
 

it can be a shock. it is also different coverage per province. OHIP is Ontario. where as the NHS is national

My son's prescription for medicine he takes: monthly cost in UK: free (he is 13 yrs)
the exact same pills in Canada $75 per month before private health care. My hubby has a really good plan thru his work and he pays a overall monthly cost off of his paycheck. But we generally spend alot more than comes off his paycheck.

I can ask my Dad for more info if no one on here pipes up.

:-)

Re: Diabetes and emigrating
 

Thanks so much, that would be helpful...

I currently 1000mg Metformin twice a day, 1 Januvia a day and 1 Simvastatin a day..

I don't know how to go about all of this. I spoke to my GP and he has said he will give me 3 months supply of my meds to start, and this will cover the period I can't get Healthcare. My Boss has told me I will have healthcare after 90 days, so how does it work? Do I pay for the meds initially and claim back a portion on my healthcare??? sorry, but not sure how this all works.

We are coming over on the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Programme, and whilst I am working the PR process will start.

Also, can someone advise what sort of Insurance I may need to take out for the first 3 months were there and which companies are the best?

so many questions, and sorry if I have baffled anyone? lol

Re: Diabetes and emigrating
 

Good Luck.

Re: Diabetes and emigrating
 

Each company offers different programs. some you have to pay first then claim back - other you get a card and it is covered right at the till, but not every pharmacy has that system set up. Most Wal Marts do i think. Some companies cover different percents too. ours is 100% - my dads is 60%

The GP may not be able to exactly match your prescription so you may have to switch after a bit. My dad was just over in the UK and ran out in the last couple of days of one of his and they did not have the same thing that worked the same way. So he was just extra extra careful. Needless to say he got it in the ear from my mom when he got back to Canada.

Re: Diabetes and emigrating
 

It costs my OH about $75 per month. The rest is paid for directly by the healthcare company.
We're in NS and have cover through his work. I believe it's with Manulife. The other staff have said that it's not a good policy and used to be better with the previous company so OH, the boss, is looking at changing it anyway. So as a worst case scenario you might pay $75 or so...

Re: Diabetes and emigrating
 

Hi, here in BC I get a 6 monthly review with my GP. You also get retinopathy screening annually. Metformin is not too expensive, it's insulin that costs a lot and test strips. Metformin costs approx $30 for 3 months supply,but I only pay a portion of that.
The flu jab is free and also free for family members who live with you.
Hope that helps.
Sally

Re: Diabetes and emigrating
 

There are several threads on here that both I and Almost Canadian have commented in because we're both diabetic, look them up for more info.

Re: Diabetes and emigrating
 

Thanks to all of you who have replied... :thumbsup:

It gives me some idea what I need to do and I shall look up on the forum for other threads relating to this as advised.

Thanks again

Julie:D

Re: Diabetes and emigrating
 

As diabetes needs regular checks and of course medicine, I wondered if anyone has experience with asthma medication and check ups in Canada?


Thanks

Mike

Re: Diabetes and emigrating
 

^^^^^^^
I second this.

The one thing worth noticing ist that Lantus is now covered by Blue Cross. That was a very welcome surprise when I last had my prescription filled.

To the OP. In my experience, diabetics are expected to seek their own checkups here. In England, I attended screening at my local hospital where they performed HbA1C (or whatever it is called) screening twice a year and checked my eyes during each visit. Simply, that does not happen over here unless you request it.

I haven't ever had my eyes checked (been here 5 1/2 years) and I attend blood test when they are required (usually, when I need to obtain a new prescription or when my driving licence is up for renewal). Which brings me to another point: In Alberta at least, the length of time your licence will be valid for will depend upon the whim of the administrator that grants it. When I first arrived, my lastest blood score was all that was really looked at and I was given a 2 year licence (normally they are for 5 years), the next time I had an identical blood score and was given a 1 year licence, the next time, again, identical blood score and was given a 3 year one. Totally bizarre!

Re: Diabetes and emigrating
 

They changed that reg in February, now has to be a full five year licence or they have to kick it back to Edmonton for a ruling.

Re: Diabetes and emigrating
 

And... better yet... they now cover blood glucose test strips: http://alberta.ca/acn/201202/3195586...A5E21CE55.html

Up to $600 anyway, but that should be a few months supply at least.

Although I suppose this now means AHCIP are going to start asking questions about your usage so they can ration the things like they do with insulin. :sneaky: