NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

Hi all

I can see some very old posts related to this but I'm wondering if anyone can point me in the right direction.

My husband and I are both diabetic (he is on insulin, I'm on tablets) and have various other medication we have to take daily which are on repeat prescriptions here in the U.K.

I read that there could be a 90 day wait to get a medical card in Canada (forgive me if I'm wrong but as some know on here this has all happened extremely quickly as finally decided to make the commitment to move under a week ago and I was offered a very good job three days ago so trying to take in all the info when moving a family of five is stressful but thank goodness for everyone one here !)

Anyway, my question is how many months NHS medication can you take out if you if you are leaving the UK permanently?

One of my many worries is running out of the meds for literally one day, particularly my husbands insulin .

Do the NHS allow you more than they normally would to take out to another country in this situation?

We have to top up our repeat prescriptions every six to eight weeks.

Thanks

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

Legally you can only take with you and import a 90 day supply of prescription medicine for each named individual supported by appropriate prescription document. Personal imports of prescription medicines by mail or courier are not allowed so before the 90 days supply is exhausted you will need to establish local prescriptions.

Cannot answer re NHS but am sure your GP will likely support a 90 day supply if you explain the circumstances.

Might need to check I guess the practicality of hand carrying a 90 day supply of insulin as well.

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

Ok that's great. Thank you. It just popped in to my head this morning and typically the Doctors are closed when you need an answer!

So I guess really my only other question on this is are you guaranteed a medical card by the time your 90 days are up enabling you to guarantee a urgent top up on your meds ?

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

It appears you're not aware that medications (including Insulin) are not covered by Provincial Medical Schemes, even after three months. If your employer does not provide supplementary medical coverage you will be on the hook for all your medication costs. Many employer plans do not payout 100%. If there is a supplementary plan it may well begin on your first day of employment, hence good for you, but even some of them have a lead-in time.

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

I wasn't aware of that so thank you for pointing that out.

I was looking at extended health care plans yesterday in the event of this being the case but they state they cover pre conditions but they don't actually stipulate whether they include the meds such as insulin, high blood pressure tablets etc . I will get on to looking more in depth .

Thanks again for sharing that with me

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

Each province has its own requirements for eligibility for medical cards/coverage. However, generally speaking, as long as you meet the requirements for whatever province you settle (permanently or temporarily, depending on visa), yes you'll get your card/coverage.

Note that with or without a provincial medical coverage card, you would be able to see a doctor & obtain a prescription. Of course you'd pay for that.

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

Re bolded: depends on province & meds & whatever other medical insurance one has/is required to have. My meds are covered (with a co-pay).

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

Thanks for clarifying. There is a huge amount to learn in a very short space of time so all this is enormously helpful !

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

We are heading to BC (once visa is sorted) so I will delve deeper into this. What is a co pay?!

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

I might not have used the correct terminology ;). Provincial healthcare doesn't cover prescription costs 100% (depending on your situation).

So, depending on province etc, you will pay a part - if not all - of the cost of meds prescribed.

For BC, you could start by reading here:
Health & Drug Coverage - Province of British Columbia

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

Gosh thank you so much . I will get reading

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

Look up Fair Pharmacare, it is seperate from MSP. You need to register for both. Pharmacare benefit is determined by your income from 2 years ago, based on your Canadian tax return. For newcomers http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/he...ents-of-canada
Best to bring notice of tax assessments from HRMC for 2015 and 2014 of other official evidence of income.

The patient pays 100% until they reach as deductible, then they pay 30%, once at the maximum, then nothing. Not all meds are covered.

The more you eanr, the less they pay. Employer extended health plans will usually cover between 80 to 100%, you have to have provincial covergare to get extended though. If you rely on private extended, you will end up paying more than you take out eventuall, as they are not in the business of losing money.

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

:goodpost:

Very true and explained to me once at a conference. Extended health is really only worth it if provided by an employer UNLESS you have the benefit of a crystal ball and know that at some point you will need a crazily expensive drug. They aren't charities and will be looking to recover their costs plus profit.

In reality, most Canadians do not have extended health, this forum is a little biased I think as most ( but not all) are immigrants in well paid jobs compared to the average person- otherwise how did they get here!

OP- be careful- you are excited with your job and the opportunity but you are both diabetics.
You have that wait for a card- its the remainder of the month you arrive plus 2 more.
Then you have to get a GP- hopefully you know there is no entitlement to a GP as per the UK. A sizeable proportion of the population cannot get a GP- 30 % at least in my town.
One factor for you is the diabetes- mentioning that as you scrabble for a GP may get you one- we get paid more for them!!!
If not- you will need to use walk in clinics- most have long waits and will close if the doctor can't see any more ( fees capped).
Prescriptions- you pay for somehow.
Either you pay it- the whole amount plus a dispensing fee.
You can get Fair pharmacare- they pay a proportion after your deductible.
You have Extended health care- if you are lucky- they often pay 80-100%. Some people just have a set amount to use per year.
BUT and its a big but!
Diabetic medication in Canada is expensive.
Metformin is cheap but thats about it.
To qualify for some coverage by Pharmacare, you often need something called Special Authority- the rules depend on the drug. Your doctor needs to apply. I can imagine Walk in clinics would not be happy to do it as extra work and a faff!!
Often the doctor would need to know other drugs tried and the reasons they were changed- very hard for an immigrant.
To make it harder, some of the Extended health care companies also insist on Special authority being applied for- think Blue Cross and now Green Shield- I'm sure others will follow.

I'm hoping you are staring to see your issue! Your meds may cost you hundreds per month- maybe long term dependant on your income/job.
As diabetics you need to factor this in and do some extensive research. There are many Canadians who don't/can't take medication because they just can't afford them.
Look at Pacific Blue Cross | BC Life to see if you can work out costs.

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

That's very helpful. Thanks. I have been looking at that and certainly the diabetes meds are covered so will check the others

I'm abit confused though. On the deductible, what are they deducting it from? You pay 100% , then when do you know when they start deducting ?

Sorry this is probably a really daft question to those that have this as part of daily life , but I can't get it!

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

It depends on your income- as Aviator says.
They go off your Canadian tax return from 2 years ago.
You have to pay all your deductible off before you get a percentage decrease
So say your deductible is $1000- you pay meds to value of $1000- then the next meds maybe you pay 70% of cost to the next tier etc

Try https://www.health.gov.bc.ca/pharmac...lculator.html- entering only for projected income

see also http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/he...ents-of-canada

And http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/hea...re_regular.pdf

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

Interesting. Thank you. That's an eye opener. If we have to pay for it, then that's the way it is and I'm lucky to have a very good job offered and we can cover the costs of need be.

I've only started gaining info on the medical system out there today so still very uneducated about if other than what you guys are telling me.

There is clearly a lot more to learn. Appreciate the links and will look at them now

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

Regarding the bold part. I agree there. My wife was born in Canada and has worked over a dozen jobs in Canada and to date only 1 has offered extended health and it was pretty crummy coverage.

I've had one employer out of probably a dozen offer it. Even the union job I had didn't offer extended health.

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

So surely then, it would be more beneficial to get private coverage if it's so hard to get a doctor? But how would that work with paying your meds? Would they cover that. I assume the price would be extortionate for pre existing conditions as it is here !!

I am completely confused about the different healthcare !! Sorry if the above does not make any sense, but I am lost !

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

If you are talking BUPA style private coverage, that doesn't really exist over here. Doctors have to choose between working in the public sector, or in the private sector, they can't switch hats as they can in the UK.

I use about 32 units of lantus and 50-60 units of Novarapid each day. Without extended health, they would cost me around $350 a month (I think - I don't keep the receipts so I don't know for sure). My test strips cost about $80 a month.

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

Extended health just covers what the provincial plan doesn't.

We don't have the option in Canada for full private insurance.

If not offered through work extended health plans very often cost too much to make them worth it if self paying.

It can be hard to find a doctor and you have to keep your ears open to find one. Ask walk in clinic if they know of any new doctors as one example.

We got our GP by asking the walk in clinic who just happened to know of a new doctor who was accepting patients. He filled his roster within like 3 weeks though so when a doc takes on patients they can fill up fast.

Took me about 8 years in BC before I got a GP the first time as her GP was willing to take me on.

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

Ahh, OK. So, how much (if you don't mind me asking) does that cost with Extended Health ? This is what I am confusing myself with. Is Extended Health, Pharmacare and MPS basically similar to the NHS but you still pay into it?
I am just trying to figure out the way to get ensure my husband is covered, whatever it costs (but would prefer less than more if possible!)

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

OK, I understand. I think a talk with the new boss is needed. I haven't actually accepted the job yet because I am trying to get all this figured out although we absolutely want to come over. Everything has happened so quickly that I haven't had a chance to overly research which of course, is absolutely critical so I am massively appreciative to you all.

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

If you moving to Vancouver ( maybe Victoria and Kelowna also), there are some private GPs which is good if you want continuity of care and prescriptions. But they would charge for everything, you would still need MSP coverage for specialists and hospital. Prescriptions you still pay for as above.
I do not think any Extended health care companies would pay for these private GPs- so out of your pocket- but maybe allowable against tax????- I'm not an accountant!

Re your confusion- as stated by others
Everyone needs MSP coverage
You apply for Fair Pharmacare yourself. In theory everyone should , in practice its mainly those on lower incomes who do, although even if earning a very high wage, IF you have extremely expensive medication its still worth it.
Extended pays for things not covered by MSP- some physio, massage therapy, orthotics, some dental, meds etc
BUT each scheme is different- so read carefully
Some just cover the employee, some whole families. Some are a fixed amount- say $1000 per year- some are a % of everything.

It is very confusing and costs are a significant barrier to good comprehensive medical care for some!

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

If you want insurance for 'extended health cover to include prescriptions or other coverage' for pre-exisiting condition so that prescriptions for example get paid for, then you'll likely find many insurers wont cover you

A google search is needed to find one & to compare what is available

I found one for reference purposes only

https://www.sbis.ca/green-shield-canada.html

or you could contact the Canadian diabetes association

http://www.diabetes.ca/

Good luck to you


.

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

Thanks all.

I am rapidly educating myself on costs from all this superb information and the links given.

It looks like insulin is covered but I still have zero idea of a cost even with Pharmacare etc !! I am sure it will all make sense to me at some point soon (hopefully!). I will absolutely keep up with the research.

Critically, as long as a doctor and insulin will be available after the 90 days of bringing our meds from the UK, then that is my main concern because obviously we can't risk running out of that, not even for a few hours.

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

Not all insulin is covered- only the cheap stuff!!
Costs of meds- is literally the cost
You have a prescription for 21 amoxicillin- the pharmacist wants to sell it to you at $1 per tablet- $21 plus $10 ( approx) dispensing fee- $31 total
You can shop around
Costco tends to be cheapest

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

You can buy meds is COSTCO????!!!! Are you serious !!!:rofl:

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

There is one huge difference between employer paid extended health plans and individual ones. This is that employer paid plans do not discriminate against preexisting conditions. Whether or not your employer will offer an extended benefits plan is one of the first things you need to find out about. Some plans will allow you to remain a member (although you have to pay the premiums) if you part company with the employer.

If it is a pooled plan this could be useful feature. In a pooled plan premiums are set on the claims experience of thousands of members so your high costs will have relatively little effect on the overall claim costs of the plan. If it is individually underwritten then, well, you don't make money from an insurance company.

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

Nope!
They have pharmacies. You don't have to be a member to use it.
Their dispensing fee tends to be about $5 per item but you get what you pay for. Great for most but for complicated seniors who need more of a holistic approach, local is best.

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

That's good to know. I am talking with them again on Monday so am grateful to be armed with all this info for me to ask them. Thanks so much.

Snoopdawg, I had visions of picking up some toilet paper in one aisle and insulin in the next !!

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

No not quite but they do have long queues due to their good prices. If you were to use them, drop off the script go shopping then 4 hours later when you are ready to leave, pick it up! Or get the doctors office to fax in.

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

Prescription glasses from Costco too.

BC is (I think) unique in Canada in that it charges a premium for the Medical Services Plan. This is $150 a month for a family of three or more. MSP covers free-at-the-point-of-use NHS style access to doctors (either GP or walk-in clinic), specialists and hospital treatment.

Everything else you pay for out of pocket unless you have an extended health plan. This includes prescription drugs, dentistry, glasses, physiotherapy and (to save the pill pusher's blushes) what you may call complementary medicine. Almost all kids have orthodontic treatment in their teens and this is expensive.

As mentioned, Fair Pharmacare protects against catastrophic drug costs.

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

Pharmacare don't inform you of what your deductible is, however you can call them and they will tell you once you are registered. You can also get updates on the phone of how much you has contributed in eligible prescriptions.

Pharmacare do not cover lancets and only a limited amount for test strips. They will use a generic drug unless the doc specifies 'brand name only'. If the cheap drug is not effective, they will in some instance approve a higher priced one, or the doc and apply for a 'Special Authority' if there is a good reason to. This does not guarantee it will be covered, but worth a shot.

If you have extended health, this only pays what MSP and Pharmacare don't pay for.

Drug Coverage - Province of British Columbia

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

I think we may just have to stay in the UK purely for the reason of spending four hours shopping in Costco !! I hate shopping and I am female!!

I just saw the $150 premium so that's not so bad. Will have a look at the extended plans next.

So basically, MSP (essential to join), Fair Pharmacare and Extended Health are all necessary join if you self fund but it would be better to go through the company you work for assuming they can provide an extended health plan? Have I finally got it !!??

I still don't understand how the deductible works but one step at a time. I have learnt pretty much everything immigration wise that there is to know thanks to the guys on the immi forum in three days, so this is my next subject !

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

MSP is mandatory. Pharmacare worthwhile, extended if you have a work plan, otherwise too expensive in my view. What you claim this year, they will take back next year in higher premiums.

http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/hea...re_regular.pdf

https://www.health.gov.bc.ca/pharmac...alculator.html

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

OK,got it !! You have all been so helpful. Thank you! Really appreciate the time you have given me with this.

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

Déja vu!

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

Having read many of your posts I think I'll fall off my chair if you don't have very good coverage through your employer. :nod:

Snoopdawg mentioned about this forum not being representative of Canadians in terms of good employer coverage.

It's quite similar to annual leave which appears to be about two weeks normally for Canadians. Those on this forum who get the good medical coverage tend to be those who get the same annual leave allowances common in the UK.

If you know your leave allowance is similar to what you'd get in the UK, chances are your medical coverage is likely as good as it gets and your employer has taken it for granted you expect it.

I can't think of anyone ever posting that they've had well above 'normal' annual leave but not had above normal health benefits. They seem to go hand in hand.

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

Thanks for the confidence !

I will be very interested what they offer.

Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
 

I have Alberta Blue Cross. They give $600 a year towards diabetic supplies (test strips, needles, etc.) Once the $600 is used up, I have to pay for everything myself.

Their policy says that my contribution towards each item on prescription should not cost me more than $25. So, if I have a prescription that gives me lantus, novorapid and test strips, the cost of the test strips is governed by what I have outlined above, and the maximum the lantus and novorapid can be is $25 each. As they allow a maximum of 3 months worth of drugs per prescription, it pays to always request 3 months of each for a cost of $25. If, for example, I requested a months worth of each, each would cost me $25, so would cost $75 for 3 months worth.