Maymona

Hi everyone,

I've got a job offer in a Kuwait university and I'm currently going through the visa process. I've been asked to provide a general medical report by my GP to show that I'm fit to work. This includes tests for HIV, TB, Hep B, Hep C, Filarsis, Malaria, Syphillis. My GP said they don't do these tests routinely and I'd have to do them privately which will cost a whooping £560!!

Any ideas where I can get these tests done without breaking my bank balance? Like a travel package or something of the sort?

Thanks,
May

UKCityGent

You could go to a sex clinic and get tested for the HIV, Syphillis and possibly the hep b & c.

Dont bother to do the elephantis - i never did it and nothing was mentioned.

I went to a quacks in harley street and it was all done in an afternoon but it did cost around the GBP 600 mark.

Can you not claim the money back ?

Welcome to the State of Kuwait

Maymona

£600!! That's alot
I'm going to call a sexual health clinic tomorrow and see if it's any cheaper. But the thing is, would they do it as part of a medical check for work, or only if someone is concerned that they've contracted an infection?

Yes I can claim the money back but I feel awful spending almost £500 on blood tests!

Thanks. Are you based in Kuwait? Do you have any tips with regards to finding affordable accommodation?

UKCityGent

Hi

One of my friends did the tests at the clinic - it was free from memory.

If you can claim the money back why go thru the hassle of arranging appointments etc when one appointment covers it all.

I'm based in Kuwait - in sunny salmiya.

I thought the University would provide accommodation - however if they dont then you could be looking at 400KWD to 500 KWD per month depending on the area you want, furnished or not, seaview or not etc - all depends on your budget.

Maymona

Thanks for your help. The university doesn't provide accommodation - they pay for it separately within the package. Is 400KD for one-bedroom? I only need one bedroom or two maximum. Do you recommend any online websites to hunt for a flat?

On another note, I've contacted a few travel clinic and they said they don't do blood tests for Malaria - they just give tablets as a preventative measure. Does a Malaria blood test actually exist here?

Maymona

My GP says the employer/embassy should provide a 'health check form' that needs to be filled in when carrying out the medical check. Is this supplied by the embassy or the university? I didn't find any info on their website!

*EDIT: This is not for the blood tests per se. It's for the 'fit to work' medical check.

UKCityGent

My GP just wrote a letter saying i was fit and healthy (and had to pay GBP25 for it)

Dont you agencies for looking for an apartment - they are the biggest waste of spaces. I dont know which Uni so 400KWD may or may not be enough..

Maymona

My GP is clueless! What should I tell her to examine, since there is no form to fill in?

UKCityGent

Just tell them to write that she has known you for x years and after performing a full medical checkup there are no issues identified and you are fit, healthy and able for employment.

My quack did not even take my temperature - just told me to stop smoking about 20 years ago (however i have outlived him !!)

badeface

99% of the time the employer pays for it. You must ask.