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jsbankston · Joined: 12 Sep 2006 Posts: 214 Location: Texas

This is a broad question, but is it fairly easy to fill prescriptions in the various countries you've worked in? I take medication for sinusitis, thyroid problems, and cholesterol. But I would think stocking up on a year or more's supply of each would be prohibitively expensive.

tedkarma · Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 9:22 am Post subject:

Most countries have far less expensive medicines - and sometimes even local generics that are 1/10th the cost back "home". Depends a bit on what country you live in - but most countries won't even require a prescription.

Some countries will require one - but you just have to go see the doctor on the corner. Take a note from your current doctor explaining what you need. Doctors around the world can read English pretty well - as many of their text books at medical school were in English. The last doctor I saw for a prescription (in Korea) charged me US$6 for the office visit and Rx.

You will surprised and happy about how easy it is.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

I think the answer lies in the type of medical insurance you have. For example, in Japan, if you have national health insurance, you are usually not covered for pre-existing illnesses. (One way around that is to simply go in for a "checkup" and get diagnosed with what you already know you have, then get medication prescribed.)

Realize, though, that certain medication may be different than what you usually get, depending on the culture of the medical community. And, as in Japan, the dosage may be different (lower here) for many drugs that are prescribed.