Drug costs in Australia

[Lilo]

I am travelling for a year and would like to compare between buying a full year's worth here (US) or get a new prescription when there (Melbourne). Most places are cheaper than the US but really dont know. I currently pay ~$90/month for E patch. The rest of the meds are really cheap. Hope this is OK to post here.

[RADER]

Some country's will not let you take in meads more than for a few days or so.
And you have to have a local Doctor to prescribe a drug for you.
Rader

[Lilo]

Really? Even insurance companies have policies that allow you to make special requests for stocking up on meds for up to 6 months for travel. Seems like a hassle for a temporary stay but I will probably still see a doctor there. In any case bringing E patches would be super easy. My doctor here recomended stocking up to keep the same regimen.

Updated: Rader you are right. Australia limits meds to 3 months. Interesting.

[DreamRin]

Isn't there any way around the 3 month limitation?
Maybe you could contact a medical center there in Melbourne to see if they can prescribe you the patches!

[Lilo]

Sure. One can just go to a doctor there. Originally, I was just curious about the price difference.

[Kate T]

Just double check what the doctor would require to write the prescription. Try contacting gendercentre.com , they are in Melbourne and would be able to help with advice on medical practitioners. They might want history from your supervising GP / Endo or possibly a letter. You will need a script from an Australian doctor to be supplied with a prescription medication from a pharmacy in Australia. Also if you are on a specific brand of patch make sure that the script is written for that brand as Australian pharmacies can supply generics of a scripted medication without needing authority from the prescribing doctor.

Other than that unless you have come from a country with reciprocal arrangements you will probably have to pay full price for your meds as opposed to the PBS price (typically limited to $31 per script).

If you intend to bring meds from home, particularly if you are bringing a large volume, make sure you 1) get a covering letter from your doctor explaining what they are for (only needs to be 2-3 lines) and 2) DECLARE them at customs and immigration when you arrive in Australia. Ot os much easier just declaring them and 9 times out of 10 the customs officer will look at the letter, check one box and send you on your way. If you don't declare them and they find them in a spot check or on X-ray or sniffer dog, then it just gets them all ansi and they might decide to search ALL your luggage!

Safe Trip

[Lilo]

Thank you Adina. This is super useful information!