How to get Rx filled overseas

[Anonymous]

I will be traveling to multiple countries over 9 months and have to fill prescriptions. My pharmacy benefits manager is Optum Rx and does not have an international program. They say none of the “big 3” can help. Are there any companies who can manage my prescription globally?

[Anonymous]

Do you have a friend or relative who can ship refills to you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you have a friend or relative who can ship refills to you?

This. We lived overseas and this was much easier than trying to transfer things. However, it depends on the prescription and the country.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you have a friend or relative who can ship refills to you?

This! But beware that a lot of places will not let you ship meds into the country. For example, I sent some cold medicine to my niece in Italy and the government wouldn't allow it in. They wanted her doctor's RX and he rightfully refused since he had no idea what I was sending.

[Anonymous]

As PP’s have observed, a lot depends on the country. You need to know (1) if the medication is even permitted there; (2) whether that changes if it is on a (to them) “foreign” prescription; and (3) what, if any, quantity limits might apply. I recall stories of people getting in trouble bringing even small amounts of destination-unapproved medicine into Japan on a U.S. prescription.

After that, it depends to some extent on the medication. Some generic medicines are extremely inexpensive even without insurance. For those, it makes sense to stop letting the insurance company control your life and just get your doctor to write you a second script to self-pay for the trip. For more expensive stuff you can ask about alternatives that might be cheaper, or bite the bullet. Alternatively, depending on the lead time you may be able to schedule refills a few days early or otherwise work with your doctor to build up a supply.

Depending on the destination you may find local clinics catering to foreigners in your situation, who need access to local medicine. Your destination hotel(s) may be able to point you in the right direction, or if not you might contact the concierge at one of the posh places that cater to foreigners.

[Anonymous]

Reading further, I note the 9 month duration. I’m afraid you’re going to need local doctors.

[Anonymous]

My sister spent a year abroad in a developing country with very little healthcare infrastructure. She was on several prescriptions and brought a year’s supply with her. Insurance didn’t cover it though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I will be traveling to multiple countries over 9 months and have to fill prescriptions. My pharmacy benefits manager is Optum Rx and does not have an international program. They say none of the “big 3” can help. Are there any companies who can manage my prescription globally?

Try working with them to get an exception to fill the whole 9 months before you go. Or at least 6 months, which will give you time to figure out a local situation.

[Anonymous]

Get them locally.

[Anonymous]

Call your Insurance company to request a travel exception to fill 9 mo of meds to take with you

[Anonymous]

Agree with others that you should try to get a travel exception, except I know it is impossible for some prescriptions (like stimulants or opioids). Honestly, it was impossible to get a stimulant prescription from out of state when we forgot meds at home. The state wouldn't accept the prescription from my doctor since she was not licensed in that state, urgent care rand the ER both refused (we called but didn't not go in).

If it is stimulants and you somehow many to get a multiple month supply you mean need to seek permission from the country before bringing it in. This may apply to other drugs as well.

All I am saying that you should 1) research the countries you are going to and see whether the drug is allowed in the country and whether special permission is needed, 2) seek a vacation exception, and 3) seek local contacts

[Anonymous]

Get an exception from your insurance. It is covered by insurance if you go that route.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: Call your Insurance company to request a travel exception to fill 9 mo of meds to take with you

This. I administer benefits at my company and I’ve helped a few employees get this exception.

[Anonymous]

Also, see if your prescriptions are over the counter medicine in your destination country. I was surprised how much more accessible medicine is in Europe over the counter.

[Anonymous]

Many countries have limits on the amount you of medication can bring in (eg 30 or 90 day supply).

I found thyroid medication super easy to find over the counter but some countries are like US and you’ll need to see a doctor for an Rx.