Question
If I move to the US, how can I access HIV treatment?
27 September 2010. Related: Access to treatment, All topics, Travel.
Hi I have met a really nice girl in the US. I live in the UK. I am on meds and one day thinking of moving there what are my options as far as meds are concerned as I know you have to pay for them in the US. Are there any options that I would have as far as help with the cost of meds or would some sort of health insurance cover the cost or would the NHS still cover the cost of meds or help out with the cost of HIV treatment.
Answer
Thank you for your question.
Visiting the US and moving there are different things. Regardless of your HIV status it is difficult to move to the US without a job or family already there. If you are to visit the US then you could speak to your doctors in the UK about the possibility of getting a supply of drugs for the length of time you will be away. As of January 2010, HIV positive people are allowed to visit the USA.
If you get a job in the US and are able to get a visa that way then your employers should provide you with health insurance. You should check that is covers HIV treatment.
If you have family there and want to apply for a visa through them then your need for a supply of HIV treatment may prevent your visa application from being approved.
The NHS won’t pay for HIV treatments accessed in the USA. If you were able to get a visa then you would have to get private health insurance which might be expensive.
For more information on US immigration please follow this link.
Hi, which country are you in and how do you currently get your meds?
Have you contacted he university you are intending to enrol with and asked what medical assistance they can offer? you will also be able to enquire about local/state wide HIV charities in New York.
As the states operate with a private healthcare system, you will need to enquire locally about access. I-base is a UK based charity and we do not have specific information about access in other countries.
Hi, I want to enroll in an exchange program with a university from New York. However, I am still confused about what to do to get my HIV medications with no or low costs. Could you please explain to me about the procedures that I need to go through?
Hi Frank, Germany has no restrictions to entry for people living with HIV. It is advised that you carry a doctors note/prescription detailing that the treatment you’re carrying is for personal use.
There is no restriction on bringing treatment into the country.
Any further information about HIV regulations in Germany can be found here: https://hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=74
Hi,
Am frank,I have the plan of relocating to Germany,but am HIV positive,can I go with 1 year medication,what about the airport is it prohibited?
Hi Yols, when travelling to the US it is important that you carry a doctors note/prescription that details this medication is for personal use. Carrying this will let you be able to enter the US with a years supply of treatment.
Yes you can get a job as a care worker. Being HIV positive will not be a barrier to employment in this sector.
Hi I’m Yols can I travel to USA with prescription of supply of medication up to a year cause I see coverage of 3 months medication. Also can I get a job as a care worker if I’m hiv and on medication.
Hi Florence, yes you can work in Canada. For information about HIV and Canada please see here: https://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=39