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

Answer: Charlotte Walker

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.