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.
Hello i-base,
I am an HIV positive person on medication and married to an American.
I am moving to the US in few days and plan on taking medication that will last for two months.
Question will there be a problem at the port of entry in NY if they see my ART drugs?
Is there a way I can go in with my medication without any problem or many unwanted questions from customs and immigration?
Thank you.
Hi Henry,
Your question about the USA is answered here
I am HIV positive and on medication, I plan travelling to USA but I want to know if embassy will deny me visa and if they don’t how do I get my arv drugs in USA
Hi Sam,
If you need to access ARVs, you’ll need to have comprehensive health insurance just like Americans do. This is something that you’ll need to inquire about before you move to the US, or as soon as you get there.
Hi I am hiv+ from Nigeria i want to relocate to the US, How do i get access to treatment at affordable cost?
Hi Walex,
Yes you can travel to the UK with ARVs, it won’t be an issue.
Hi I am hiv+ from Nigeria am planning to travel to UK i just want too ask maybe i can travel with my HIV medication to UK
Hi Raya,
I’m sorry but this isn’t something that we can help you with. You’ll need to approach insurance companies directly.
Hi, thank you for your reply. Actually I don want to disclose to people. So, is it ok for me to take any private insurance which cover my checkup , medication and blood checkup. Would you kindly recommend me any best private insurance which cover all these with affordable cost . Because we are low income people. Waiting for your response. Please reply me
Hi Raya,
You’ll need to get health care insurance once you arrive in the USA. If your husband is working there his firm may cover your health insurance. If not, you’ll need to shop around for insurance, just like Americans do.