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.
Can I get HIV medication for free in America like in other countries here in africa
Hi Tope, yes you can work in the US.
Please I am hiv-positive please can I work and live in US
Hi Janet, HIV is not required to be disclosed on US visa applications. This is because the US does not consider HIV a ‘communicable’ disease. For this reason, if this is a question it should be ticked as ‘no’.
If you are travelling with your medication, it is best to keep them in their original packaging. You will also need to carry a doctors note written in english. This is to explain the medication is for your personal use and that you require it with you.
Please l want to travel to the USA through visa from my dad …l need help now because he doesn’t know my status please .Am working on my visa now and wants to know more in order not deveit when I get to the embassy . thanks
Hi Arron, as i-base is a UK based company I cannot speak for the requirements of access to US medical care. Have you tried talking with your local US embassy?
Hi,,
What kind of documents do I need to get Iv treatment in the US as an international student ?
Hi John
Health care and insurance in the US is very complicated, when your look for health insurance you’ll need to ask potential insurers what they do and don’t cover. If you’re moving to the US for work, then you’ll need to ask the insurance company who your employer uses what they cover. If you’re moving to the US on a student visa, your university should be able to advise you about health care and insurance.
Does medical insurance covers for hiv treatment in the US for foreigners?
Hi Nompumezo,
There are no entry restrictions to the USA for people who are HIV positive. Please see this link to HIV travel.
You might need a doctor’s note that says the meds are for your personal use. You could ask the college about this and try to find out? You may want to do this without giving your personal details though.