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 am Florence am HIV positive in treatment, can I get ajob like care giver in canada.
Hi Nafula, yes you can get a job in the US. You can travel with your medication. It is advised to carry a doctors note/prescription which shows the medication is for personal use.
Can I be able to get a job in us with HIV positive condition and if yes can travell with my medicines for one year? Or so
I want to travel to USA for a visit for 6 months before coming back. Can I travel with my med for the of my staying in the US.
Hi Rebecca, yes you can travel with your meds while you are in the US. It is often advised to carry a prescription/doctors note with you that confirms that this medication is for personal use.
Hi Elia
US healthcare is complicated.
Please contact a US organisation in the State where you plan to move to.
Your own details, including age and income will determine whether you can access HIV meds.
Simon
Hi. My parents live in the united states for over 25 years. There originally from Canada. I am planning on moving home with them. Can I get my HIV medication covered?
Hi Esther, being HIV positive does not prevent you getting a work visa in Canada. Treatment will be accessed in Canada after being granted a visa.
I want to fry to Canada for the work but am going to go as a visitor with time can I access a work permit and residence when am hiv positive but on treatment from Uganda
Hi Suzi, access to HIV medication in America is not as simple as in other countries. Are you looking to move to America? and if so are you being sponsored for a job?
As i-base is UK based and their are a number of factors that affect access in the UK, I am unsure as is your treatment will be free. Are you able to contact local HIV charities in the state that you will be going to ask about their own insurance and access policies?