HSMP & Health

I have successfully gained HSMP Visa and entry clearance. I am leaving my job this week and will be moving to London on the 26th of August. My question is what to do with my prescriptions? I am on Ortho-trycyclen (birth control) and Vioxx (anti inflamatory). Can I transfer them, or do I have to get a doc in London to prescribe me? How much will they cost in the UK, and do I need to carry cobra, or am I eligible for National Health care?

thanks-

Jessie

Hi, Jessie!

You are entitled to NHS care as soon as you become a resident, one who resides in the UK.  Once you arrive, you will be a resident.  As soon as you can, go to your nearest health center and register.  It's a good idea to take something with you that proves your address.  Tell the receptionist that you will need prescriptions soon.  You will need to be seen by a nurse for intake before you see the doctor.  Once you see the doc, your BC and repeated prescriptions will be easy to obtain.

I just registered today at my local health center.  I see the nurse on Thursday and the doc on next Tuesday.  The whole interaction took maybe 5 minutes.

I don't know how much your scrips will cost.  Much less than COBRA payments.

Chris

Your prescriptions will cost £6.00. They will give you the UK equivalent or nearestthing to what you were taking back home, just inform your doctor.

That is incorrect they will cost nothing    All birth control is free in the UK.

make sure you bring the original box for your birth control (and maybe the vioxx..dunno)...the doctor will need to see the ingredients because there's no ortho-tricyclen here...just an equivalent...still works just as well, though!