Buying Libre Abroad

Messages
9
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Hello all, not sure if I'm in the right place. I wanted to ask whether anybody has experience of buying libre (Or any cgm) abroad. I am hoping to travel for a year and cannot cope without my cgm. The countries I'm visiting are Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, India (And probably more but I don't know them yet). My original plan was just to buy extra to take away with me but this has been thwarted by libre limiting customers to 2 a month. I'm aware I could buy dexcom but thought I'd explore this avenue first as it will save me having to carry a years worth.
Any advice is greatly received!
 

DCUKMod

Master
Staff Member
Messages
14,298
Type of diabetes
I reversed my Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Hello all, not sure if I'm in the right place. I wanted to ask whether anybody has experience of buying libre (Or any cgm) abroad. I am hoping to travel for a year and cannot cope without my cgm. The countries I'm visiting are Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, India (And probably more but I don't know them yet). My original plan was just to buy extra to take away with me but this has been thwarted by libre limiting customers to 2 a month. I'm aware I could buy dexcom but thought I'd explore this avenue first as it will save me having to carry a years worth.
Any advice is greatly received!

Sarahsarah - The Libre isn't on sale in every country, as yet, and if the product isn't on sale where you are Abbott won't ship it to you there. To be clear, that was my experience a while ago, with a couple of wonky sensors whilst overseas, in the Tropics. (They may have rrelaxed that stance by now for all I know.)

Secondly, not all countries use the same measuing units, and as such some of the kit may not work consistently with your reader.

I don't know the answerr to you issue, but just thought I throw my thoughts out there to be shot down in glorious flames. :)
 
Messages
9
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Sarahsarah - The Libre isn't on sale in every country, as yet, and if the product isn't on sale where you are Abbott won't ship it to you there. To be clear, that was my experience a while ago, with a couple of wonky sensors whilst overseas, in the Tropics. (They may have rrelaxed that stance by now for all I know.)

Secondly, not all countries use the same measuing units, and as such some of the kit may not work consistently with your reader.

I don't know the answerr to you issue, but just thought I throw my thoughts out there to be shot down in glorious flames. :)
Haha thanks. I mostly use the app so thought I could download the local app if I'm able to get sensors. This info is partially helpful thank you! Think I may just have to win the lottery and use dexcom!
 

Bittern

Well-Known Member
Messages
248
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Could you get them posted by a family member/friend at suitable interval via Post Restante to specific places ie big cities?
 
Messages
9
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Could you get them posted by a family member/friend at suitable interval via Post Restante to specific places ie big cities?
I've considered this as an option but concerned in case they don't arrive. Really trying to consider all options at the minute. This has been helpful. Thank you
 

Alexandra100

Well-Known Member
Messages
3,738
Type of diabetes
Prediabetes
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Oh. Interesting. I will look into this. Thank you
There have been several threads discussing the availability and price of sensors, since Abbott has started dragging its feet. My experience with Superdrug is that sensors are not on offer on their website, you have to order from a branch and not all are equally clued-up. Also, if they have not sold the sensors before, they have to register with Abbott, so that delays things. In my town there are two Superdrugs with pharmacies. One took at lest 10 days to come up with a sensor, but the other knew exactly what I was talking about, had already ordered for someone else, and got my sensors in a day or two. There is also variability as to what evidence they want for VAT exemption. The official Superdrug line is that you fill in a form, but mine just asked me to bring in evidence that I was using some diabetes medication. My prescription repeat form sufficed, and a packet would also have been acceptable. The good news is that ex-VAT Superdrug sells sensors for £35. But maybe as a T1 you get them free?
 

Alexandra100

Well-Known Member
Messages
3,738
Type of diabetes
Prediabetes
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
The good news is that ex-VAT Superdrug sells sensors for £35. But maybe as a T1 you get them free?
PS if buying from Superdrug it is worth signing up for their free Health and Beauty loyalty card as you can earn lots of points.
 
Messages
9
Type of diabetes
Type 1
There have been several threads discussing the availability and price of sensors, since Abbott has started dragging its feet. My experience with Superdrug is that sensors are not on offer on their website, you have to order from a branch and not all are equally clued-up. Also, if they have not sold the sensors before, they have to register with Abbott, so that delays things. In my town there are two Superdrugs with pharmacies. One took at lest 10 days to come up with a sensor, but the other knew exactly what I was talking about, had already ordered for someone else, and got my sensors in a day or two. There is also variability as to what evidence they want for VAT exemption. The official Superdrug line is that you fill in a form, but mine just asked me to bring in evidence that I was using some diabetes medication. My prescription repeat form sufficed, and a packet would also have been acceptable. The good news is that ex-VAT Superdrug sells sensors for £35. But maybe as a T1 you get them free?
That's great thank you. I've been advised they are not available on prescription where I live in Dorset however £35 is still a lot cheaper than getting them directly from Abbott which is what I had been doing
 

DCUKMod

Master
Staff Member
Messages
14,298
Type of diabetes
I reversed my Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
If you are considering a post restante option, please do check the customs process you would be required to follow, and what duties you could be responsible for. In some countries, they aalmost make it up as they go along, it seems.

Where I have historically spent q fair amount of time, the import duty forr anything is 20% (so a bit like paying VAT), but in order to get hings imported via customs, they insist upon the use of an agent, who usually charges cUS$100. If, as we did on one occassion, the consignment was a specialist cooker, valued at 4 figures, we bit the bullet, but for the off bit of this or that, it can be plain silly.

I'm not familiar with the countries you intend visiting, @Sarahsarah2312 , but t'interernet can be a fabulous source of information. Try looking for "ex pats in wherever". They're usually very keen to help travellers out.
 

Alexandra100

Well-Known Member
Messages
3,738
Type of diabetes
Prediabetes
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
That's great thank you. I've been advised they are not available on prescription where I live in Dorset however £35 is still a lot cheaper than getting them directly from Abbott which is what I had been doing
I do think it is quite unacceptable that T1s should have to buy their own sensors. I imagine this will change, but meanwhile, that's a lot of money for something that's pretty much medically necessary for you. I do hope the new, cheaper, less invasive sensors will be along soon, for all of us.