Type 1 Medication in Japan

P

Pablodius

Newbie
Messages
1
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Hey, I've been in Japan for 2 months and will be living here for a year. Although they have all of my medication here (novorapid, levemir, and blood testing strips), it costs a fortune and I've been told I can't receive any discounts like the locals can for health care / medication.

I've calculated that over the course of 12 months I'm likely to spend around £1,400 on medication which would be free back home... It would almost be worth me flying back to get it! The odd thing is I am working while I'm here, as I'm on a working holiday visa. Seems odd that I'm paying tax and can't get any of the benefits. I could get a friend back home to send me needles and testing strips, but I'm not sure how well insulin would survive the journey in cargo.

Has anyone else had experience of long-term living in Japan with diabetes? How have you handled it?
 
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Chas C

Chas C

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,045
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
Have you spoken to anyone at the British Embassy, there are bound to be some IDD's working there who could tell you how they deal with it.
 
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Brunneria

Brunneria

Guru
Retired Moderator
Messages
21,889
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
If you do a google search for 'UK prescriptions Japan' you will find a whole host of links giving info on how to deal with the Japanese drug, prescriptions etc. including forums for fellow Brits abroad.

A couple of important points is that foreigners are only permitted to bring in 2 months of drug supplies (so flying home and stocking up would not be acceptable), and that there is zero tolerance for rule breakers.
 
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