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Type 1 Moving to Dubai!!!

B

benfolger

Member
Messages
7
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Afternoon All,

Not sure whether anyone can help me here, and I have seen previous posts but they were from years ago.

I am T1, diagnosed 10 years ago this year. I have been offered a job as a musician in Dubai starting in July, I haven't signed the contract yet, subject to paperwork, but I am concerned about my medication and how it all works over there. I have done a little research and figured out the costs of insulin over there, which seems pretty steep, especially as its free in the UK. Does anyone have any experience of this at all?

I have been told by my GP that I can take 3 months worth of medication over which is fine however I am there for a 6 month contract. How do prescriptions over there work? I am guessing it depends on the type of health/travel insurance I get through the job, is there different types?

I am also thinking that sending insulin overseas is not suitable either? I.e liable to freeze/get damaged etc?

Any help would be greatly appreciated :)

Ben
 
Tagging @neryscm for you as they were online a few weeks ago and have previously mentioned Dubai.

Have you asked if you can take more than the 3 months of meds?
 
hey benfolger :)

well isn´t it that hot down there all year around that one allways is in aircondition, indoor and in cars... don´t think one is much outside except maybe in the evenings... guess there is everywere fridges where one could keep medicine... by the way this area on the arabic peninsula has one of the most rapidly increasing rate of diabetes... so guess there are many doctors there knowing a lot of the condition..

hope you´ll have a fantastic time down there...:)
 
azure said:
Tagging @neryscm for you as they were online a few weeks ago and have previously mentioned Dubai.

Have you asked if you can take more than the 3 months of meds?
Click to expand...

Hi! Thank you for your reply, I was just told by my GP I could only take 3 months worth so didn't really question that to be honest. If I could take 6 months worth then I'll be fine, but my concern is, what if something happens to it over there, am I covered to get it from the pharmacy?
 
A long time ago, 10 years approx, I took about a year and a half worth of supplies with me to go travelling around the world for just a year. GP wasn't too happy but did it for me.
 
Usually your GP is required by the NHS to limit prescriptions to 3 months.

I currently live in Saudi and all drugs except morphine based ones can be purchased over the counter here. They are not cheap however. Your medical insurance should cover some costs. Best to check with your employer and insurance provider.

As someone else mentioned there is very high incidence of T2 diabetes here, primarily due to lifestyle. I have seen hospitals that are solely for treatment of diabetes, which tells you a lot. You shouldn't have any issues.

Finally coming in July will be fun when it's 50 degrees ;)
 
Interesting place to work!!! Have been there done it in healthcare so all mess we're covered under our insurance, you should be able to get 6 months from your GP if you explain that you don't want your medications changed, it is a possibility depending on which insulins you are on.
 
Hello all,

I do some research regards the market in the UAE for a new product regards medicine which need to be cooled like insulin. Do you buy your insulin direct at the diabetes centers or just in the pharmacy? Are the costs for insulin higher then in the UK or Europe?

Clusius
 
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