NHS registration and insulin/strip costs

[metalloz]

Hi,

I am a dual Australian/British citizen and have never been to the UK. I plan on moving to London in January and have a few questions. I am type 1 diabetic:

-I think it may take me awhile to find a place to live and I probably want to find a job first. Will this be an issue registering with the NHS due to needing a permanent address? I will need insulin supplies asap as I have been traveling for 5 months. I don't know anyone there and will be staying in a hostel until I get an apartment.

-If I were to register as a temporary resident would I need to pay for the visit and insulin?

-What is the cost of Levemir, novorapid and testing strips if registered with the NHS?

-Would the GP be able prescribe a few months worth of insulin? in Australia I can get about 6 months prescribed.

Thanks

 

[catherinecherub]

Hi,

If you read this document, it does say that if patients consider themselves to be resident at an address which is for example a hostel, then this should be accepted.
http://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/up ... o-pays.pdf

This article is about registering with a G.P. You can download the application form to save time.
http://www.psd.scot.nhs.uk/doctors/regi ... ctice.html

I doubt very much that you will have a problem as you need insulin to stay alive. I hope a Type1 will answer your query as to how much insulin can be prescribed at a time.

 

[AlexMBrennan]

If you are permanently moving the UK then you are entitled to the usual NHS care (they list evidence that you are looking for work as acceptable).

In the UK, patients may have to pay a small fee for prescriptions but several medical conditions, including diabetes, qualify for free prescriptions. Your doctor needs to complete a medical exemption certificate for that which is valid for 5 years.

As a T1 you should be able to get all the test strips and insulin on prescription, and can prescribe up to THREE months worth of medication if you go on holiday, say.