How do I transfer my diabetes medication prescription to Thailand, and what are the costs involved?

Nov 18, 2024
15 days ago
Dave ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
A question regarding medication.

I'm type 1 diabetic and as such in the UK all my prescriptions are free.

How do you go about 'transfering' my prescription and what are the costs like?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Transferring your diabetes medication to Thailand can be straightforward. You can buy diabetic medications over the counter in Thai pharmacies without a prescription. Prices vary, but some users report costs of around £22 for a three-month supply of insulin and other necessary medications when registered with a local hospital. It's common for expats to bring a supply from the UK, often enough for six months, in their hand luggage. Note that you only need prescriptions for controlled substances like opiates. Shopping around or ordering online may provide additional savings.
Sylvia ********
***************************************


Generally cheaper if order online from Bangkok and certainly can contact them for costing
Ian **********
You only need prescriptions for opiates, barbituates etc. Shop around as prices vary a lot. You can also buy online.
Mark *************
You can get most things, some are generic of course. I couldn't get Jardiamet (empagliflozin) so went back to Metformin. I got Lantus easily although the particular pharmacy I sourced from would only sell me a box of 5 (I only needed 1) but all good as they will get used eventually. I was only supposed to be there 1 month but extended another month so yeah next time I'll take extra.
Julian *******
I registered with the local hospital. I get my insulin , statin , metformin and blood pressure meds costs me about £22 for a 3 month supply including needles. But I have to buy my test strips privately
Dave ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Julian ******
I'm on the libre 2 monitor, is this available?
Julian *******
@Dave *****
I don’t use it. I live in the jungle and they just don’t stick to me so I prick my finger
Aake **********
@Julian ******
Buy test strips from Lazada, 500 pc 620 bath
Colin *******
I usually bring enough for 6 months from the uk without any problem insulin pens in hand luggage
David ***********
@Colin ******
how do you get 6 months supply? They will only give me two months at time for heart meds.
Colin *******
@David **********
I use pharmacy to you and have built up a surplus and have the monthly delivery made to a friend when I'm away
David ***********
Dave ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Colin ******
looking at moving here
Colin *******
@Dave *****
ok as the previous post said everything is available but if you need Novorapid as well as Treseba Metformin needles and of course agamatrix or libre sensor its going to be well over £100 a month and don't forget health insurance
David ***********
@Colin ******
sorry another question. Do you have an insurance company in mind that insures against existing condition. Thsnks
Colin *******
@David **********
insurance wise I use revolute bank and it has travel insurance built in but as with any insurance you only find out how good it is when you have to make a claim
David ***********
@Colin ******
same as me but with Lloyds but I think it is time limited. As you say, when you claim.
Pete *******
You can buy diabetic meds over the counter in any Thai pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription. I pay 2k per month for mine.
David ***********
@Pete ******
insulin or tablets ?
Sylvia ********
@David **********
my late husband was on insulin, mot cheap if use the pen cartridge as he's was imported from France
Pete *******
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