Working overseas and medication coverage

[Tahmed251]

I am thinking of getting a job in th middle east but I am concerned about my transplant medications being covered. In canada health care free, including my medications. I dont want to leave my country without knowing that my medications are covered as they very expensive.

Has anyone worked overseas in the middle east or working now and how did they get their madications and did they have to pay for blood tests or doctors visits. All these factors will make me decide if I go or not. I really want to travel and stay overseas for work and stay there for years but I dont want to do it at the cost of my health. Does anyone have similar experience or can comment on this. Thanks in advance.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

In the US, I know my health insurance would cover costs of my meds. I use a mail order pharmacy and get 3 months supply at a time and would mail it any where in the world. Before you decide anything, see if Canada does the same....

[JBB2]

I would really research this before making any decision about moving. Foreign residents often have few health insurance protections in countries in the Middle East. I’ve never lived in the Middle East but I worked for a few years in Singapore, and while there was a universal healthcare system for citizens and permanent residents, ex-pats were at the mercy of a purely private health insurance market where insurers could kick you off after each calendar year if you’re too much of a financial liability. Pre-existing condition coverage could also be limited. I would try asking around in ex-pat forums in your prospective country on how health insurance works over there for ex-pats.

[JBB2 in reply to JBB2]

One more thing, I believe it’s possible to maintain your Canadian (provincial-based) health coverage while you are working overseas but that might require you to “maintain residency” in Canada for tax purposes. That could be an option to get your medications prescribed in Canada and covered by your provincial health plan. Though it might require you to return every 3-6 months to get them. My understanding is that to not pay Canadian taxes while living abroad you need to declare non-residency which means you lose your health coverage. I would research into how that works. If you’re only planning on working abroad for a few years you should be able to retain your Canadian healthcare, but you’ll still have to file Canadian taxes annually I believe. Lots to research!

[Tahmed251 in reply to JBB2]

Thanks for the info. I really want to travel and work but I dont want to be in trouble when I get there.

[JBB2 in reply to Tahmed251]

Best of luck! As mentioned, I think you need to look into 2 things 1) How does health insurance coverage work for ex-patriate workers in these countries? And don’t just take someone’s word for it. Even if an employer provides health insurance (mine did in Singapore), it doesn’t mean that the law or regulations protect you should the insurer decide they don’t want to cover you. 2) How would you go about maintaining your Canadian health coverage while you are working overseas? I think given the serious nature of chronic kidney disease, having that Canadian health insurance as a backstop if something goes wrong will be important. But remember, that Canadian healthcare won’t cover you for treatments done abroad. If you need medications or to see a doctor you would need to return to Canada.

All that said, having a kidney transplant doesn’t mean you can’t go on holidays abroad or even take business trips. So, do enjoy life!