[925dancer]

I'm going to the doctor's tomorrow ($49 thank you very much) and will be coming out with a prescription for at least one inhaler, maybe some other drugs too depending on how much he/she thinks I'm falling apart! (Came home from work early today).

Just wondering what the charge for the prescription will be as a UK citizen on a one year visa? I've had prescriptions before but it was years ago and I can't for the life of me remember how much I paid.

[tea drinker]

Don't know the answer but hope you feel better soon ((( )))

[72andsunny]

I'm going to the doctor's tomorrow ($49 thank you very much) and will be coming out with a prescription for at least one inhaler, maybe some other drugs too depending on how much he/she thinks I'm falling apart! (Came home from work early today).

Just wondering what the charge for the prescription will be as a UK citizen on a one year visa? I've had prescriptions before but it was years ago and I can't for the life of me remember how much I paid.

Still learning the NZ healthcare system, but:

You will be responsible for the (non-subsidized cost of the medications). I can probably help you ball park that if you know what you will be needing.

Here's an Australian link that will give you "retail" prices of meds. I would guess that the NZ prices would be comparable (though you'll have to covert the Aussiebucks into Kiwibucks). http://www.homepharmacy.com.au/products/products_view.cfm?ProductID=2219

Doc Mike

[dusk]

worth checking with the pharmacist about any cheaper options once you have the prescription (non-branded versions, over the counter versions) I was stiffed for aspirin on my last prescription because I didn't check before I paid so won't be bothering with that again :)

[925dancer]

Got my answer. Doctor recommended a new variety of inhaler which will be much better. Good. Also gave me a prescription for my regular Ventolin until my current medicines run out. Good. Took my prescription tot he pharmacy, one Ventolin inhaler $20.90! But that's not the best bit. The other inhaler is about $65!!!! I said I would leave that one for now.

So don't get sick when you're on a one year visa is the lesson here! Off to see if I can claim anything back off my insurance.

[Jon-and-Lou]

Strewth ... $65 for an inhaler?

Had you been a resident, what would have been the charge?

[dusk]

it depends if it's funded (or fully funded) :) it's a bit complicated to be honest...

[KerryS]

There is a useful leaflet on Pharmac about the different salbutamol inhalers available. I have salamol for use during hayfever season, purely as it's fully funded, rather than ventolin for which there is a charge. (Only have to pay prescription charge, if there is one.)
http://www.pharmac.govt.nz/2008/06/30/Comparing%20salbutamol%20inhalers.pdf
There is information on how much you have to pay for your prescription on the ministry of health website, here: http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/yourhealth-payments
And the full schedule of funded medicines is also available on Pharmac:
http://www.pharmac.govt.nz/patients/Schedule