Prescription medicine

[Dave n Ailsa]

What are the average costs of prescription medicines?

Do they charge for the type of item, or is it a flat rate for a prescription.

Or is it all covered under your health insurance plan?

 

[scylla]

Medicines are charged based on the type - there is no flat rate. There's really no average since there are many different medications with many different costs.

Prescriptions are not covered by health care plans. However sometimes they are partially or fully covered by your additional employer provided health care insurance (if your employer provides additional health care coverage as a benefit).

 

[Leon]

Most employers offer supplementary insurance that covers some percentage of prescription medication. Otherwise, you would be able to buy into such a plan.

The provincial health plans usually do not cover anything although the provinces may have some help available if you are very low income or your cost of medication is extremely high.

 

[Dave n Ailsa]

That's good to know, thanks.

We are lucky in Scotland, all our prescriptions are free. I'd better stock up on them, lol. ;D

 

[Leon]

If there is something you are taking on a regular basis, you can also look into if there is a cheaper alternative and you can also shop around for the best prices. Prices of medication are regulated in Canada so there is not a huge price difference between pharmacies but there is a bit. It may also be cheaper for you if your GP is willing to give you a 3 month supply instead of just 1.

 

[sarimraza]

Ok just wanted to clarify - Canadian health cards DO NOT cover prescription medicines ?

Do they cover any type of medicines ?

If we bring prescription medicines from our country are we supposed to bring a prescription letter as well ?

Thanks

 

[Leon]

Canadian health cards do not cover any prescription medicine. If you want to bring your own medication from back home, make sure it is in original packaging and you have no more than a 90 day supply, see http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/compli-conform/import-export/gui-0084_biu-uif-eng.php#a6 under 6.0 Human Drugs / Personal Use.

 

[Dave n Ailsa]

Thanks for your help Leon.

I just take some antacid for my excess stomache acid. Not sure if you get a non prescription version. It's called Lanzoprazol here.