How to get Plaxlovid in the UK if you need it?

[LuvOrlando]

So far testing negative after an exposure BUT I wonder what the process would be for an American in London to get medical care if there is a positive result, in the US any virtual care Dr can just call it into a pharmacy?

Just doing the research, nothing worse than trying to sort things out once things go wrong.

 

[fla4fun]

So far testing negative after an exposure BUT I wonder what the process would be for an American in London to get medical care if there is a positive result, in the US any virtual care Dr can just call it into a pharmacy?

Just doing the research, nothing worse than trying to sort things out once things go wrong.

Did you buy travel insurance? If so, you might start by contacting them and asking what the procedure is to get care. Not all countries use the same medications and some that are easily accessible in one country aren’t in another. I hope you stay negative!

 

[LuvOrlando]

Did you buy travel insurance? If so, you might start by contacting them and asking what the procedure is to get care. Not all countries use the same medications and some that are easily accessible in one country aren’t in another. I hope you stay negative!

No, this is for DH away on a business trip and we have no idea how to get care if it came to that. I know it is socialized medicine, does that mean there is urgent care for people from other countries he can just walk in, is there a registry for insurance?

 

[kymom99]

It is my understanding anyone can get care. I spent 2 weeks there last year and one of our group was very worried about Covid. We were told just go to an urgent care and they would take care of you.

 

[kymom99]

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vis... 999 if someone is,which NHS service you need.

 

[ronandannette]

No, this is for DH away on a business trip and we have no idea how to get care if it came to that. I know it is socialized medicine, does that mean there is urgent care for people from other countries he can just walk in, is there a registry for insurance?

Public health care does not entitle anyone other than citizens to free care, although everyone can access care at urgent care or ER's, or probably even through regular GP's offices. Someone without verification of eligibility will be required to pay OOP and collect back from any insurance coverage you might have. The provider will not direct bill foreign insurance companies, like may be done in the US.

 

[lanejudy]

I believe in the UK Paxlovid is only available to those in the highest risk group. I’m not sure exactly how that is defined, but your DH may not qualify.

Does his employer offer any kind of international medical coverage for while traveling for work?

 

[Threehearts]

I had to go to England mid-July. I got a package of Paxlovid from my doctor before I left.
Unfortunately, I needed to take it on day 3. I was at a graduation and over the next few days, it was shocking how many friends of my daughter's and their family members were positive.

I've had Covid several times before and this strain was incredibly severe- high fevers for weeks, lung issues, extreme fatigue. Five weeks later, I am still on Prednisone and inhalers. My perfect lungs show white patches over the lower half and I am frequently short of breath and wheezing.

Be careful. Bring some masks in case you feel that want to wear them. I regret not being as vigilant as I should have been. These newer strains are not the flu.

 

[smrice95]

I got back from WDW and tested positive. My kids were sick while we were there and my parents and I got it when we arrived home, Kids were minimum symptoms so we just assumed a head cold or allergies, which they both have. This strain is kicking my butt. I had COVID March of 2020 and that was worse, but this is the second worse. (I have had it now 4 times that I am aware of.) It has been 16 days and still feel off. The only good thing is no fever or major coughing. I hope you DH stays negative.

 

[A Squared]

Paxlovid is only available on prescription here to most vulnerable eg immune comprised, elderly, those with pre-existing conditions which would be made worse by Covid. I suggest bringing it with you with prescription copy to show customs, have travel insurance - a must for anyone travelling anywhere - and if tests positive, wear a mask.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Thanks for letting me know about the list and how to navigate the system.

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/paxlov...dults aged 18 years,in the highest risk group

You may be at highest risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 if you:

• are aged 85 years or over
• have end-stage heart failure and have a long-term ventricular assistance device
• are resident in a care home and are aged 70 years or over
• are resident in a care home and have a BMI of 35 or more, or have diabetes or heart failure
• have Down's syndrome, or another chromosomal condition that affects your immune system
• have certain types of cancer, or had treatment for certain types of cancer
• have sickle cell disease
• have certain conditions affecting your blood, including some types of blood cancer
• have chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4 or 5, including people on dialysis
• have severe liver disease
• have had an organ transplant or are on the organ transplant waiting list
• have certain autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease
• have HIV or AIDS and have a weakened immune system
• have a condition affecting your immune system
• have a condition affecting the brain or nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, motor neurone disease, myasthenia gravis, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease or certain types of dementia
• have certain lung conditions or treatments for lung conditions

This list is a summary and does not cover everything.

If you're unsure if you are eligible, speak to your GP or hospital specialist who can advise you.

Find out more about people at the highest risk who are eligible for COVID-19 treatment on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) website.