BootsnAll Travel Community

I am going to be in NZ for at least 2 years, hopefully far longer. I am on medication for my thyroid (thyroxine) and dianette (helps with acne as well as being an oral contraceptive). Am I able to buy these cheaply in NZ or would I be better trying to get a massive supply from UK before I leave - if so - will this pose a problem at the airport either leaving UK or entering NZ??

Thanks

GAP

RULE OF THUMB:Keep all medications in thier ORIGINAL pacakging. Keep prescription meds in original containers with YOUR name and prescribing Doctor on them.
'Cause some customs agents have NO sense of humor...

If you WERE to get a bulk supply of meds I think you'd have to pay special attention to the expiration date.....

The UK and NZ do have a reciprochal health agreement which is primarily for provision of emergency care in the case of an accident or like event that requires hospital treatment.

Visits to doctors and prescription medicines(PMs) have to be paid for by New Zealanders but www.immigration.govt.nz under health requirements makes reference to immigration taking into account likelihood of a non NZer demand on the subsidised PMs, so PMs are in fact subsidised for visitors it would seem.

Whereas you would need to pay to see a doctor and get a prescription in the first place, there are also non PMs which pharmacists can advise on and sell direct.

NZ Customs has a fact sheet on PMs which indicates prohibition or restriction so though medicines on prescription (and have documentation) may be allowed, there may be some restrictions and in any case, I'd check with the UK NHS and Customs as well, and then there would also be effective safe life of medicines to be considered.

If it transpires that you will need to get prescribed medicines in NZ then I would have your doctor in UK draft an explanatory letter to ease your process with a NZ doctor.

Many thanks for both your very helpful replies. I shall be making an appointment this week with my doctor to arrange a supply (expiry dates are 4 years for Dianette and 3 years for Thyroxine) and get an explanatory note as recommended.

Thanks again for superb and prompt replies!

Just to confirm. We didn't have a problem bringing large amounts of prescription meds for my partner from the UK, via Singapore, to NZ. We did bring a letter from his doctor but never needed to show it.

KG

yeah, do the whole proof of prescription and letter. nz health care is super expensive!!! esp if you don't have a community services card. its like $50 for doc and if meds not govt subsidised then really pricy!!!