Teaching abroad with Ank Spond and need for medicne (Humira)
Does anyone have experience in doing or know of someone who has successfully taught abroad ESL style with ankylosing spondylitis?
I take Humira for it. It is available in some of the places I'm looking, Taiwan and Japan for instance but paying it straight up would be more than I'd even be making teaching.
I've been trying to find out if having an NHI card in Taiwan would cover any of it.
I would be greatly appreciative if anyone has experience in this area
Thanks
Hi
,
I am looking into doing the exact same thing myself!
Before my AS diagnosis I was teaching abroad in China but I was already living with RA so had a lot of medicine to bring over. I got a medical certificate to put in my suitcase which was translated into Mandarin as well which explained what I was bringing over and why I had it. Once I ran out I was able to purchase these from pharmacies, however these were all pills (methotrexate and Hydroxychloroquine) which meant they were easier to travel with and cheaper to purchase.
I have been meaning to go back but like you, now I have injections to worry about. I have looked up the prices for my Enbrel in China and they are through the roof too. I am still in the process of working out how to do this and so far I can only think of two possible ways.
1. Bringing as much as I can with me in the biggest cool box. The problems here would be I would need to return home every few months for more which may not be particularly straight forward or cheap, yet still cheaper than buying out there. But there is the added issue of getting it through customs safely and successfully. I have tried to contact the Chinese Embassy to check how to do this but I have not been able to get through and find answers. I think Taiwan and Japan may have more accessible embassies so maybe it is worth calling up to check how much you would be allowed through?
2. Finding a job with a good health insurance plan that covers medication for pre existing conditions. My previous job's health insurance did not cover my pre existing RA treatment, but it was not the most top of the market insurance package. Many TEFL roles include medical insurance but it would be good to ask any potential employer just what is included in the packages they offer employees. Alternatively you could look at paying for your own health insurance plan but I'm not sure how much that would work out for you.
Sorry for going on a bit! I am still looking into how I can do this myself so if I find out any new information I will definitely come back and let you know, but hopefully some of this was helpful at least!
Wishing you all the best,
James (Community Member)
Hi, I have not had this experience. However, I wonder what the cost of the medication is in Taiwan? I wonder if you are working there if you are eligible for health insurance in that country? Surely others have faced this at some point. I would call the employer and ask. Just a thought.
rick - moderator
