Yesterday morning, I had an appointment with Doc Theo to get enough refills for the next 12 months. Most people think they can only get a three-month supply of any prescription. However, that is based on insurance requirements to which pharmacies and doctors in many countries adhere.
When one pays for prescriptions out of pocket in South Africa, I can obtain a full year’s supply of my medication (or more if required) based on when we’ll return, after which I can have everything refilled with a new visit to Doc Theo.
Based on our future plans, we believe that we’ll return to Marloth Park next July, leaving me with a few months’ cushion in case our plans change. Also, I already have about two months’ worth of medications available, taking me even further out than necessary.
In the US, I don’t have a prescription plan since it made no sense to pay for one when I could only get a three-month supply at any time. Additionally, the cost of medication in South Africa averages about 80% less than in the US, and in some cases, even more. Why pay more when I don’t have to?
Also, I’d made a list of drugs we’d need if we became ill on the cruises. The cost of consulting the ship’s doctor for a flu or virus can range from $500 to $ 1,000 or more, depending on whether tests or prescriptions are required. Sure, travel insurance may recover some of these costs, but we’d prefer not to have to deal with filing insurance claims while traveling, if possible.
Doc Theo wrote prescriptions for us for various antibiotics, covering “cruse cough,” Norovirus, and other conditions. He explains I can send him a WhatsApp message at any time for advice on which medications to take and how to treat any potential issues. He will also advise us if he feels we need to see a doctor at any time.
In addition, he prescribed medication for use with our portable nebulizer and two EpiPens, as both of us are allergic to bees. We’ve had these in the past, but they expire after a few years, whereas the remainder of the medications can last much longer.
He examined me and said all seems good, except for the awful allergies I am experiencing now, for which I am on a few medications, which hopefully won’t be needed once we leave the bush. We shall see how it goes in Spain. Once out to sea, I shouldn’t have any allergy symptoms.
Also, he gave me a booster for polio, which has been seen in Spain recently. Next Tuesday, Tom will receive his booster, as he didn’t have enough supply on hand, but he will get it by then.
In advance, I had alerted Eugene, the owner of the pharmacy in Komatipoort, to all the necessary medications to ensure they were on hand. We dropped off all of the prescriptions at the pharmacy after the doctor’s appointment and will pick everything up next Tuesday when we return.
Next Wednesday, I will post the total cost for all of these medications.
We spent the remainder of the day back at the house, enjoying the wildlife and a lovely dinner. Later in the evening, we streamed a few shows and relaxed in the bedroom. It’s been warming up well into the 90°F, 32 °C range, and a respite in the air-conditioned bedroom is always a relief.
Tonight, we’ll return to Jabula after missing last Saturday night since we went to a party at Daphne and Neville’s lovely home. No doubt, we’ll have yet another great evening.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, August 29, 2015:
