@SophiaMonkman 

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SophiaMonkman

MS in Australia...

Hello! I was diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) in April earlier this year. For treatment I take Aubagio. I have been granted a Working Holiday VISA (subclass 417) for Australia and go on 27th December. In order to get my VISA I had to have a medical which I passed without any problems. Before I come to Australia I want to know the following: 1. Would I have to pay for my prescription once in Australia? 2. How would I sign up with a Neurologist in order to have required check-up appointments? Does anyone have any advise?? I am so excited about coming to Australia but very anxious about the health care that will be available to me with my MS. Many thanks, Sophia
@Stumbler

Hi @sophiamonkman and welcome. You could try calling the MS Society Helpline on 0808 800 8000. They may know the answer as it can't be a new question. Or even ask the MS Society Australia (https://www.ms.org.au)........

@Kylie

Hi Sophia, I checked out you profile and can see you are from the Uk, Australia has a reciprocal agreement with you (UK) so coming on that visa you would be granted/ able to apply for a Medicare card during your stay in Aus. I believe that Augbagio is a listed drug on the PBS (pharmaceutical benefits scheme) which would mean it is subsidised by the govt so each prescription you would pay $38 and not the full amount. I am on gilenya and if this was not on the PBS it would cost me $2300 per month. As for how to go about getting a Neuro here- I am not sure about that one- sorry. maybe your current Gp/Ms nurse or Neuro could give you some advise on this. I would recommend getting a letter from Neuro stating that you are on this medication/ have MS or bring a copy of your medical file so when you arrive and find a doc they can write you out a prescription with no problems. Healthcare is pretty good here in Australia- once you have Medicare care you can go to a bulk billing doc/ GP and is free. I suggest you read up on Medicare website you familiarise yourself with our system. Hope this helps you abit. Where abouts are you going in Aus? I am on the Gold Coast