Cost of meds in Canada?

[vetton]

Hi Everyone,
I'm based in Australia but considering moving to Canada for a year...just cos, something new and exciting   
I haven't started taking medication yet but in the event that I need to start, I was just wondering if anyone would be able to give me a rough estimate of the cost for meds in Canada?? Or point me to a reliable resource to find out more, as I've been unsuccessful so far. 
Medication is free here, so I haven't had to worry about cost in the future but it would be a consideration else where.
Any help would be very much appreciated!
Cheers Everyone. 

[jackfrost]

Hi Vetton,

I live in Canada, my understanding is it depends on which province you live in. I live in Alberta and our provincial health care covers HIV drugs 100% no matter what your income is. I believe in British Columbia it is free as well but most other provinces you pay based on your income. I am not a 100% sure, but I know it varies from province to province. You can check out this website: http://www.catie.ca/treating-hiv/access-hiv-and-hepatitis-c-drugs-federal-provincial-and-territorial-drug-access-program - it breaks down health care coverage by province

[vetton]

Hey Jack,

Thanks heaps for the link. Very helpful indeed.

Cheers

[MilburnCreek]

One BIG problem though - the Canadian health service covers drugs for those ALREADY in Canada.  For immigration purposes, Canada actually excludes those who will be a drain on the health system - and that means an almost 100% shut door on those who are already HIV Poz immigrating to Canada from elsewhere (I know, I tried...)

[Valmont]

I was HIV+ when Canada gave me my permanent residence; I´m sorry for you Milburn, in my case I´ve been very lucky...  I correct, in regard to immigration matter, what seems important for them is to have good number (that means not being under meds) because of HIV cost for their insurance system...  In this forum, I undestand there are a few people in my situation (I know one more...)

From what I can read, I have better acccess to HIV meds here in Ecuador that I can have in Canada.  My Atripla Generic is free of charge and I don´t pay for doctor and other labs.  By another way, medecine is really basic here, we don´t have access to all antiretroviral meds (no Isentress for ej.), no resistance tests (done it by my own, very costy) are done, no vitamine matters are looked for and so on... 

I´m not yet in Canada, when I´ll move, I know I won´t have medical coverture for at least 3 months, there is a time for the public insurance to be avalaible.

[james3000]

http://www.aidslaw.ca/publications/interfaces/downloadFile.php?ref=2004

This document covers almost everything.