internationalsos.com - Case studies
Case study: Running low on medication for a chronic condition
Overview
Running out of your medication is a major concern – particularly if you have a chronic condition and you’re working overseas. It makes sense to ensure you have sufficient supplies before traveling, particularly as pharmaceutical stocks vary widely around the world. However, if you forget, lose or run out of your prescription, International SOS can often help. This case study illustrates how we were able to help a member working abroad.
Services: International SOS membership
Location: Bahrain
John Pellegrini*, an engineer working on contract in Bahrain, needed daily medication to prevent the formation of kidney stones. Realizing that he only had a week’s supply left, he went to a local doctor who informed him that the medicine was not readily available.
John called our Dubai assistance center immediately.
Solution
Within 20 seconds, his call was answered. With excellent contacts with accredited local health providers, the assistance center in Dubai quickly was able to arrange an appointment for John with a renal specialist at a government hospital in Bahrain. 48 hours later, John went to his appointment and was given a 2-month’s supply of his medication.
But John wanted enough medicine to last him the remainder of his contract to feel on the safe side. Regulations in the region didn’t allow patients to receive more than a 2-month’s supply at a time. John called the Dubai assistance center again, and International SOS doctors arranged for his prescription to be shipped to him from the United Kingdom, using an international courier.
Three weeks later, John was able to pick up his medication from customs. Furthermore, John’s out-of-pocket cost was limited as he was able to claim the cost of the prescription back to his health insurer.
Impact
John was able to continue his treatment for a chronic condition without interruption. He didn’t have to leave the country to collect his prescription, and was able to fulfill his work contract completely. His company ensured that John had access to a best-in-class medical assistance while he was working overseas.
* Name has been changed to protect member's identity.
