I have prostrate problems, I also self insure, I use a small hospital in KhonKaen where you get the same consultants at significantly lower prices than seeing them at the big name hospitals in KhonKaen

I was prescribed Avodart by by local hospital US$ 3.36 per day,from the hospital pharmacy, I then investigated price from Pharmacy in KhonKaen, and found price US$1.74per day, and lastly went to my online supplier (Canada)of many years and including shipping costs now at US$0.73 per day, a saving of some 35,000batt per annum ! !

I bought and paid for the first prescription from my hospital

I have compared apples with apples. all Glaxo Smith Kline, no generic substitute where I could save even more, my online delivery took two weeks, shipped from Singapore!!

I have check ups every two months at the moment and when my specialist offers to prescribe more, I just say I was in the UK and got a supply for free on the NHS

I also take Natrilix for blood pressure could not buy online but save 50% by buying from pharmacy in town

I only self insure because at my age over 70 premiums are prohibitive, and cover limits very low

By staying street wise and doing some work checking prices the cost of self insuring can be significantly reduced, I recently had a septic lump removed from my back the price started at just over 20,000, but came down to 8500, with some gentle persuasion, ( was done in the day clinic under local aesthetic, probably five people in attendance ) we now have a discount card as well

I took my g/f to a popular hospital here in Chiang Mai. She is suffering from gastritous/heartburn.The doctor gave her a 3 week subscription total cost after my discount was 9,700 bahts. I said no thanks and went to my pharmacist where the total bill was 1,140 bahts being 1/8 the price the hospital quoted me. I can see paying a little more at these premium hospitals but not 8 times more.

when my specialist offers to prescribe more, I just say I was in the UK and got a supply for free on the NHS

I just tell the doctors I'll buy the meds at a local pharmacy. They don't seem to care one way or the other. When I see my cardiologist he usually asks if I want a new supply of the drugs I'm taking from the hospital pharmacy or if I want to get them on my own.

By staying street wise

Pretty sure most people know that medicine dispensed from a hospital is going to be more expensive. Unless it's a controlled drug that can only be dispensed from a hospital, one of the reputable pharmacies is always going to be a better option.

Several years ago I stopped taking the Avodart daily - now just 3 times a week and my PSA still stayed down.

If trying to save money there are some meds that you don't need to take daily to get the effect needed.

MJ