Obtaining insulin in California as a foreign tourist
I plan to travel to California and stay more than one month.
I'm an insulin-dependant Diabetic. I am able to bring enough insulin with me to last the entire duration of my visit, but the issue is I'd like to hire a car and drive around the state. This means no access to a fridge on the days I'll be driving (and potentially the nights too, depending on where I stay in between driving days) which means I'll have to store the insulin in a cooling wallet.
Unfortunately in the cooling wallet the maximum lifespan of the insulin is four weeks (in a fridge it's months). Meaning no matter how much I take with me, the most I'm going to be able to use is four weeks' worth, before needing to obtain a 'fresh' supply.
So, what are my options for obtaining insulin as a foreign tourist in California? I'm a UK citizen if that's relevant, though I doubt it. I have travel insurance for the US but as far as I know it doesn't cover trips to the doctor for anything non-emergency, if indeed a doctor's prescription will be required.
Can it be done? Or am I basically limited to either staying less than a month, or ditching the driving plan? I really, really don't want to give up on this plan :-)
Best Answer
You may be able to obtain a prescription from an Urgent Care facility like Cal Urgent Care or an emergency room in the hospital but it may be much simpler to get a portable refrigerator like Mobicool or Koolatron that you can keep the insulin in and have it plugged in while in the car or with the adapter in any room with an electrical outlet.
Pictures about "Obtaining insulin in California as a foreign tourist"
Why Insulin Is So Expensive | So Expensive
More answers regarding obtaining insulin in California as a foreign tourist
Answer 2
Some forms of insulin are available Over-The-Counter (OTC), i.e., without a prescription, in the USA. Also see this article.
Insulin syringes are also available OTC, and Walgreens (a major pharmacy chain in the USA) mentions that California is one of those states that permit it.
Before relying on OTC insulin, speak with your physician about what kind of insulin you need and make sure you can get that specific type in California. Don't get caught without the medications that you need.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Quintin Gellar, Gela, Logan Rhoads, Zachary Sawchuk