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Living in Europe with Crohn's and Remicade treatments (Switzerland/Germany)

Sun, January 18, 2009 1:00 AM

Hello,

My wife and I may be living in Germany and/or Switzerland for 6 months for her work. I am excited for the opportunity to go to Europe, but I am worried about my Crohn's and how I will get my Remicade treatments there.

My Crohn's has been in remission for the past 3 years. I attribute this to being on a regular treatment of Remicade every 8 weeks. Since I have been on this schedule for some time, it has really helped control my flareups. I start to feel some mild Crohn's symptoms when I am getting close to 8 weeks. But shortly after I get my remicade infusion, my symptoms subside once again.

I am just wondering if anyone has any experience with living in Germany of Switzerland for an extended period of time? I do not know how it will work with health insurance as well. I am very fortunate that right now my insurance pays for remicade in the US. But I know that this is a very expensive treatment if I would have to pay as self pay.

If anyone has any advice on living with Crohn's in Europe, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you

paulbosox
Joined Jan 18, 2009

Mon, January 19, 2009 8:33 PM

Reply posted for paulbosox.

I have lived in Germany and my family still lives over there. I have just been diagnosed with UC and am thinking about how I will travel home again. I can assure you that Germany and Switzerland have everything medically you need. I would definately first find out from your insurance how they will handle overseas medical claims. Then I would get a medical translator (certified) to translate any and all important medical reports into German. However even if you don't many of the Dr's speak english or recognize the clinical names etc. on reports. I would also look into contacting a local dr. or university hospital over there and establish a relationship before you go. Your GI dr might be able to help you- or your wifes company might have have a liason person that can steer you in the right direction. This way you can visit your new dr. right away and set up a protocol to help your stay be more comfortable. Germany and Switzerland are so beautiful and it would be great if you could experience them!

asohn
Joined Dec 22, 2008

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