Pharmacy Benefits

Coverage and Convenience: UnitedHealthcare Expatriate Insurance Pharmacy Benefit

Your work requires you to travel - so your pharmacy benefits should travel with you. UnitedHealthcare's Expatriate Insurance pharmacy benefit provides essential coverage and convenience by providing seamless access to your prescription medications.

What is the Expatriate Insurance Pharmacy Benefit Design?

The Expatriate Insurance pharmacy benefit is modeled after our traditional U.S. pharmacy benefit design. Please review your benefits or contact us if you have questions about your coverage.

Please note:
  • Your plan covers prescription medication only. Pharmacy benefits will not apply if your medication is available over the counter in your host country.
  • If you can’t get a specific medication in another country, there may be a comparable option. Discuss this with your doctor ahead of time so you are prepared or contact us.

Getting your prescriptions

Optum Rx is your plan’s pharmacy benefit manager and works to offer safe, easy and cost-effective ways for you to get the medication you need. Show your member ID card at retail pharmacies in the US to limit your out-of-pocket expenses.

Optum Rx also offers the convenience of receiving prescription medications delivered to your US address. You can order a three-month supply, often with a reduced copayment compared to the copayment at retail pharmacies. US federal regulations prohibit shipment of prescriptions outside the US, Puerto Rico and Guam.

Filling prescriptions before you leave

You can receive up to a one-year supply of prescription medication. Contact us before you go to get help filling your prescriptions prior to departure or at retail pharmacies in your host country. Optum Rx will help determine if your medication is suitable for long-term supply and how it should be stored.

In the US, Puerto Rico and Guam, you and covered dependents can fill prescriptions at more than 67,000 network retail pharmacies. Locate pharmacies here or contact us for help.

Buying prescriptions outside the US

Because US federal regulations prohibit shipment of prescription medication outside of the US, Puerto Rico and Guam, it’s best to fill your prescriptions at local retail pharmacies while on assignment. Contact us for help in finding pharmacies nearby. You can pay for your medication and submit a claim to us for reimbursement.

What if the medication name is different?

Medication names and strengths can vary from country to country. Review our country guides  to see drug name translations and get detailed information on medications. Contact us for help in understanding medication differences and your benefits.

Common Questions

  • • Ask your physician if you can take a generic equivalent, or less expensive brand, rather than a brand name which usually costs more.
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  • • Ask your physician about over-the-counter (OTC) options versus prescription medications. Your physician can sometimes substitute OTC medications for higher-priced prescription medications. These medications are generally not covered under your pharmacy benefit, but they may cost significantly less than your out-of-pocket expense for prescription medicines.
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  • • In the U.S., you may save money by choosing prescriptions from the lower tiers and signing up for home delivery. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor to learn ways that may help you save.