Payment Options for Filing Your Online Prescription

During 2020, e-commerce sales in the United States increased by 43%. This spike in shopping online was primarily driven by lockdowns and social distancing. 

Now that the world has eased many restrictions, e-commerce still remains at all-time highs. The reason? It is easy, affordable, and accessible for many individuals.

An online prescription is no exception. Shopping for online medication could save you hundreds on your prescription, especially through a Canadian pharmacy. Luckily, in our complete guide, we will review some common ways you can pay for your medication and stay safe online, so keep reading for more information! 

Online Prescription Payments

There are several payment options you have for online medication, although not every pharmacy will have these options available. Here is a comprehensive list of some of the most common medication payments:

• Credit or debit cards
• Electronic checks
• PayPal
• Apple Pay
• Insurance

Medical insurance is one of the most commonly used methods in the United States. There are a few advantages to using insurance, such as:

• Lower out-of-pocket costs
• Filing through insurance can go toward your deductible

Unfortunately, even with insurance, medications can still be costly. There are also certain medications that insurance won't cover. Even switching from brand-name drugs to some generic versions can limit insurance coverage on common medications.

Around 49% of lower-income adults had difficulties with health insurance plans not covering a prescribed medication. That number remains at around 32% for middle-income adults. 

Does Insurance Cover Your Pharmacy Online?

There are online pharmacies in the United States that you can use with your insurance. However, you will run into similar issues as you would with standard pharmacies and insurance coverage.

High prescription costs and varying insurance coverage are primarily what push many Americans to Canadian pharmacies. Here are some of the advantages of using an online Canadian pharmacy:

• More affordable
• Accessible
• Easy-to-use

In some instances, there may also be a wider medication selection. However, this is dependent on the pharmacy and what they dispense. In Canada, American medical insurance is not accepted, but you can save the receipt and submit it.

Another key piece of information is the type of medication you need. For example, controlled substances might not have online availability for safety concerns. 

What Are Safe Payment Options Online?

Typically, credit cards are one of the safest online payment options. They have excellent consumer protection. Additionally, the consumer typically holds minimal to no liability in fraudulent purchases.

Debit cards are slightly riskier. While they hold some similar advantages as credit cards, money is pulled directly from your account. If you have the option, pick a credit card over a debit card for online medication. 

The downside of third-party payment services like PayPal is fees. Merchants accrue some fees for accepting PayPal. This may deter some sites from accepting users with PayPal.

Lastly, you have electronic checks. Using electronic checks is another relatively safe way to purchase medication online. It also eliminates the need to mail in paper checks.

Compared to credit cards, it also results in fewer fees. All you will need for an electronic check are the following:

• Your name
• Payment amount
• Routing number
• Account number

Next, you will want to look more closely at the website. Do they provide additional security features like a Security Socket Layer (SSL)? An SSL certificate encrypts a web server and browser. 

It helps secure any transactions or information passed between the two. Typically, you will find websites with an SSL certificate on the URL. Websites with "https" are more secure than those without the "s" at the end. 

Improve Credit Card Safety

Many individuals use their credit cards when shopping online. The first step to improving credit card safety is using a secure site. But there are other ways to boost security and limit fraud, including:

• Using only private devices (e.g., personal smartphones, tablets, or laptops)
• Do not use public WiFi
• Use virtual credit card numbers, if possible
• Use your credit card's security features (e.g., two-factor authentication, alerts)

Lastly, if you use a laptop, you can update your firewall and security. On your phone or tablet, ensure you keep your apps up-to-date and regularly check your account.

Experts also advise that you use complex passwords and update them frequently. By following these steps, you can mitigate hackers and stolen credit card numbers. 

Are Online Canadian Pharmacies Safe?

Like any online shopping, you must be careful of fraudulent sites. First, you can follow some of the tips above, including checking for an SSL certificate. 

A Canadian pharmacy should follow similar safety protocols with dispensing medication as your run of the mill pharmacy. Some other safety aspects to look for include the following:

• Does this site require a valid prescription?
• Can you speak directly with a pharmacist?

You can also check out online reviews and review their site in depth. You should easily find information regarding payment options, security, prescription refills, contact information, and more. 

Save Money on an Online Prescription

Refilling an online prescription saves you time and money in the long term. It is more accessible and helps many individuals avoid long trips to the pharmacy. 

Your local pharmacy could also have inflated prices and limited stock options. An online pharmacy, such as PricePro Pharmacy, has a large selection and secure site to make shopping for affordable medication easier. 

With additional security layers, you can easily use your credit card or e-check without worry. If you are ready to get started, visit our medication list to find your prescription!

Works Cited

https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/what-is-ssl

https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2022/04/ecommerce-sales-surged-during-pandemic.html

https://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/1111/alternate-methods-of-online-payment.aspx#:~:text=With%20a%20few%20simple%20precautions,ways%20to%20conduct%20transactions%20online.

https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/ensure-online-credit-card-purchases-safe

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/01/27/799019013/when-insurance-wont-cover-drugs-americans-make-tough-choices-about-their-health

https://www.pricepropharmacy.com/5-benefits-of-getting-your-prescriptions-filled-by-an-online-pharmacy/

https://www.pricepropharmacy.com/how-to-safely-buy-medication-online/

https://www.pricepropharmacy.com/products/