RESEARCH comparing the cost of over-the-counter (OTC)medicines in various OECD countries has placed Australia among the cheapest.
International insurer William Russell looked at 10 popular expat locations and checked the prices of 10 common OTC medications, including paracetamol, aspirin, laxatives and nasal spray, at the most prominent online chemists and pharmacies.
France was the cheapest, with an average price per item of A$5.57, with Norway the most expensive at $17.22.
The average price in Australia was $7.96, which was fourth cheapest overall.
The high cost in Norway was attributed to price, safety and quality regulation, as well as high wages, cost of living and lack of retail competition.
Switzerland was almost as high, at $16.37, for similar reasons.
Portugal had the third highest average cost at $13.74, likely because of its reliance on imported medicines.
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