Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronda
Hello to All 
I have been reviewing this topic in your forum. I was wondering if I move to Australia from the US can I qualify for the same health coverage that the citizens receive or would I have to pay for my insurance? My husband is a citizen of Australia and we are wanting to move to Melbourne where he is from. My mother is dependent on us and I also wanted to know if she could come with us even if her health is not great. Would she need to pay for her own insurance. If so how much is it? Any information you can pass this way would be greatly appreciated. |
Hi Ronda,
If you have a permanent visa you will receive Medicare, however private medical insurance is really pushed to people over here in Oz and you get tax benefits for it. It will cover things like dental and opticians that Medicare doesn't cover.
You probably need to check with an agent about your Mother since immigration usually looks at whether she will be a drain on the economy but I think there are special circumstances if she is dependent on you - but I'm not an agent.
You can get a family health insurance but that is usually for parents and younger children. There is a website called
Private Health Insurance Australia - iSelect - they do not have all the health insurances in there but it will give you an idea of prices.
We went with a non-profit health insurance but haven't had to claim on it yet, and that's when you find out how good they really are.
Regards,
Karen