Health Insurance

[arls1234]

Hi please excuse me if this seems a little dumb but I am new to forums.

We are a family of 2 adults, 2 children moving to Melbourne from the UK on the 18th Feb 2009 on a temporary visa (496) which we understand does not offer Medicare cover. We understand that there is a recipricol agreement in place witht he Uk but that this only lasts 6 months. We hope to get a permanent visa at the end of the 2 yrs.

Can someone advise if we need to get private health insurance, where to get it from, likely costs involved and what cover it will give us in respect of GP's, prescriptions etc. I am so confused!

Thanks

[kaz101]

Hi arls1234,

Yes you will need health insurance since Medicare doesn't cover everything anyway.

I'm not sure about temp visas but for a permanent one you have to take out health insurance within 12 months otherwise you have to pay more because of the Lifetime health cover.

There are links in the 'PLEASE READ.....' under the health section.

Regards,
Karen

[arls1234]

Originally Posted by kaz101

Hi arls1234,

Yes you will need health insurance since Medicare doesn't cover everything anyway.

I'm not sure about temp visas but for a permanent one you have to take out health insurance within 12 months otherwise you have to pay more because of the Lifetime health cover.

There are links in the 'PLEASE READ.....' under the health section.

Regards,
Karen

Thanks for that where do I find the 'Please read' section (sorry but have looked - probably staring me in face but that much on my mind)

[kaz101]

Originally Posted by arls1234

Thanks for that where do I find the 'Please read' section (sorry but have looked - probably staring me in face but that much on my mind)

If your coming here through an email click on Australia forums on the menu on the right. That takes you to the top of the Australia forum threads list. The post 'PLEASE READ.....' is a sticky post at towards the top of the forum and it's full name is
'PLEASE READ: Helpful websites for your move to Australia' but I just get tired of typing it our all the time