Mandatory Insurance for 457 visa

[Jock in Paddyland]

Hi folks, i'm sure this has been covered loads in the past. Just wondered what others had managed to sort out, and the typical costs involved (we are family of 3). Any tips on companies etc would be much appreciated.
J

[AndyA]

Hi jock,

There is a reciprocal medical agreement between the British and Australian governments which means that once you are in situ and have applied for Australian 'Medicare' you and the family will be covered.

Applying for a 457 requires you to have medical cover (a bit of a quango). I covered this off by taking out annual travel insurance from columbus direct. The cover cost me about £58 and is good for 60 days per trip. It's sufficient to cover the application criteria and shouldn't cost your family much more than I paid (I think that kids are free). Check it out.

For the avoidance of doubt - you don't have to take out and expensive annual private medial insurance to satisfy the 457 application.

Good luck.

AA

[Jock in Paddyland]

Thanks Andy, I did wonder about that. So basically after an initial (sort of) qualifying period, we would be entitled to Medicare cover?
Can I just ask, how are you finding the 457 application process? I was basically given a job offer last week, with a proposed start date of 1st July. I don't know how realistic that date is, as I am still awaiting the sponsors TRN number, and am not sure of the processing times etc. Also have to try an sort out shipping and stuff, and was initially hoping to have several months to sort all this out, but is looking more like just over 2 months.
Really excited about the prospect of moving over, but the overwhelming feeling at the minute is blind panic, with the feeling of not knowing where to start.

Originally Posted by AndyA

Hi jock,

There is a reciprocal medical agreement between the British and Australian governments which means that once you are in situ and have applied for Australian 'Medicare' you and the family will be covered.

Applying for a 457 requires you to have medical cover (a bit of a quango). I covered this off by taking out annual travel insurance from columbus direct. The cover cost me about £58 and is good for 60 days per trip. It's sufficient to cover the application criteria and shouldn't cost your family much more than I paid (I think that kids are free). Check it out.

For the avoidance of doubt - you don't have to take out and expensive annual private medial insurance to satisfy the 457 application.

Good luck.

AA

[AndyA]

Hi Jock. I'm 5 weeks in and hope to be granted the visa in the next couple of weeks. I've read the relevant threads relating to the 457 and spoken with the guys in Sydney that have already gone through the process and the consensus is that a 457 takes about 6 weeks, although the official line is 3 months. 1st of July is definitely possible and the time will fly.

You are entitled to Medicare and will be granted the cover as soon as you apply. It's odd that they require Brits to secure health insurance before we arrive because effectively, we don't need it.

The TRN will arrive as soon as your application is submitted. Don't forget that your sponsor will need to apply too and dependent on your field, the nomination from them can take a month and your visa a little longer.

I front loaded chest x-rays (required to prove there is no TB), You may not require meds because you are coming from a low risk country (I lived in Thailand for 3 years until last year). If you are required to supply x-rays, you will need to visit a panel doctor and pay around £90 per person ( a bit steep!)

Good luck

AA