[ardie514]

This reminded me of a question I've been meaning to ask of others who emigrated from the U.S. We will be moving to Perth in April on a 457 visa. I know that before our visa gets approved we must show proof of insurance in Australia. I've used some of the links on this forum to get some quotes, however I have come across some companies that offer insurance to ex-pats that have the option of covering you in your home country (mine being the U.S.) as well as in the country you will be living in (Australia). Does that make sense? My thought is that I would want the U.S coverage for when we do travel back to visit. It seems ALOT more expensive then the quotes I got through iselect or medibank just for coverage in Australia. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks.

 

[ardie514]

Is your employer not supplying your insurance in Australia? I know they changed the law in September (before it was a requirement), but it is something you should definitely demand.

Nope, it's my husband's employer, a university, and they are not offering us health insurance. He asked as part of negotiations, but didn't get it. Did get a higher salary, but no insurance.

 

[ardie514]

Thank you! We don't yet have our overseas health cover. Just starting the process and waiting for employer to complete their nomination, but I did read on the visa application that we must have the insurance in place to get the visa so that is what I'm exploring. Sounds like the best thing to do is get the private insurance from an Australian company and just pay for temp travelers insurance when we come back to the U.S., or travel anywhere outside Australia. Thank you.

 

[ardie514]

FYI... You need to get health insurance in Australia when you're filing, or your application will be delayed a bit. I'd just start shopping now, tell them you are a 457 applicant. Tell them your expected date of arrival. Your policy doesn't start until you arrive, but if you apply and pay for your first month, you will get a certified letter that serves as proof of OZ insurance. You will submit this as supporting documentation with you 457 application. If you don't, they will request it anyway.

Good luck.

Excellent info, thank you so much for your help. Sorry that I hijacked the original thread.