Tr1boy

I'd get it done in Oz. Being bent over backwards and paying for the privilege is the norm.

Call it a cultural induction

Nicknacket

Superb! Cheers Bix. Sage words indeed - really, much appreciated.

spouse of scouse

Wrong end, I think (colonoscopy's the bum one)

spouse of scouse

My 2c worth, get it done now Nick.

I agree with the advice about not getting too hung up about the medical thing. As well as the examples already given, someone who'd just finished treatment for cancer got their visa. Your health is the most precious thing you possess, don't put stuff on hold. Best of luck with your plans.

Nicknacket

Love it

Nicknacket

Agreed. Thanks loads for the advice.

Dorothy

For most 457s you don't need a medical unless you intend to work in specified trades (schools, medical, etc). So, you may end up being worried for nothing at all.

Also something to bear in mind that a 457 is a temporary visa for 4 years with no clear path to permanent residency. Along with the temp status you will have to pay school fees for your children (if there are any) even in public schools in some states (NSW and ACT are the 2 I can think of offhand). You are also only entitled to reciprocal Medicare which means you will need to maintain private cover. Reciprocal covers urgent and emergent care only - not routine or elective. For instance, a few years ago I had to book a semi-urgent (but not an emergency; it could wait a month or so) heart operation for a patient but because she was on a temp visa and only had reciprocal cover Medicare/NHS were not going to pay for it. She ended up with a choice of either paying out of pocket or going home to UK for the op.

Nicknacket

Thanks Dorothy. Really really helpful.

Visas: I think we're going to look at how/ if we want citizenship after we've settled a little. I suspect we would need good advice, and visa changes at that point.

Jobs: I m currently doing a PhD but my profession is education leadership so I could well attract a once over from what you're saying as I'm likely to look to go back to that shortly I guess.


Thanks again

tomar

I'm on 40mg Pantoprazole (Somac) for acid reflux.
1 month supply 15.95, I know it's probably not the same med. but might be a useful price guide. I'll check the cost for you if I remember.

Ref. reciprocal Medicare.
My daughter came on a WHV to 457, now waiting for 801. Been here over 3 years.
She has always had full Medicare, never been refused anything, certainly wasn't restricted to emergency cover only, and only took out private after she had been here for 2 1/2 years.
She has epilepsy, has been hospitalised once with no cost, and was checked over for everything, also having specialist laser treatment for a bad burn at no cost. She burnt herself during her fit.
Is being by the top burns specialist who treated the marathon runner who was burnt badly and who also treated the chef from Noosa.
She has had the most fantastic treatment here, from local GP for everyday ailments on, so definitely has always full reciprocal.

Please don't think she is abusing the system, has worked and paid tax from day one, just had a bad time on one occasion.

Pollyana

On a WHV and 457 technically she was only entitled to emergency reciprocal care.
However often people report getting non-emergency care for free, usually because medicare or the medical facility have not checked or understood their entitlements correctly. It happens int he UK as well, many people get NHS treatment when they aren't entitled to it.
So although it can happen, there's no guarantee that another person whould be as lucky as your daughter. Paying tax has nothing to do with it, its down to the visa class.

tomar

Sorry Dorothy re-reading your reply, you are probably right ref. the heart problem, I was looking at it from my daughter's experiences.

tomar

Pollyanna honestly not quibbling only interested, she obviously has a Medicare card, so assume there are different ones issued as per visa status?
We aren't eligible for Medicare so haven't seen a card so wouldn't know there were different ones?
By limited reciprocal does that mean you shouldn't even go to a Dr. for antibiotics for instance?
Interesting really to know exactly what you are entitled to.

cresta57

Yep same camera though, so make sure you're first in the queue. My dad went for a colonoscopy same day my mum was booked for an endoscopy. Oh the fun he had with that one when he told her his appointment was for 1/2 hr before hers...........................................h my:

tomar

Have googled visitor reciprocal health agreement.
Covers necessary treatments for ill health or injury that require treatment while you are in Oz and require treatment before you go home.

Entitled to a Medicare card if you have applied for a permanent visa
Or have permission to work in Oz? Interesting does that mean
a) WHV you can work in a job for 6 months
b) 457 visa you can work up to 4 years
Open to interpretation isn't it.

Daughter qualifies as applied for 820 visa and 2nd stage 801 lodged.