timmerman

Hi

Sorry if this is a simple question but I have searched on google and on this fourm with no luck.

Basically I am a British national with a 457 visa and my Chilean girlfriend is going defacto on my visa................Can she apply for Medicare?

Any info appreciated

old.sparkles

Hi timmerman,

I think to be able to apply for medicare Chile would need to be part of the reciprocal agreement which they don't seem to be (http://www.humanservices.gov.au/cust...rhca-countries)

For the most reliable answer though you might want to contact them.

timmerman

Yeah I was hoping that if she was on my 457 that would change.

I went in to the Medicare office and asked and even they didn't know

old.sparkles

Hopefully someone else on here will have some knowledge - you just might have to wait a while

verystormy

Afraid not. 457 holders who are not from a country that has a reciprocal agreement have to pay - even if it is the primary applicant.

NickyC

Eligibility for Medicare under the reciprocal arrangement depends on where your girlfriend is resident - it's not dependent on nationality.

So, if she's been living in the UK (or another eligible country) before arriving in Australia, then she should qualify. If she's coming direct from Chile, then she won't.

http://www.humanservices.gov.au/cust...s-to-australia