evelyn oneill

We been here in perth 10 months - we are a family of five - can someone give us some advice on what we do about healthcare cover and who we are best to go with? By the way we all healthy at this point.

Bob Tonnor

Bingo!

Here you go, http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2010/s2861766.htm and heres the answer to your problems! http://www.privatehealth.gov.au/ . You dont have to go through a broker and the second site goes straight to the insurer, say cheerio to commissions!

Bob

elice_in_oz

You might want to get your private healthcare cover sorted out before you've been permanent residents for 12 months (if indeed you have PR), especially if the eldest person in your household is over 31 years of age. If you leave it past the first anniversary of your arrival as PR, you will have to pay the Lifetime Health Cover loading. See http://www.privatehealth.gov.au/faq.htm#LHC

Just thought I'd mention it as you said that you've been here 10 months, presumably without private health insurance, meaning that the first anniversary is fast approaching...

HelenTD

We have HBF as my OH gets it as part of his salary package. It's had a fair thrashing from us over the last month, as our child ended up in hospital and they provided almost no rehab or support.

I was discussing private cover with some of the other mums at the physio sessions we've been to, and some of them have mixed cover, one insurer for hospital cover and another for ancillary cover. Many people decide to manage without private cover, but you never know when you might need it.

You certainly can't rely on top-quality public health care in WA, even for children, but unfortunately there's only one children's hospital here. Your private cover won't get you a private room, or even a double room. You won't get any better treatment or food. I don't know if SJOG Murdoch provides emergency treatment for kids. Best to avoid hospitals if we can .

JAJ

When thinking about your options, consider Lifetime Health Cover issues (time period to avoid the age loading) and the Medicare levy surcharge. All assuming you're permanent residents, you don't tell us that.

evelyn oneill

thanks everyone for your help - and yes we are permanent residents.