Kralphy

Hello out there,

I've been trawling the threads and internet about medicare and private health insurance but i'm still unsure on what to do.

Me, my husband and 5 year old twins are heading to Brisbane for 1 year on a 402 research visa.

Now, as I understand it we are required to have health insurance on entry and can then register for medicare. Am I right in thinking medicare will cover us for emergency treatment and other treatments deemed urgent only? And excludes ambulance, dental, optical, physio etc? Does it cover GP visits? Say you or your child has a chest infection and requires antibiotics. Does the gp claim back from medicare and we would pay for prescriptions?


I've just got a quote from Bupa and the lowest cover for our family is $2200 per annum. I'm just wondering what others in a similar situation have done when only visiting for a year.

Thanks in advance for you patience on yet another healthcare thread!

Confused Kate

goldchoccycoin

Only thing I can add is that the Ambulance service is free to all Queensland residents so don't worry about that!

Not sure if the reciprocal Medicare cover means bulk billing for children or not, it is usually the case with 'normal' Medicare - hopefully someone can confirm.

Best of luck!

Kralphy

Thanks Goldchoccycoin,

That's good to know about the ambulance service!

Katy

goldchoccycoin

Having had a quick look at RHCA for Visitors it seems that if you can find a bulk billing doctor then all your treatment should be fee-free.

To be honest $185 per month for family cover is pretty reasonable if the refund amounts are decent - I pay $135 as a single person for comprehensive cover (as a resident). I'm not sure what visitor health insurance covers though so hopefully someone more in the know will comment.

Kralphy

Interesting reading...thank you