Originally Posted by NickyP

Oh no, she was the most stunning Doctor I had ever met - it was hard not to hang on her every word, drooling like an imbecile... :D

S

Originally Posted by Wendy

Go for it :beer: :D

Originally Posted by Swerv-o

Hmm. I have a plan. How about if I don't touch alcohol all week, then drink furiously at the weekend to make up for it...

Originally Posted by Swerv-o

I have only ever seen stunningly gorgeous doctors when in embarrassing positions. Why is it that the gynaecologists that you see when hugely pregnant and flat on your back in a hospital are gorgeous :rolleyes: Life can be so cruel ;)
Nicky

Originally Posted by NickyP

I agree. The Dr that did my meds was gorgeous too. It all got a bit hairy when it came to the hold and cough part... :scared:

S

Originally Posted by Swerv-o

Hi all,

I though I'd share with you the problems I am experiencing in registering with Medicare, just so that you may be forewarned.

I went in this morning to try and register and was told that the documents I had 'were not the right ones'. I took my passport with my visa, my contract from my job, my TFN advice letter and my local bank cards, as it suggests on the Medicare web site.

The (unhelpful) bloke behind the desk said that I needed more ID to prove that I was actually living here. Now, as I am in a shared house, and have only been here 10 weeks, I don't have any bills with my name and address on. I havn't received any bank statements yet and my credit card hasn't been approved yet.

So at the mnoment I'm really struggling with this. Has anybody else found this?

They gave me a really 'useful' sheet, and they are asking for things like letters form my previous employer stating that I have left, evidence of the sale of my UK property, customs documents relating to importing my possessions or evidence of closure of UK banking facilities. They also suggested that I could get a letter from the British High Commission stating that I have left the UK! I can imagine how easy that will be to get hold of...

Part of the problem is that I opened my bank account before I arrived, so don't have any documentation of having opened one after arrival. It seems that the system is heavily loaded against the independent traveller who comes with a couple of suitcases, then stays in shared accommodation.

Problem is that I could really do with going to see the Doctor, as I have had strange stomacg pains for the last 2 weeks, and they don't show any signs of going away...

Any suggestions?

S

Originally Posted by mjj

I registered with Medicare yesterday and it took 15 minutes. I took in my passport, employment contract and a letter from our removal company that proved we are shipping all of our possessions over. Apparently they need to see evidence that you are serious about permanently settling in Australia.

Remember that this country is obsessed with ID. I had an absolute nightmare here just buying a car because I had to produce loads of ID.

mjj

Originally Posted by Pollyana

As Jeremy said earlier, all they really need is the passport and visa. If they insist on anything else you have a right to ask to speak to the supervisor. the only time there is likely to be a problem is within the first week after you land, because it takes a few days for the DIMA computer (which knows you have arrived) to link up with the Medicare one.

Originally Posted by JAJ

If you are an Australian citizen returning from overseas, or a newly arrived New Zealander, then they normally do need to see proof you're living in Australia - not just visiting.

Originally Posted by Swerv-o

Hmm. I have a plan. How about if I don't touch alcohol all week, then drink furiously at the weekend to make up for it.

S

Originally Posted by chels

We had problems getting a full medicare card when we applied for PR while being in Australia on a 457. I went in with printouts from Medicare's own website that said we were entitled to it etc but the person at the office - smack back in Sydney's CBD - refused to help us. We insisted on seeing a manager, who wouldn't see us but admitted we may be correct and they then agreed to send our details off to the head office who would make a decision about it.

Luck of the draw with Medicare offices...

Originally Posted by Swerv-o

What a lottery.

Well, I've been to see the quack now, and I have a months worth of pills. They sorted me out using the reciprocal agreement, so I only paid the Medicare price, not the full price.

And it's just as well that I have a months worth, as the bank said that I would receive the statement with my address on in TEN working days time!

Sense of urgency? Hmm...

S