Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
 

I think they actually make it worse for you returning Aussies.

A chap I work with had real problems when he came back from university in the UK. He had a devils job re-registering with Medicare apparently.

S

Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
 

I think it's just 'Karma' because they don't like the fact that we left Australia in the first place :p

Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
 

It is more difficult for returning Australian citizens. Or newly arrived Australian citizens (not every Australian citizen starts life in Australia). And same goes for New Zealand citizens just arrived.

HOWEVER, in fairness to Medicare, they do need to make sure such a person has really moved to Australia and is not just visiting. Australian citizenship does not entitle you to Medicare if living overseas.

Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
 

Weird, I had absolutely no hassle with the post office doing the ID check for my Virgin card even though I took hubby's stuff as well. Was in and out in about five minutes and she sent it all off for me. I love the post office here - they're brilliant.

Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
 

Yes, I use them for loads of stuff. Much better than the shambles back home...

S

Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
 

Oh hell. I've found out from the health insurance fund I'm hoping to get cover with (to avoid medicare levy surcharge) that I need a letter from Medicare confirming that I became eligible for medicare benefits when I became a permanent resident. I have a horrible feeling this may prove difficult, as we became eligible before we got PR (ie when we were in the application process and already living in Australia) and are still classed as being 'interim'. Wish me luck with my dealings with the dreaded bureaucracy otherwise knows as Medicare. :rolleyes:

Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
 

Which fund is that Chels, if you don't mind me asking? I havn't even begun to look into healthcare funds yet, so I have no idea what to look for...

I don't think that I am going to escape the lifetime loading, as I validated in 2003, but didn't move here until this year. I did put on my form date of taking up residence as being 29th of July this year. I'll have to see how I go...

S

Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
 

You might be okay, because the health fund seemed more interested in when I got my medicare card rather than PR (hey, both were bloddy difficult to get so I see where they're coming from). Keep quiet about it...

Looking at two options - NIB and Medibank. Decided to get a basic hospital and extras cover, have to get the hospital cover to avoid the medicare levy surcharge (did my tax return tonight - ouch, the medicare costs sting! Over a $1000 I owe the tax man) decided it was worth getting extras as I'll use it towards glasses / contact lenses, need to see a dentist (3 years since last visit), may possible need root canal stuff, and a few other bits and pieces that will hopefully mean that I get some benefits from the cover (I don't plan to use the hospital cover if I can avoid it!).

Costs - looks like about $12 a week. OH is also looking, but he hasn't got dodgy eyes and teeth so will probably go for a more basic cover with NIB that gives him less extras, $10 a week.