red7

Hi all,

I just got my PR Visa 801. I am also going to the UK in 8 weeks, to look after my sick Father, and could be away for some time. In this case, what happens if I need medical attention? I'm a British Citizen and have only just got my 801 visa. I know that UK and Aus have reciprocated health care systems - so would I see a Doctor/Hospital as a UK Citizen (even though I haven't lived or worked there, or paid taxes, for 4 years)? Or as a visiting Australian Permanent Resident? Do I have to apply for anything before I travel? I don't think I need expatriate health insurance, because I should be covered by either UK NHS, or Australian Medicare. Any thoughts?

Thank you,

Shelley

Pollyana

You would only be covered by the NHS if you were returning to the UK to live permanently, not to visit. As a visitor you are entitled to emergency care, under the reciprocal agreement with Medicare.
Really you need to look at travel insurance - not just in case anything happens there but also in case it happens en route.

BritInParis

NHS care is based on residency. If you are returning to the UK to live on a permanent basis then you will be covered. If you were returning temporarily then you would not be. Your situation appears to fall somewhere in between but if you will be in the UK for the foreseeable future then you should be considered ordinarily resident and therefore eligible.

red7

Thanks Pollyana. I am getting one-way travel insurance for the trip but I can't get long-term travel insurance. For one, I could be gone for up to a year and the price for that would be ridiculous (plus, I couldn't give the insurer my return dates). But also, I think I should be covered under one of the countries' health agreements, given I'm a Citizen of one and a PR of the other. I'm just not sure which one, it's a bit of a grey area.

red7

Thanks BritInParis. How do the Gov't determine if you are returning permanently or not? I have a one-way ticket and could be there up to a year.

Pollyana

Think of it as if you are returning to live get on the electoral roil, make sure the bank has your current address (I assume you still have an account) - then register with a GP as having returned to the UK After all f you are taking in months/years rather than days/weeks that makes you a resident.
Otherwise yes you are covered by Medicare, but only for emergency care. If you go down that route you are just an Aussie tourist in the UK, entitted to emergency care and expected to cover anything else on travel insurance.

BritInParis

I can’t see it being an issue then.

red7

Thanks for the good advice. I still have a functioning UK account, I can do the rest when I get there.

quoll

red7

Thanks Quoll. I think that's what I'll do, too. Unfortunately, my Dad's prognosis is only 5-8 months But who knows what life has in store for me/my family beyond that. I hope I'm not there for 7 years, I've been through the mill and back to get my visa!