MattandCaz

we have private health care with bupa, trying to find out if Medicare is sufficient to satisfy healthcare requirements on a 457?

litepurple

It depends if your home country has a reciprocal medical agreement with Australia or not. For example, the UK does so once inside Australia and registered for reciprocal Medicare, then there is no need for additional insurance to satisfy the requirements of the 457 visa. You do need to get some kind of insurance before you get the visa in the first place, though, as you can't register for Medicare from outside Australia.

That's my understanding, anyway.

Tramps_mate

Correct. Iv got to bump up my single insurance to cover the family so they can join me soon..

northernbird

I would agree with that, a family member is awaiting her 457 visa and wondered why it was taking so long. On investigation her case officer was waiting for proof of private medical insurance before issuing the visa.

steen1976

Yep as above. We just got a lowest cover from IMAN and that was enough. Then registered for Medicare when here.

Tramps_mate

Did you cancel your private cover?

litepurple

I'd also be interested as I'm trying to decide whether to cancel my private healthcare with LAFHA ending and just using Medicare (along with other quick financial adjustments I need to make).

steen1976

Erm, I meant to and forgot. Ended up with a £500 bill on my visa card

It is now cancelled.

Only thing is I've now looked to get set up with private cover here and have a good scheme through work but cannot get it as on a 457

The equivalent cover for non PR is more than twice the price. Looking to go PR pretty soon though.

MattandCaz

Thanks for the replies, much appreciated, LAFHA ending is going to hit us hard so looking to save $ wherever

paddyo

Yep...aren't we all!! Austar gone, reduced mobile phones to basic packages, rationalised all heating, cut out 'fine dining' and grabbing economy cuts, no more 'boys nights out'.....even champagne in the Spa has had to go!!

MattandCaz

I'm thinking about ditching foxtel too to be honest, mrs is home in the dark and cold as we speak! Defo no more fine dining and boys nights out! Might have too cut back on the footy too!

lynetteh

My brother in law is this week sending his his 457 visa application. His company is an approved sponsor and has already received the position nomination approval. Should he apply for private health insurance now or take it out once the visa is approved?

Tramps_mate

It will not get approved without private cover or Medicare inplace, and unless he's in Oz he can't get Medicare.

It is part of the Visa. No health cover, no Visa.

paddyo

Now that is just abhorrent!!