harryed

We have been on the Gold Coast 5 weeks now, and slowly settling, there's just so much that you don't know when you arrive in a new country Before we left the UK we were told that if you join private health care within the first 6 months, the premium costs stop at age 30. Does anyone know if this is the case? We would also appreciate any other useful info that could help us out at the daunting start of living in a new country

JAJ

Yes it is, although you should check to see if the time limit is 12 months. The term you're looking for is "Lifetime Health Cover". Look on the website of any health insurer and you should find out more.

There is also the Medicare levy surcharge possibility if you don't take out health insurance.

NickyC

No, your premium costs don't stop when you reach 30 - you always have to pay premiums

If you join a Health Fund before you're 30 OR within a year of arriving (if you're older than 30) then you don't pay an age loading on your premium. People who join Health Funds after the age of 30 pay higher premiums than those who join when they're younger.

harryed

Thanks, what is the Medicare levy surcharge

harryed

I think the sun and heat have fried my brain, I did't get the question out right. Thanks for the info on the year to look into it.

walaj

if your salary is above a certain amount and you don't have private healthcare, then the government wants more money from you in the form of medicare surcharge. That is why many people will take out basic cover costing less than if they had to pay the surcharge.

wargod

Does anyone know if there is anyway of having the waiting period waived (as we are newly arrived and therefore had no chance to start from day 1) for certain things - i.e dental and the like?

marco121068

I 'think' it's 1% of your earnings if you earn over $50,000 pa.

http://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/co....htm&page=6&H6

bridie

I have heard from somewhere (cant remember if it was here or another forum!) that sometimes they will let you back date the premium, but havent done it ourselvs just hearsay. Maybe worth phoning round and asking.

Dont forget you also get a rebate from Medicare if you take out private insurance which further drops the premium

wargod

ta!

Teabag

GMHBA is one of the cheapest health insurance companies, I have been with them for about 10 years and they pay quite high refunds. Worth checking them out in your search

http://gmhba.com.au/

oliverandlisa

anyone else able to make some recommendations about companies to use?

Plug

I suppose the test of a good insurance is when you need to make a claim. Have you had to do this with GMHBA? They do look an attractive option on fees.

Teabag

YEP! 1 x Birth in Private Hospital
1 x Throat surgery in Private Hospital
2 x Day stays for Denistry in Private Hospital
1 x tonsillectomy - Private
glasses for the family each year - almost
loads more

you can see by their payout tables anyway, and you go fully covered or pay excess to reduce your monthly payments etc.

They really have been very good to us

Weasy

Must say their premiums seem quite reasonable.

Lou
xx