BarryBen

Hi everyone, we're looking at our options for private health insurance given we're on a 457 visa however as usual we're blinded by all the different options! We know we are looking for a relatively decent ancillary cover given my and DS both have glasses and the OH has crowns etc.

Does anyone have any recommendations of companies and levels of cover? We have a quote (family of four in NSW) from HIF of $250 pm, but I don't have any concept of whether that's good or not.

Any help or advice would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Ben

KJCherokee

You have been quoted for full hospital cover - what is called Extras cover should be available for around $60 a month for a family of 4. Even Hospital and Extras can be as low as $160/month.

Try www.iselect.com.au to get an online comparison of lots (but not all) of the health insurance companies in Australia

Tramps_mate

Don't you need the insurance before the Visa is granted?

Fran_L

Hi Ben,

Have you tried Bupa Australia?

Good luck with your move.

Fran.

BarryBen

Thanks KJ, I probably wasn't clear, the $250 covers both hospital (intermediate) and extras (mid range). Whilst I am fairly clear on the extras I am wondering whether intermediate cover is right for us as a family - going higher introduces services like IVF and antenatal which we definitely won't be needing (!) but I'm wondering if I'm missing something.

Also - from reading around I am fairly sure we'll qualify for the health insurance rebate as our family income will be under $168k, I haven't found anything indicating that this is not offered to 457 visa holders. I assume the premiums offered on provider websites don't take any rebate into account, and apply a reduction of the premium as part of the joining process once they are satisfiede our income is suitable?

KJCherokee

With a family income under $168k you don't have to pay the Medicare surcharge if you don't have Hospital cover, so you need to decide whether you need this cover or whether you can rely on Medicare under the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement between Australia and the UK.

You will need to have health insurance before you come, but once in Australia you can apply for a Medicare card. See this website

Padrum

If your combined salary is under $168K you wont be subjected to the Medicare levy surcharge however the health insurance rebate I believe you are making reference to is only available for Australian residents holding full medicare entitlements.

Hope this helps