Private Healthcare for temporary visa holders
Nov 28th 2002, 8:32 pm
#1
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Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2002
Location: Dandenong Ranges, Victoria
Posts: 35
Private Healthcare for temporary visa holders
Moving from UK to Melbourne in new year on 457 independant Exec 4yr temporary visa. Don't qualify for Medicare so have to arrange private healthcare. Anyone have experiences of good or bad providers?
Nov 28th 2002, 9:01 pm
#2
Just Joined
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 29
Re: Private Healthcare for temporary visa holders
Originally posted by Ben_38
Moving from UK to Melbourne in new year on 457 independant Exec 4yr temporary visa. Don't qualify for Medicare so have to arrange private healthcare. Anyone have experiences of good or bad providers?
Moving from UK to Melbourne in new year on 457 independant Exec 4yr temporary visa. Don't qualify for Medicare so have to arrange private healthcare. Anyone have experiences of good or bad providers?
Did you use a relocation company to get your visa..can you tell me how much you paid for your application/business plan ?
We are hoping to statr a business in Queensland and are going over in March to look around.
Any info would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Louise
Nov 28th 2002, 9:13 pm
#3
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Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2002
Location: Dandenong Ranges, Victoria
Posts: 35
I agree, the process can seem very daunting, and it certainly requires determination!
We started by going to a migration bureau London who gave us some advice which later turned out to have limited use. Luckily, my mother in law (who now has permanant residency) went to see some immigration lawyers in Melbourne to get advice.
Our judgement was that the advice from the lawyers was much more likely to succeed for us, and although this mean't a couple of trips to Aus for us to speak to them, this was no bad thing as we were reluctant to commit to emigrating without seeing Aus first.
The first trip, we went as a family to "test the water" and found that we really liked the country. The second time, I went on my own having set up a number of appointments with both an immigration lawyer, accountant and several meetings with owners of the type of business that I am proposing to buy. Sounds like a lot of work and it was made easy for us with mother in law there, but really paid off.
Prepared a very detailed application, which the authorities eventually said was too much! but was granted within 12 weeks of lodging in London.
Let me know if you want more specific info - good luck!!!
We started by going to a migration bureau London who gave us some advice which later turned out to have limited use. Luckily, my mother in law (who now has permanant residency) went to see some immigration lawyers in Melbourne to get advice.
Our judgement was that the advice from the lawyers was much more likely to succeed for us, and although this mean't a couple of trips to Aus for us to speak to them, this was no bad thing as we were reluctant to commit to emigrating without seeing Aus first.
The first trip, we went as a family to "test the water" and found that we really liked the country. The second time, I went on my own having set up a number of appointments with both an immigration lawyer, accountant and several meetings with owners of the type of business that I am proposing to buy. Sounds like a lot of work and it was made easy for us with mother in law there, but really paid off.
Prepared a very detailed application, which the authorities eventually said was too much! but was granted within 12 weeks of lodging in London.
Let me know if you want more specific info - good luck!!!
Nov 28th 2002, 9:27 pm
#4
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Joined: Feb 2002
Location: Sydney
Posts: 392
Re: Private Healthcare for temporary visa holders
Originally posted by Ben_38
Moving from UK to Melbourne in new year on 457 independant Exec 4yr temporary visa. Don't qualify for Medicare so have to arrange private healthcare. Anyone have experiences of good or bad providers?
Moving from UK to Melbourne in new year on 457 independant Exec 4yr temporary visa. Don't qualify for Medicare so have to arrange private healthcare. Anyone have experiences of good or bad providers?
Nov 28th 2002, 9:27 pm
#5
Just Joined
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 29
we went to see relocation company and have been quoted £8,000 for them to secure us the temporary visa..they say that they have a 100% success rate..but you dont know if you are to beleive them.
My partner and i are both managers at the moment but would like to step out of the rat race. we are hoping to buy a franchaise or set up in business around Coolum Beach.
we have been to Aus before..my sister lives in Brisbane.
Are we following a dream or can it work.
I keep reading lots of negative comments on this site and dont know what to beleive.
we have total assets of £100K - every thing we have. Is it possible do you think to start a new life with this?
We, like your selves will have to pay for private medical cover and for schooling for my two children.
What busines are you starting..do you have any previous knowledge of running your own business.
Views from any one else would be appreciated
Louise
My partner and i are both managers at the moment but would like to step out of the rat race. we are hoping to buy a franchaise or set up in business around Coolum Beach.
we have been to Aus before..my sister lives in Brisbane.
Are we following a dream or can it work.
I keep reading lots of negative comments on this site and dont know what to beleive.
we have total assets of £100K - every thing we have. Is it possible do you think to start a new life with this?
We, like your selves will have to pay for private medical cover and for schooling for my two children.
What busines are you starting..do you have any previous knowledge of running your own business.
Views from any one else would be appreciated
Louise
Nov 28th 2002, 9:50 pm
#6
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2002
Location: Poole, UK
Posts: 72
If you have UK passports you're eligible for basic and emergency treatment, but not dental work, glasses and a few other expensive but rare treatments. See below for the full deal.
http://www.hic.gov.au/yourhealth/ser...rs/vtta.htm#uk
My partner and I have opted to get Ambluance cover only ($60 for both of us), because the rest is pretty unlikely - as is the need for an ambulance, but rides in those are expensive!! Full private health cover was simply too much for us to consider, though with kids I can see why you'd think about it.
Soph
http://www.hic.gov.au/yourhealth/ser...rs/vtta.htm#uk
My partner and I have opted to get Ambluance cover only ($60 for both of us), because the rest is pretty unlikely - as is the need for an ambulance, but rides in those are expensive!! Full private health cover was simply too much for us to consider, though with kids I can see why you'd think about it.
Soph
Nov 28th 2002, 9:52 pm
#7
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Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2002
Location: Dandenong Ranges, Victoria
Posts: 35
OnlyMe - We have been told by our lawyers and it is reiterated in our offer letter from Australia house that the reciprical arrangement with the Uk only applies to emergency cover and that for other medical expenses we have to obtain private cover.
Louise - What can I say... We were quoted a similar sum by the bureau in London, who also promised 100% success. When we ran their ideas past the lawyer in Melbourne, he was very sceptical as to whether the what they were encouraging us to propose to the authorities as a viable business proposition would succeed. In fact, our latter dealings with the bureau became a little worrying with emails sent by us that were not received!! and promises of putting Australian contacts in touch with us that didn't materialise!!
Sorry to seem sceptical - I'm sure that for many the process can work in this way, but for us, things really shifted gear once we had engaged a lawyer in Aus who we, or MIL(Mum in law) could pester. Could your sister do something similar?
By the way, we have about the same amount of assets as you, and at the moment it seems feasible - we are certainly banking on it!!!
Louise - What can I say... We were quoted a similar sum by the bureau in London, who also promised 100% success. When we ran their ideas past the lawyer in Melbourne, he was very sceptical as to whether the what they were encouraging us to propose to the authorities as a viable business proposition would succeed. In fact, our latter dealings with the bureau became a little worrying with emails sent by us that were not received!! and promises of putting Australian contacts in touch with us that didn't materialise!!
Sorry to seem sceptical - I'm sure that for many the process can work in this way, but for us, things really shifted gear once we had engaged a lawyer in Aus who we, or MIL(Mum in law) could pester. Could your sister do something similar?
By the way, we have about the same amount of assets as you, and at the moment it seems feasible - we are certainly banking on it!!!
Nov 28th 2002, 10:01 pm
#8
Just Joined
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 29
What business are you going into? Did you have to carry out alot of research?
Are you going out to live first and then buy a business, or do you have a business lined up.
Louise
Are you going out to live first and then buy a business, or do you have a business lined up.
Louise
Nov 28th 2002, 10:05 pm
#9
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Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2002
Location: Dandenong Ranges, Victoria
Posts: 35
Originally posted by sophiedb
If you have UK passports you're eligible for basic and emergency treatment, but not dental work, glasses and a few other expensive but rare treatments. See below for the full deal.
http://www.hic.gov.au/yourhealth/ser...rs/vtta.htm#uk
My partner and I have opted to get Ambluance cover only ($60 for both of us), because the rest is pretty unlikely - as is the need for an ambulance, but rides in those are expensive!! Full private health cover was simply too much for us to consider, though with kids I can see why you'd think about it.
Soph
If you have UK passports you're eligible for basic and emergency treatment, but not dental work, glasses and a few other expensive but rare treatments. See below for the full deal.
http://www.hic.gov.au/yourhealth/ser...rs/vtta.htm#uk
My partner and I have opted to get Ambluance cover only ($60 for both of us), because the rest is pretty unlikely - as is the need for an ambulance, but rides in those are expensive!! Full private health cover was simply too much for us to consider, though with kids I can see why you'd think about it.
Soph
Nov 28th 2002, 10:06 pm
#10
Migration Agent
Joined: May 2002
Location: Offices in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Geelong (Australia), and Southampton (UK)
Posts: 6,459
Louise,
Hope you don't mind me jumping into this thread to say that we charge less than a quarter of the fee you have been quoted for a 457-Independent Exec visa, and we also don't have any failed applications. In my view a fee of £8k for a 457-IE application needs some justifying.
We have offices in the UK and Australia, and my joint venture accountancy colleagues have an office in Brisbane - they are well placed to advise you as to your plans and to liaise with business brokers and franchisors (one of their niches is franchises). They also provide an initial consultation as a freebie.
That's enough of the self-promotion - feel able to mail or telephone me or my colleague John Sylvester if you want more details:
http://www.gomatilda.com/contact.cfm
Best regards.
Hope you don't mind me jumping into this thread to say that we charge less than a quarter of the fee you have been quoted for a 457-Independent Exec visa, and we also don't have any failed applications. In my view a fee of £8k for a 457-IE application needs some justifying.
We have offices in the UK and Australia, and my joint venture accountancy colleagues have an office in Brisbane - they are well placed to advise you as to your plans and to liaise with business brokers and franchisors (one of their niches is franchises). They also provide an initial consultation as a freebie.
That's enough of the self-promotion - feel able to mail or telephone me or my colleague John Sylvester if you want more details:
http://www.gomatilda.com/contact.cfm
Best regards.
Originally posted by Louiseharris
we went to see relocation company and have been quoted £8,000 for them to secure us the temporary visa..they say that they have a 100% success rate..but you dont know if you are to beleive them.
My partner and i are both managers at the moment but would like to step out of the rat race. we are hoping to buy a franchaise or set up in business around Coolum Beach.
we have been to Aus before..my sister lives in Brisbane.
Are we following a dream or can it work.
I keep reading lots of negative comments on this site and dont know what to beleive.
we have total assets of £100K - every thing we have. Is it possible do you think to start a new life with this?
We, like your selves will have to pay for private medical cover and for schooling for my two children.
What busines are you starting..do you have any previous knowledge of running your own business.
Views from any one else would be appreciated
Louise
we went to see relocation company and have been quoted £8,000 for them to secure us the temporary visa..they say that they have a 100% success rate..but you dont know if you are to beleive them.
My partner and i are both managers at the moment but would like to step out of the rat race. we are hoping to buy a franchaise or set up in business around Coolum Beach.
we have been to Aus before..my sister lives in Brisbane.
Are we following a dream or can it work.
I keep reading lots of negative comments on this site and dont know what to beleive.
we have total assets of £100K - every thing we have. Is it possible do you think to start a new life with this?
We, like your selves will have to pay for private medical cover and for schooling for my two children.
What busines are you starting..do you have any previous knowledge of running your own business.
Views from any one else would be appreciated
Louise
Nov 28th 2002, 10:15 pm
#11
Migration Agent
Joined: May 2002
Location: Offices in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Geelong (Australia), and Southampton (UK)
Posts: 6,459
That doesn't sound quite right to me Ben - my understanding is that if you move to Australia on a 457-IE visa you are covered by Medicare but on the basis outlined by Sophie in her posting. This means you might want to take private cover to supplement Medicare.
The main temporary visa category that cannot enrol in Medicare is the 410-Retirement sub-class - there's a bit more about Medicare and temporary residents as I see it here:
http://www.gomatilda.com/news/article.cfm?articleid=219
Best regards.
The main temporary visa category that cannot enrol in Medicare is the 410-Retirement sub-class - there's a bit more about Medicare and temporary residents as I see it here:
http://www.gomatilda.com/news/article.cfm?articleid=219
Best regards.
Originally posted by Ben_38
That sounds encouraging Sophie and thanks for the reply. The working on our offer letter says "we will also take this opportunity to remind you that you must accept financieal responsibility directly or through acceptable medical insurance arrangements, for the medical and hospital costs incurred in Australia by you and your dependants". Maybe this is because we are on a temporary business visa??
That sounds encouraging Sophie and thanks for the reply. The working on our offer letter says "we will also take this opportunity to remind you that you must accept financieal responsibility directly or through acceptable medical insurance arrangements, for the medical and hospital costs incurred in Australia by you and your dependants". Maybe this is because we are on a temporary business visa??
Nov 28th 2002, 10:24 pm
#12
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 298
Originally posted by Louiseharris
we went to see relocation company and have been quoted £8,000 for them to secure us the temporary visa..they say that they have a 100% success rate..but you dont know if you are to beleive them.
My partner and i are both managers at the moment but would like to step out of the rat race. we are hoping to buy a franchaise or set up in business around Coolum Beach.
we have been to Aus before..my sister lives in Brisbane.
Are we following a dream or can it work.
I keep reading lots of negative comments on this site and dont know what to beleive.
we have total assets of £100K - every thing we have. Is it possible do you think to start a new life with this?
We, like your selves will have to pay for private medical cover and for schooling for my two children.
What busines are you starting..do you have any previous knowledge of running your own business.
Views from any one else would be appreciated
Louise -
My husband and I came over to Brisbane in May of this year on a 457 4 year Business Visa - which we applied for and obtained ourselves, without any help from an Immigration Agent or Relocation Agent. It is a very simple form-filling and information-gathering exercise - if you have the time to do it, you really don't, in my opinion, need to spend any money hiring a third party. Our visa application went in on the 26th September and we were granted the visa less than 2 months later.
If you need any advice on form filling etc. I would be happy to help in an amateur capacity...
As far as the negative posts on this forum are concerned, yes, there are a lot of them, and I have, I suppose, contributed to some, although I have tried to put forward a balanced view of things whenever possible.
Life is what you make it - up to a point. Unfortunately other people's attitudes and influences cannot be ignored. It has been extremely difficult for us to break through the Queenslander mentality towards work and business. However, we are determined to keep trying.
It's a wonderful State (note I said State, I haven't been outside Queensland) in terms of scenery, and for most of the time, the climate suits us very well. Our children have settled well into a good state school (although the academic standards are lower than their primary school in the UK), and we have a lovely house on 1.5 acres with a pool in a very nice suburb approx. 30 minutes from Brisbane CBD. We have no mortgage, as the cost of this house was less than we got for our 4 bed semi in Southampton.
However, at present, I do not feel Brisbane is where I wish to spend the rest of my life, for many reasons, but mostly attitude-centred - e.g. people don't give a XXXX about things, are very unreliable, and are constantly on the look out to save a buck or two...
To give you an example of the standard of living issues so often discussed on this forum -
In 1997, when I left my last job in the UK (before setting up in business with hubbie) if I worked for 1 hour, I could buy 27 loaves of bread. I went for an interview yesterday for an identical position, and on the hourly rate they were offering, it would mean working 1 hour to buy 5 loaves of bread - not an encouraging cost of living exercise!!!
Everyone is different - why not apply for a temp. visa, rent out your house in the UK, and rent here - see what it's like. You'll either love it or not!
Louise
we went to see relocation company and have been quoted £8,000 for them to secure us the temporary visa..they say that they have a 100% success rate..but you dont know if you are to beleive them.
My partner and i are both managers at the moment but would like to step out of the rat race. we are hoping to buy a franchaise or set up in business around Coolum Beach.
we have been to Aus before..my sister lives in Brisbane.
Are we following a dream or can it work.
I keep reading lots of negative comments on this site and dont know what to beleive.
we have total assets of £100K - every thing we have. Is it possible do you think to start a new life with this?
We, like your selves will have to pay for private medical cover and for schooling for my two children.
What busines are you starting..do you have any previous knowledge of running your own business.
Views from any one else would be appreciated
Louise -
My husband and I came over to Brisbane in May of this year on a 457 4 year Business Visa - which we applied for and obtained ourselves, without any help from an Immigration Agent or Relocation Agent. It is a very simple form-filling and information-gathering exercise - if you have the time to do it, you really don't, in my opinion, need to spend any money hiring a third party. Our visa application went in on the 26th September and we were granted the visa less than 2 months later.
If you need any advice on form filling etc. I would be happy to help in an amateur capacity...
As far as the negative posts on this forum are concerned, yes, there are a lot of them, and I have, I suppose, contributed to some, although I have tried to put forward a balanced view of things whenever possible.
Life is what you make it - up to a point. Unfortunately other people's attitudes and influences cannot be ignored. It has been extremely difficult for us to break through the Queenslander mentality towards work and business. However, we are determined to keep trying.
It's a wonderful State (note I said State, I haven't been outside Queensland) in terms of scenery, and for most of the time, the climate suits us very well. Our children have settled well into a good state school (although the academic standards are lower than their primary school in the UK), and we have a lovely house on 1.5 acres with a pool in a very nice suburb approx. 30 minutes from Brisbane CBD. We have no mortgage, as the cost of this house was less than we got for our 4 bed semi in Southampton.
However, at present, I do not feel Brisbane is where I wish to spend the rest of my life, for many reasons, but mostly attitude-centred - e.g. people don't give a XXXX about things, are very unreliable, and are constantly on the look out to save a buck or two...
To give you an example of the standard of living issues so often discussed on this forum -
In 1997, when I left my last job in the UK (before setting up in business with hubbie) if I worked for 1 hour, I could buy 27 loaves of bread. I went for an interview yesterday for an identical position, and on the hourly rate they were offering, it would mean working 1 hour to buy 5 loaves of bread - not an encouraging cost of living exercise!!!
Everyone is different - why not apply for a temp. visa, rent out your house in the UK, and rent here - see what it's like. You'll either love it or not!
Louise
Nov 28th 2002, 10:24 pm
#13
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2002
Location: Dandenong Ranges, Victoria
Posts: 35
Originally posted by Alan Collett
That doesn't sound quite right to me Ben - my understanding is that if you move to Australia on a 457-IE visa you are covered by Medicare but on the basis outlined by Sophie in her posting. This means you might want to take private cover to supplement Medicare.
The main temporary visa category that cannot enrol in Medicare is the 410-Retirement sub-class - there's a bit more about Medicare and temporary residents as I see it here:
http://www.gomatilda.com/news/article.cfm?articleid=219
Best regards.
That doesn't sound quite right to me Ben - my understanding is that if you move to Australia on a 457-IE visa you are covered by Medicare but on the basis outlined by Sophie in her posting. This means you might want to take private cover to supplement Medicare.
The main temporary visa category that cannot enrol in Medicare is the 410-Retirement sub-class - there's a bit more about Medicare and temporary residents as I see it here:
http://www.gomatilda.com/news/article.cfm?articleid=219
Best regards.
Nov 28th 2002, 10:36 pm
#14
Just Joined
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 29
Originally posted by pommiesheila
On your temporary visa..did you have to prepare a business plan?
If so, have you found a business.
We have been told that we must convince the immigration offices that we are able to run a business. The visa runs for four years and in that time we have to obtain points in order to stay on and get a permenant visa. Is this the same for you.
I understand that we will have to pay for the childrens education. How much will this be? We are looking to settle on the Sunshine Coast, although i have a sister who lives in Forest Lake, Brisbane.
Is private health care expensive.
Thanks
Louise
Nov 28th 2002, 10:40 pm
#15
Just Joined
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 29
Originally posted by Alan Collett
Thanks Alan,
I have sent you an email on your private address.
Hope to speak soon
Louise
Louise,
Hope you don't mind me jumping into this thread to say that we charge less than a quarter of the fee you have been quoted for a 457-Independent Exec visa, and we also don't have any failed applications. In my view a fee of £8k for a 457-IE application needs some justifying.
We have offices in the UK and Australia, and my joint venture accountancy colleagues have an office in Brisbane - they are well placed to advise you as to your plans and to liaise with business brokers and franchisors (one of their niches is franchises). They also provide an initial consultation as a freebie.
That's enough of the self-promotion - feel able to mail or telephone me or my colleague John Sylvester if you want more details:
http://www.gomatilda.com/contact.cfm
Best regards.
Thanks Alan,
I have sent you an email on your private address.
Hope to speak soon
Louise
Louise,
Hope you don't mind me jumping into this thread to say that we charge less than a quarter of the fee you have been quoted for a 457-Independent Exec visa, and we also don't have any failed applications. In my view a fee of £8k for a 457-IE application needs some justifying.
We have offices in the UK and Australia, and my joint venture accountancy colleagues have an office in Brisbane - they are well placed to advise you as to your plans and to liaise with business brokers and franchisors (one of their niches is franchises). They also provide an initial consultation as a freebie.
That's enough of the self-promotion - feel able to mail or telephone me or my colleague John Sylvester if you want more details:
http://www.gomatilda.com/contact.cfm
Best regards.