Bats1

Hi

I'm here on a 457 Visa, arrived 4 weeks ago. Can anyone give me advice on private medical insurance - there seems to be an awful lot of companies and I don't really know where to start. I know I'm only covered for the very basic care under reciprocal agreements, but not sure if I need to include things like dental cover (probably) opticians (just started wearing specs for reading), etc. Thanks.

augigi

You can compare some plans at www.iselect.com.au. I'm afraid only you can decide what you need coverage for.

nursesarah

hey im on a 457 too and you have to get visitors private health cover which is more expensive - i pay $60 per month for basic cover (ex dental and optical) they quoted about $130 for the better cover - through medibank xx

Bats1

Seems like everything is more expensive when you're on this visa! Oh well, it's a small price to pay for being here! Thanks for this

spaceys

So, what would I be entitled to then on a permanent visa???

Barbitana

Hi there,
Not sure how it works with your visa but certainly it is still expensive with PR.

We're on PR, still pay $120 p.m for the Hospital Only cover provided by AHM.

For usual visits and check ups you can rely on medicare (if you get one) - for specialist you still are able to get a good percentage of it back and public hospitals are free and busy (still if medicare).
(after paying the excess) you can be admitted at approved private medical centres.


PS.Hope you never need them in Melbourne!!! (refer to a previous thread!!!)

GaryKristensen

Join the ADF and you'll pay nothing for medical or dental. They also buy you specs and sunnies, give you free sun cream and lip balm and clothes for your back.

Oh, the pay is pretty good too!

nursesarah

Your entitled to full medicare and 'normal' rate private health cover, lucky you!!!

check out www.iselect.com.au to compare health cover.

verystormy

I asked this same question to my new employer, first they came back and just said there are lots to chose from. BUT - then they came back and said that their legal people have said that if a company is sponsering the 457, then they are obliged by law to provide medical cover!

Bats1

Interesting, the migration agents my employer used (who are also solictors) specifically said they were not obliged to provide medical cover and it's in the terms of the contract and some other visa info they sent me. I shall just have to check out a few firms myself.

Sharpy67

Read form 1196. This is the form the employer uses to sponsor a migrant to Australia

There are a number of undertakings the employer has to take.
Halfway down page 2 on the right side is:

The business undertakes to do the following in relation to sponsored persons.

pay all medical or hospital expenses for a sponsored person arising from treatment administered in a public hospital (other than expenses that are met by health insurance or reciprocal health care agreements)


When I came out on a 457 in 2003, my company denied it had this responsibility until I showed it to them in black and white ( including the bit about paying return costs!!). Within two weeks I had a visitors healthcare cover with MBF.

Bats1

Thanks - will check it out tomorrow!