Originally Posted by PeterYork (Post 8650683)

She's right, you don't NEED it, but some people think it is a good idea. Eg there are no NHS dentists here and dentistry can be v expensive. Also waiting times for some elective surgery seem very high, probably worse than the NHS. Having said that you might be better off saving the $2000+ a year you spend on insurance and using the money to 'go private' if you ever have to.

Originally Posted by dave_m13 (Post 8648940)

Ok Little update

I have been offered the Salary of 90k as you all know.

They also offered initial set up costs when we arrive, 4 weeks in an Apartment close to office, as well as arranging a company to assist in finding a rental home, schools etc.

Unfortunately we have very little savings and it cannot be done without any assistance when we get there. So the agent is going back to see whether they could do a lump sum of $10k when we get to brisbane. This however would be a substitute to a payrise, which would have been after 6 months. I personally prefer this.

I have read one of the replies and got me thinking, I made a mistake on the train/bus cost, as everything seems to be weekly, just took the monthly amount to be weekly, it should actually be about $170 and this is for 4 zones, so may be less.

If we are able to get a loan for a used car, then the monthly amount would be much less than $800. I am going on the assumption that people seem to struggle to get a loan from banks on a 457 visa. $800 is for a new car costing around $30,000

Rent - 2000
Car - 800
Car Insurance - 50
Fuel - 180
Contents Insurance - 41
Food - 1000
Train/Bus - 170
Gas/Electric - 150
Medical Insurance - 250

So its looking a little bit better but only if we can get the assistance.

Both my wife and I have already done the WHV albeit 10 years ago. So we both know what its like, I know it will be very different to actually living there.

Thanks again for all your replies

Originally Posted by Pollyana (Post 8655329)

You currently have to get proof of medicl insurance if you go on a 457, in order to get the visa. Whether you keep the insurance going when you get to Aus is another matter of course, but you have to take it out to start with.