457: Health Insurance and MLS Question

**JoBazOw** · 15-06-2010, 01:49 PM

Hi everyone,

I am trying to finalise my 457 visa application and I am quite confused about the Health Insurance requirements. The visa agent has been helpful although I still have questions and think you will be able to advise me better.

I have been asked to provide evidence of cover for 457 DIAC requirements. I have seen various policies that meet the minumum requirements plus offer extras etc.. Arranging this therefore appears simple.

My specific questions are:

If it is worth upgrading from the minimum? Some appear to offer an upgrade that is the same as Medicare, for which I will be paying a levy so unsure on what the point of them are.
Do any 457 policies result in us NOT having to pay the MLS? Again, advice appears unclear in this regard.
Do I need Travel Insurance as well as Health Cover? There appears to be contradictory views given I cannot register for Medicare until in Australia even though I am from the UK.

I am keen to get my 457 application in as I am looking to move quickly (early August ideally) and this is the last thing that I need to sort.

All advice will be much appreciated!

JoBazOw

**AndyGeorgina21** · 15-06-2010, 06:01 PM

Hi there...

We are in the same position. Final piece of the jigsaw was trying to find adequate Health cover for our 457 application. We were looking at travel insurance to cover the short term but decided to look at Health Insurance in Oz.

I found most to be similar in price but ended up going with HBA (Bupa) on their classic policy. You can stipulate a start date although you pay up front which covers period from the start date you state.

As fro the MLS. Not too sure. But as UK citizens you get Medicare cards on arrival in Oz, but you do have to register at the nearest Medicare office. Medicare provides access to emergency and doctors etc. You would still need cover for ambulances and hospitalisation which is covered by your helath insurance when you take it out.

We managed to get extras on our health for dental, physio etc.

Hope that helps and very good luck.

Cheers

**footopia** · 16-06-2010, 06:32 AM

I have just organised ours. It is my understanding that you need to show you have health insurance for your arrival in Oz. We took ours out to cover a 3 month period as I think that was the requirement. This cost us just over £100 for our family. Once you arrive in Oz you organise your Medicare which is acceptable on your 457. After this, it is up to you if you want private health insurance. I have looked into this and found a package that covers the things we want (have a child needing orthodontal work) which will cost under $200 per month. For the 457 visa, you do not need any extras, as long as it meets the DIAC requirements, save your money and sort it out once you are there. Hope this helps.

**AndyGeorgina21** · 16-06-2010, 10:16 AM

I guess its down to you personally. We were going to do the same, ie get holiday insurance to cover the short term but I thought well Im going for the long haul so why the hell not!

I've lived and worked in Perth previously and only held a Medicare card then and didn't get any health insurance on top of that.

We opted for basic cover this time and we will suss it out when we are there whether or not its worth hanging onto. There are plenty of companies offering health cover though.

Good luck guys.

Cheers

Andy

**JoBazOw** · 20-06-2010, 08:23 AM

Thanks all!

We opted for HBA. Any idea how long it takes for confirmation and the DIAC letter to come through? We have received nothing as yet despite ordering online 3 days ago. This is holding up our 457 application and there appears to be no telephone contact number we can use from the UK.

Feeling VERY frustrated.

JoBazOw

**AndyGeorgina21** · 20-06-2010, 12:06 PM

Hello...

Don't worry Im sure it will be fine. We contacted them on the number at the end of the questionnaire, which you should find if you go back into your saved quote.

They emailed us with this, number may help and attache to this was a cover letter from them for our agent in perth, give me a shout if I can be of any further help:

Hello,

As requested, please find attached your Confirmation of Cover Letter which can be included in your application for the 457 Long Stay Working Visa to the Australian Department of Immigration.

PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL.

Should you have any queries, please respond via email to HealthEnq@bupa.com.au or contact us on +61 03 9937 3176 to speak with a consultant.

Thanks and Regards

Rebecca Clarke
BUPA Australia Group
(comprising BUPA Australia Health Pty Ltd & MBF Australia Pty Ltd) 1/600 Glenferrie Road Hawthorn VIC 3122

"Caring for our customers under the brands HBA, Mutual Community, MBF and ClearView".

**Mongrel** · 20-06-2010, 12:11 PM

Originally Posted by JoBazOw

Thanks all!

We opted for HBA. Any idea how long it takes for confirmation and the DIAC letter to come through? We have received nothing as yet despite ordering online 3 days ago. This is holding up our 457 application and there appears to be no telephone contact number we can use from the UK.

Feeling VERY frustrated.

JoBazOw

You only need the bridging insurance which is 50 bucks , you claim medicare on arrival,the reciprocal agreement covers you for necessary treatment ie no elective stuff. You will need ambulance cover as they are expensive taxis about $700 a trip , health cover on a 457 is ridicululously expensive and if you have reciprocal medicare a waste of money

**JoBazOw** · 20-06-2010, 08:31 PM

Thanks for comments and contact number which I will try tonight. Fingers x'ed my visa application will be made tomorrow.

Given this is my last hurdle I am not going to look at rearranging so late. I will follow-up through later and rearrange matters so thanks for the tip!!!

JoBazOw

**JoBazOw** · 21-06-2010, 04:24 AM

And the wait continues.

Called HBA again. The DIAC letter has now been ordered and will take up to 2 days. Everything is on hold waiting for this, which is frustrating but at least things are happening.

Will let you know how it goes!

JoBazOw

**AndyGeorgina21** · 21-06-2010, 07:03 AM

Good luck.

I was told on Friday (19th June) by the agent in Perth that the 457 should only take say two weeks to finalise with DIAC! I was a little surprised to say the least, apparently it won't be necessary to take a medical as we are from the UK or do police checks.

But I won't hold my breath.

So much to organise now!

Best of luck and keep me posted.

Cheers

Andy