Jen Patterson

As you are a permanent resident you can access domestic health insurance products so there is a wide range of choice and providers available including Bupa, Medibank, Iman, Ahm just to name a few. Your best option may be to look for just an extras cover on its own or you can also find packages which combine hospital and extras cover. Depending on the cover and the provider, the extras cover will be where you'll get coverage for orthodontic work. There is often a waiting period before you can start claiming on this so wise to shop around now as the waiting periods can often be around 12 months. Typically depending on the level of cover you'll be able to claim up to a certain amount each year and then there might be a lifetime limit or maximum. e.g. $1000 annual limit and lifetime maximum able to claim $2200. I'd suggest getting your orthodontist to put together a rough quote and to take that to the health insurance providers when you are shopping around to determine where you are going to get the best value. I can put you in touch with someone at Bupa if you'd like some more specific information thats relevant to your needs.

Even if you are eligible for a Reciprocal Medicare Card (Medicare) you are still able to purchase private health insurance. There are a number of reputable health insurance providers including Bupa, Medibank, Iman, HCF etc. When you are looking for cover make sure you specifically look for hospital cover and look at whether they cover hip and knee surgery. Most of them do cover your in-hospital costs including doctor's fees. Just check if your doctor participates in the medical gap scheme and if you will be up for any out-of-pocket expenses. The other important thing to find out is if there are any waiting periods before you can claim with the surgery or treatment that you need. In addition to hospital cover, extras cover will ensure you can get some reinbursement for Physio treatment that you might need afterwards. You can often get a package that combines both hosptial and extras. Or you can select them individually yourself. Goodluck, hope you are able to get the treatment that you need.

Visitors from countries that have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement(RHCA) with Australia are eligible for Medicare - Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden and United Kingdom. Important thing to remember is that even if you are eligible for Medicare your treatment has to be classed as medically necessary. For more info about what Medicare covers if you are eligible see http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/medicare/reciprocal-health-care-agreements So the benefits of having health insurance are: * choice of doctor and cover for private practice GP visits * where you receive treatment and at a time that convenient to you * ambulance cover which is not covered by Medicare and this can be very expensive depending on the state you are planning to reside in. * Extras cover is important for cover for things that Medicare doesnt cover like dentist, physio, chiro etc There are a few good providers including Bupa, Medibank, Iman, Ahm etc

Some health insurers offer just dental insurance. Many offer it as part of an extras cover. I personally have a high level of extras cover and usually pay about $11-$20 when I go for a check up every 6 months. I've also had four wisdom teeth out in the chair and was only out of pocket about $200. You can also shop around with your dentists as some of them offer 'no gaps' service and will accept only what you get back from your insurer.

Generally speaking, depending on the provider there is sometimes a 12 month waiting period for major dental services. Best to take a look at the extras covers that different providers offer and check whether crowns are classified as major dental and look for any waiting periods associated with this. Some providers include Bupa, Medibank, Imann, Ahm, Australian Unity etc.

Hi Chris, To answer a few of your questions there are a few websites that will provide you with some useful information. *To get an idea about rental prices and areas visit http://www.domain.com.au or http://www.realestate.com.au/buy *For information about taxation brackets visit the Australian Taxation Office site http://www.ato.gov.au *To get some clarification about health care and private health insurance visit http://www.privatehealth.gov.au/healthinsurance/overseas/ovhc.htm *To understand more about average salaries checkout seek.com.au, my career.com.au or event Australian Bureau of Statistics *Other costs of living to take into consideration -http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Australia Hope this is helpful!

In relation to private health insurance, take a look at the government FAQ site http://www.privatehealth.gov.au/faq/ "Even if it's not a requirement under your visa, it is well worth considering taking out cover. If you need to visit a doctor or stay in hospital while you're here, you could be responsible for the full cost of treatment, which can be very expensive. If you are visiting from a country that has a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia you may be eligible to receive immediate necessary treatment in Australia's public system, but should still consider taking out cover. Some visas may require you to hold private insurance while you're in Australia, such as the 457 visa or the temporary student visa." In addition, if you are taking out travel insurance make sure you're covered for emergency ambulance services. There are a number of health insurers in Australia all which all have an online quoting tool. Including Bupa, Medibank, IMANN, Nib, Ahm, Australian Unity just to name a few.

Hi There, You are right, there is a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) between UK and Australia. Find out more here http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/enablers/medicare/reciprocal-health-care-agreements/health-care-for-visitors-to-australia Have a great trip!

Hi There, Take a look at the government FAQ site http://www.privatehealth.gov.au/faq/ "Even if it's not a requirement under your visa, it is well worth considering taking out cover. If you need to visit a doctor or stay in hospital while you're here, you could be responsible for the full cost of treatment, which can be very expensive. If you are visiting from a country that has a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia you may be eligible to receive immediate necessary treatment in Australia's public system, but should still consider taking out cover. Some visas may require you to hold private insurance while you're in Australia, such as the 457 visa or the temporary student visa." In addition, if you are taking out travel insurance make sure you're covered for emergency ambulance services. This isn't provided by Medicare and can be expensive, depending on the state you reside in. Have a great stay!