ssiri

Well, that’s like the NHS then. No money comes out of my account (take home pay) or goes back in. Paid from taxes, is what you mean? Unless one also has pvt insurance, in which case their is a monthly premium, I pay out of my take home, and any excess.

I’ve been here for a year, in Aus and have had a plethora of tests via Medicare at my GPS request - I haven’t paid for any of them. This is X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, cancer tests, blood tests, eye tests etc. They were prescribed by my GP without hesitation, and I went to a pathologist and got them done, when it suited me. Results were turned around in a day or two and my appointment with my GP to review them was booked in very soon after, each time - around what suited me. So far, I’ve not had the need to use any Medicare services, where I get some money paid back (for fronting up the initial cost, as other on here have advised as per their personal circumstances). I’ve paid for medicines - prescription antacids for a bout of gastritis - that’s all. Insurance - I use the optional extras. Dental, physio therapy etc. I can get physiotherapy via Medicare, too as a care plan, if I wanted, but it’s limited to five sessions, per issue. For my chosen plan 66% of the cost is covered by insurance (the extras). As I understand it, migrants don’t have to get private insurance I they don’t want to, but the fed Govt encourages it for everyone. If a person is below 33 (I think is the age cap), and haven’t got a health fund/pvt insurance , they then get charged an offset or levy to make up for it. If as a migrant you arrive in Aus, and get private insurance within the first year of arriving, you are exempt from the levy. Otherwise, you are not. I haven’t looked into the levy that much, as I’m not affected (have pvt insurance) but first time migrants should look into it all, against their circumstances - to assess what they need. Comparison websites or Bupa, would provide information on what is available and at what cost via insurance - it depends on what cover a person/family wants and needs based on their circumstances. I can’t advise on that aspect as it’s personal to individuals. So they need to do their research!

I haven’t paid for any of my CT, ultrasound or X-ray tests here in Aus. Either via my GP or my other half via hospital.

It may also be age related/skewed as well - especially in the UK. I find that the GP gatekeepers will prioritise retirees/those who are in their 50s/60s and beyond and the very young over everyone else - where as in Australia - access to tests, referrals and follow on is available. Yes we may have to pay for it via insurance or on Medicare (in part), but the focus is on diagnosis and prevention (so far in my experience here in Aus). Lots of things that would have gone unnoticed with my health in the UK until the issues manifested late on in the next 5-10 years, have been tested for, rules out or identified over here. I’m now on a prevention/management plan to control my eating, exercise etc. My eating and expertise etc has always been good, but in the NHS I was assessed on the basics/statistics - eat healthily, exercise a lot, not obese, working age ergo not a risk. Here in Aus, as a new comer, presenting with a family history of this and that (which was also available on my NHS records), meant a plethora of tests to baseline my state of health. It’s now prevention strategies from here on in - no medication (and long may that continue). Yes it is possible to have health insurance privately in the UK, but unless cajoled, pushed or pressured, it seems to be NHS policy to not offer treatments to patients privately, if they aren’t available via the NHS. I love the NHS, the consultants, nurses and surgeons are top notch - I’ve had to use outpatient services for surgeries, many a time. I can’t fault that level of care. Maybe they need to think of offering people options, (even if it costs people) rather than turning them away - which means a fundamental re-think of the free at point of source principle, in some circumstances. Hence I also think the GP gatekeeper processes seem to be wanting in the NHS, given the current funding model, ageing population and other pressures. Aus has the same problems, although at a diminished rate of growth perhaps, but the options to go private and get access at the first point of contact, aren’t all bad. Something perhaps for the NHS to ponder.

They’ll carry on looking down people’s noses, as they continue to do well. So if the objective was to put champagne socialists noses out of joint, it’d be all for now’t.

To be fair Blair did try some reform - but it didn’t work - the outcome was different structures, none of which were fit for purpose, more middle management and no consolidated /Integrated IT and medical systems (which would help reduce costs as far as reporting and record keeping is concerned).... I don’t have a problem with where they were educated as long as they deliver... not all are posh boys just because they go to the posh boys club...

The Tories have been cutting for nigh on eight years now. It does need reform too, but the economic cuts aren’t helping. It’s a double whammy.

The DUPs stance on gay marriage, abortion etc is toe curling enough. Wolves in sheeps clothing, nothing democratic about them. They are bigots.

I was advised to wait till asked for them. Ive got my PR too. I haven’t in the entire process come across the visa processing being fast tracked because you’ve had a check taken and it is time limited (ie done before they’ve requested it). I have found the opposite though - once completed and submitted (after they’ve requested it), assuming everything else is in order - the approvals came within 1-2 months

As others have said (shared commitments, bills, agreements, contracts, etc) is important but we did go overboard with the Facebook tags in a pdf document , photos and invites etc. It was sent to our visa agent - I don’t know how much of it they used, however. About 5-10 examples (mixed), from each year we’ve been together.

I like the show - don’t get it here, I don’t think.

Sydney’s western suburbs make sense -20-40 minute commuting depending on where. Or look at commuting in from the coast - can be an hour - 2 on the train depending on location. Train strikes are rare (compared to the recent tube strikes and action on some lines such as Chiltern and Southern - 1 every 15/20 years!) $120k and your partners $80K means you would live comfortably - not extravagantly. Chalk up some experience in the job/role and if Queensland still resonates - consider it further down the track. Good luck.

Lodged (309)- Sept 2014 Granted - June 2015 Validated - Jan 2016 Next Stage (100)- submitted Sept 2016 Migrated to Oz - Dec 2016 Granted - Dec 2017

Poor driving standards as evidenced by your record will eventuate in ‘hitting someone on the road’ or worse. Shape up and man up, or demerit points and how they affect your citizenship may be the least of your worries.

As verystormy suggests. Perhaps also consider using a registered migration agent. If not for the whole visa process (albeit recommended), but for the initial free consult to advise in your circumstances and what’s the best way forward.

Try Sydney. It has a buzz. It’s slower than London, but hums along quite nicely...

Also check out your current status and entitlement on VEVO whilst speaking to an agrnt

That is my understanding also, based on the DIBP website. An agent would be able to advise further, always best.

Been here since December last year and loving it.

There is more to get up to than just work, when not on here....

You aren't - don't quit the day job [emoji6]

Are you joking- unless it's Michelin star quality forget it. All we got in the UK was re-heated or packet bought microwaved crap served up by some spoddy teenager or uni student who looked like they would die if they had to be hospitable or crack a smile. This in pubs and in allegedly 'above average' restaurants in the capital and Home Counties. A sloth would have had more enthusiasm. Can't complain about Aussie restaurants, great food and service and it's round every street corner. The spoddy gormless teenagers confine themselves to maccas here....

It depends. I got a business class upgrade last year - I'd flown and accrued points the year before - admittedly. It depends on your next journey and how far you plan to go. You may be able to get a partial upgrade or a full one depending on distance you plan to travel. I don't think there is a formula, customers are privy too, but it's also based on your ticket type. Saver, plus etc

Thanks for the information provided, and the source if the information. It is publicly available (having checked on google), so thanks for the honest and valid update .

What is the source of this, and is there a link?