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We have finally decided on a shipping company to use (I think) and have read lots of comments on here to use alternative insurance company instead of removal companies themselves. Who do we use? or how do i go about getting insurance else where. cheers kel :twitcy:

Hi guys, I'm looking to head across to Sydney pretty much asap once I've got my Working Holiday Visa Sorted. I've read up on the http://australia.gov.au/ site, but I still have a few questions. 1. Can I apply for this visa online if my passport is out of date? It says on the site that they recommend that your passport is in date before you apply, but I've read on other sites that it shouldnt be an issue. I plan on getting my passport renewed this coming week, but would like to get the visa process started asap. 2. At what stage do you pay for the visa i.e. will I have to pay before or after I've completed the online application. 3. Is it necessary for me to have the equivalent of 5000AUD in my bank account? I'm staying with my partner and her family so I don't plan doing alot of travelling as such when I arrive. 4. Lastly, can anyone explain to me what travel and health insurance would be most suitable to have while out there. From what I've read so far, WorldNomads was highly recommended for travel insurance and Medicare for Health insurance??? Thanks:)

Hi Were hopefully moving to Mackay within the next year and have 2 2 year old british shorthair cats. I have them insured here and have a very good vet that i get worming/fleaing reminders quarterly and there annual boosters. Had to claim on the insurance after one needed an op on his tummy he's got a sensitive stomach now but should never have a recurring problem. Does the Pet insurance start a fresh over there or will i need a letter from current insurance etc? Also what are the vets in mackay like? I want to bring them with us but the heat is a worry, there indoor only but we let them play in the garden when were out there with us, i just dont want to drag them all that way and them be miserable, there my babies lol Any advice much appreciated. Vicky

Last weekend I bumped into a couple from Liverpool who have been here in Brisbane for 6 weeks. After a short chat they said that they are going back at Christmas time. It turned out that even though they very much like it here in Brisbane, the cost of medical care for their young daughter, who suffers from arthritis, is prohibitive. All their possessions are arriving shortly but luckily, they said, they have not sold the house and they can get their jobs back when they return. However, they will suffer relocation costs back and forth. This sad story has prompted me to reveal the facts that are not talked about in any relocation shows, magazines, books or agents – medical costs in Australia. RECIPROCAL HEALTH AGREEMENT First of all, the good news is that private health insurance is not compulsory for British citizens as we have a reciprocal health agreement between UK and OZ. You will only pay 1.5% medical levy from your salary for a state provider Medicare. You can apply for a Medicare card at a Medicare office on arrival, you just need to show your passport with a visa and provide your address. This will entitle you to all state health care same as residents including hospital treatments but not ambulance. See about Medicare here: http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/ . Your employer, however, might provide you with or insist you get a private health insurance initially until you register for Medicare. After that it is your choice to have it or not. PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE However, if your salary exceeds $77,000 per single or $154,000 per family (plus $1,500 per additional child after the first child), you will be either charged an additional 1% medical levy surcharge or you have to take out a private medical insurance. As a PR, you can choose any health provider and opt for any level of cover, which depends on amount of contribution, not on your medical history. If you are a temporary resident on, say, business visa, you are restricted to major providers with specific (and more expensive) covers for overseas visitors, such as Medibank, MBF, AHM, BUPA, HIF. You can choose to have hospital cover only but many people take out additional extras cover for dental, optical and various alternative treatments which are not available on Medicare. Those who do not need a private medical cover can take out extras cover only – especially for dentists (read more about this one later). Extras Cover is the same for residents and visitors. There is age loading for hospital cover – that is, the older you are the more it will cost if you are over the age of 31 and you have not taken it within the first year of registering for Medicare. The loading increases 2% a year to a maximum of 70% and once attracted will apply for 10 consecutive years. Read more about this here: http://www.privatehealth.gov.au/healthinsurance/incentivessurcharges/lifetimehealthcover.htm'>http://www.privatehealth.gov.au/healthinsurance/incentivessurcharges/lifetimehealthcover.htm Those eligible for Medicare are entitled to Federal Government Rebate of 30% of the cost of health insurance. Please note that there are annual cost limits for treatments and there is an excess to pay each time depending on the level of the cover chosen. As well as waiting times for cover of major treatments. More about private health insurance here: http://www.privatehealth.gov.au/ . STATE HEALTH INSURANCE Despite what some members say about bulk-billing (free) GPs and doctors, they are like gold dust. There are certainly none in the city with some very rare exceptions for under 16-s, pensioners and those on benefits. There are some in underprivileged or rural areas but not in the cities. Everybody I have spoken to here – locals or foreigners – all pay for their GPs. It is very difficult to find a bulk-billing GP and even then you may not qualify. GPs charge about $65 per visit, double that at the weekend. You get about a half of it back with your Medicare card. You also pay for tests, x-rays and routine treatments including materials and medications. Specialist doctors that you might be referred to also charge $150-200 per consultation with additional fees for tests and treatments, which will cost about the same again. You will get about half of it back through Medicare but there will almost always be a gap payment. This may not sound too bad for those fortunate ones who hardly ever visit a doctor but for those who are older or with chronic conditions this soon adds up! Also, you need to visit a doctor for repeat prescriptions (and pay for a visit), they do not take it over the counter or over the phone. There are PBS (subsidised) and private prescriptions. Cost of PBS subscription vary from about $10 to $34.20. A lot of prescriptions are not on PBS though, even some regular drugs. Private prescriptions can be very expensive. Once you have spent over $1317.20 per year you pay only $5.60 for prescriptions. More about this here: http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/provider/pbs/index.jsp . If your medical expenses exceed $2,000 per year you can claim 20% tax rebate on most medical expenses over that amount. This includes gap payments and prescriptions. AMBULANCE AND EMERGENCY Medicare does not cover ambulance services. You have to pay for an Ambulance Cover, which is variable (about $100 per year or so). In Queensland it is added to your electricity bill, so you don’t have to take it out separately. If you don’t have it you might find yourself paying nearly a thousand for a call out. If you go to the A&E department yourself, their services are free for Medicare card holders. DENTISTS Now the bad news. There are no state funded dentists in Australia, they are all private, even for children and their prices appear to be unregulated. Their charges are extortionate and on average 3-4 times more than private dentists’ in the UK. See average dental prices here: http://www.privatehealth.gov.au/healthinsurance/whatiscovered/averagedental.htm . An endodontist consultation can cost $300 and a specialist root canal treatment for one tooth $3,000 – and this is not including $1,500 for a crown that you will need afterwards. There is no separate dental insurance, it is included in Extras Cover of your private health insurance along with other items. As with hospital cover, in the majority of cases there is a gap payment for every treatment depending on the level of cover and whether you use a dentist approved by your insurance provider or not. Again, there are annual spending limits for every type of treatment and waiting periods for major dental work like crowns, bridges, root canals, braces etc. I hope I have covered the majority of information about medical care for British immigrants and temporary residents. You can find more details following the links provided. I know this topic will cause a lot of controversy and arguments, so if you are young, healthy and childless, not in OZ or have lived in OZ for a while, please leave this thread, it is not for you as you either will not or have not experienced the full impact of mounting bills of a chronic patient or you have had a free doctor for years – an option not available to a regular average new immigrant any longer. However, additional information and clarifications are welcome.

Does anyone know if I can start Australian pet insurance for the wonderful Satchdog before she actually lands in Australia? I can give Mum & Dad's address as that's where we'll be staying to begin with anyway.

Hello, just wondering if anyone can answer my question. The points test says that the qualification should be: "Australian Diploma or trade qualification or other qualification recognised by a relevant Assessing Authority" Now I have seen that the Australian Diploma is equal to NVQ level 3. NVQ Level 3 is equal to 2 A Levels. So, would 3 A Levels meet the requirement? Would a Cert CII qualification meet the requirement too? I think it's also the equivalent to NVQ Level 3 and it's relevant to the occupation. Thank you :hug:

Hope this is the section for this; with the minefield that is health insurance, I was hoping there would be lots of threads about it, but information is a bit limited. I'm here on a permanent visa and have medicare cover. I'm married with 2 kids and earn under the $160k surcharge threshold. I am 38, so if I'm getting health insurance, it needs to be within 12 months of getting here (so by October) to avoid the 16% lifetime loading. I know lots of people with health insurance, but most for specific reasons, like health, or earning over the single person threshold. I've tried searching the internet to find out if I need health insurance. Of course all health insurance companies and the government say yes, but the main reason is so you can choose your doctor (how many people know which is the best doctor) and reduce waiting times for non-elective surgery. However most feedback from the public is that they feel it's a scam and they are coerced into having it, due to the penalties. Most who have used it for private hospitals or dental have still come away with significant costs as it doesn't cover everything and these services seem to see $$$ when you mention private insurance and charge for everything under the sun. Trying to find out whether it's worth having is also a nightmare. You need to know in advance, what's going to happen to you and how much it's going to cost, compared to the cost of the health insurance or what you could have used medicare for. An example is for $1800 per year, we get $1000 of family dental cover, $1000 major dental, $240 for optical, plus a couple of hospital items and ambulance. This only covers 50% of the extras costs though. So am I really going to spend double this on dental each year for instance. Would I be better just saving the $1800 and using it when needed or just getting dental cover for $90 per year. Are children covered at all for dental work, or do you have to pay the whole lot yourself? What do you do before going into a private hospital with a condition? You have to look at your insurance policy for what conditions you are covered for and how much cover. Then predict what treatment you'll need and if you are covered. Also finding out what it covered by medicare is equally as wooly. I guess the government doesn't really want you to know so you think you better have private insurance as well. I read about the medicare safety net for out of hospital stuff here http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/public/services/msn/index.jsp#N1003C it's so complicated with the terminology, and every is always ''may" or "might". How do I know if I may be eligible or not? Anyway, I'm rambling and I get the feeling that a lot of people just get private insurance because it's too difficult to find out whether it's worth it or not and because they are pressured to do so. Then get a shock at how much extra they pay after being treated privately. In the UK, we went through the whole waiting game for public hospital treatment and never thought of paying for private insurance, so really need a compelling reason to pay out $1800 per year for minimal cover. I'd welcome any comments from people with/without medical insurance, especially those in my age group with young kids. Thanks

Hi All, I'm relatively new to the country and need to arrange private medical insurance. I'm 31, male, and have been told it's sensible from a tax perspective as well as the obvious benefits. I'm unsure which to go for though. I'm fit and healthy currently, so nothing specific I need to account out for. I've used www.iselect.com.au which has given me a few options, with my shortlisted prices ranging from $90 - $130 a month from what seem like reputable firms. Any feedback or suggestions either on provider or price? Keen not to waste money, but at the same time there's no point having insurance if it's unlikely to be helpful! Any input or advice gratefully received. Cheers, Paul

Hi We have agreed to buy a new ute from a dealership in Perth.; pick it up on Tuesday. The drive away price includes registration etc. Does this mean we are insured to drive away, or do we need to arrange extra insurance? In the UK we have always been fully comp, so would probably like the same in Oz. Any reccomendantions of good companies? Thanks!

When applying for a 457 do you need a letter saying you have arranged health insurance before the visa is granted? We have one arranged, but it will start 30 days after we make the first payment, after which they will send a letter, if so, is there a company that doesnt start the insurance until you land :confused: thanks Cal

Hi there, I have already arrived in Australia and am settled. I have the complusory miniumum insurance required to get the 457 visa however, I am now looking to move to another insurance provider with better health cover. As this is specifically for overseas visitors, everywhere I look, to get more than the basic options you have to pay a small fortune. I am looking for something quite comprehensive. Iselect only come up with one option so they are no good as a comparison site. Can anyone recommend anything? Thanks, Sarah

I am in the process of getting quotes for shipping and insurance. I have one insurance quote for £325 basing my contents on being around the value of 10k, is this about the normal or did anyone manage to find cheaper quotes? :arghh:

I have applied for my Working Holiday Visa on the 3/9/11:smile: can anyone tell me what kind of health insurance I will reqiure and where I can get it? Also how long does the WHV usually take to be approved by the Australian Visa Bureau? Thanks in advance :wink: Dave

Hey everyone, Please help if you can....our dog is due over very soon (he's 10yrs) and we've always had him insured in the uk - but struggling to find a good cover insurance for him over here. It seems that I can only insure him for accidents? Can anyone recommend a good company? (We're Perth side if that makes any difference) I best start working and saving harder!!! Thanks in advance for any suggestions :wubclub:

Hi All I'm off in a few weeks and have rang around for quotes on shipping tea cartons across to Sydney. PSS are doing a deal at present (size 51x40x61), pay for 2 and get one free. Cost is £115 inc vat with a £30 deposit BUT excluding delivery, pickup and quarantine charges, (and a fee if you pay by credit card). Oh you pay more if you are more then 30km from Sydney ports. Excess Baggage are charging £137 per tea chest 61x48x44 with a £50 deposit, fee if paying by credit card etc. Maximum weight with both companies is 35kgs and both offer a door to door service - hope this is true. Both have stated approx 8-12 weeks for arrival of tea cartons. My question is what is the general % to pay for insurance? I've been quoted 5% of the total value but I wouldn't mind finding a different insurance company rather than use PSS. I guess I went with PSS because I just want to get this sorted as a few weeks is not long. I'd be grateful for any comments, advice, ideas etc. BEGal

Simply really who to use are there any compare the market type sites. Any ones to stay away from, or highly recomended. Also can you buy multicar insurance too I'm in WA

hi hope anyone can help, what insurance company is good for shipping and what is the cost like, and do i have to list everything, not sure how it works. thanks the raes

We are looking to move to Sydney in the next few months; I am trying to gather info on living costs in Sydney. Can anyone give me a rough idea of building and contents insurance costs? Thanks for any numbers given. :animal-cat:

Hi can anyone tell me, can you transfer your no claims bonus from your car insurance from the Uk to Aus. Any help appreciated. Cheers

Hi there, Is there any kind of dental insurance you can take out over there, as my oh is one of those poor old sods who's teeth fall out if you look at them too hard!!! for example, these are some of the things he's been eating when his teeth have broken.... jaffa cakes, baked beans, marshmallows !!! I mean...come on!!! :biglaugh: So in order to protect our pocket! is there a dental insurance thats available?? And would that also cover things like kids and braces etc.?? Lisa

hi just looking to see if my car insurance no claims bonus is recognised in oz?

As anyone used them? I am meeting up with my mother in Hong Kong in a couple of months and need to take out a travel insurance, the problem is it doesn't look like I will be covered for any pre existing conditions which is fair enough, BUT, what I want to know is if I cancel a) because I am unfit to travel or b) my mum (god forbid) couldn't travel would I be able to cancel and claim my money back?

Hi my partner and i are currently looking for sponsorship then failing that state sponsorship and i just wanted to get some help regarding medical issues. I'm currently being investigated for recurrent dizziness, had a clear MRI and they think its a neurological disorder that cant be treated so no medication required and its not life threatening or gets worse etc its just a personal battle more than anything, would this be a problem passing a medical and would i have a huge medical insurance bill? Also my partner had a workplace injury which did damage to his hand but hes always worked through it apart from time off for operations, hes on the mend now and shouldnt need any further ops etc, but he is a boilermaker so works with his hands will this be a problem for employers and insurance. Hes also had trigger finger which has been operated on and released on the other hand again on the mend. So i guess im just concerned we may not pass the medical or the insurance premiums are going to be too high. Any help or advice much appreciated

Hi PIO, Could anyone tell me about bike insurance in aus. I've tried to do it online in the UK and it won't let me do a quote. Is it expensive. I have a VFR V-tec honda 800. Any info welcome Cheers, Troy

Hi Did anyone have a high value on their container of goods? My husband is a musician and has a lot of expensive equipment we need to send. I've just tallied up the replacement costs and it seems the high value items total almost 50% of the insured amount. We are not going to use the insurance from John Masn and are in the process fo speaking to Letton Percival and insure your move but wanted to know if anyone else had a similar situation and what they did? I think they said insurers want to see that the high value goods are no more than 20% of the total value so it looks like we are a little teeny way off! Help!!!!