Onward 1 Posted June 20 Hi everyone, I’m moving shortly to work in Victoria on a 482 Visa. I have a wife and three children. We’re looking for a top-tier plan. Knowing what I don’t know… I don’t know one insurer from the next… I don’t know if different insurers have access to different groups of hospitals or doctors. Basically, what I do know is actually very little. I am also Canadian, so we have no Medicare reciprocity. Allianzcare sowed up in Google search. Which are some of the better companies / plans to work with? Thank again! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Marisawright 9,508 Posted June 21 (edited) Health insurance in Australia is governed by strict rules. They are not allowed to refuse cover, or exclude hospitals or doctors. In terms of service, they are all much the same. As a temporary resident, you can't choose any of the policies available to Australian residents, nor would you want to. Ordinary health insurance covers in-hospital care only, because Medicare covers things like prescriptions and family doctor visits. What you need is Overseas Visitor Health Cover. Google for that and you'll probably find a wider range of companies. Comparing them can be confusing, I'm afraid. Check for things like: How much excess will I have to pay per procedure/item? What are the waiting periods (it's usual to have to wait between 6 and 12 months before you're allowed to claim anything for pre-existing conditions, for instance)? Also check whether the policy includes dental and optical. It may surprise you that dentists and optometrists are private in Australia and not covered by Medicare or standard health insurance. Australians have to take out an add-on policy with their health insurer (usually called "Extras") if they want cover for these services. Watch out for health insurance policies advertised specially for 482 visa holders. These are often designed to satisfy the visa requirement and nothing more. If you've got no access to Medicare, that kind of policy isn't any use to you. Edited June 21 by Marisawright Scot by birth, emigrated 1985 | Aussie husband granted UK spouse visa March 2015, moved to UK May 2015 | Returned to Oz June 2016 My new novel, A Dance With Danger, is due out August 2022 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
