Julian927 Posted September 8, 2012 Share Posted September 8, 2012 Hi Medicare covers the basic cost of medical treatment but many GP and specialists charge more than the Medicare agreed cost. This “gap” has to be paid for by the patient. Bulk billing is where the medical supplier charges Medicare directly and there is no gap for the patient. In hospital costs are covered by Medicare. Hope this helps a little. Charlie We have been over here nearly two years now. We decided to take out Private Healthcare within the first year to avoid the loading. As someone else mentions we have paid in far more than we get out, but it is there as an insurance. We have quite a high level of hospital cover, plus extras. It is only now that I am beginning to understand what you get and what you don't from the cover. Recently I have had to have a 24 hour BP monitor, this is not covered as it is considered an "out-patient" service. I then had to have a ECG fitted for 24 hours, this was not covered, again it was an out-patient treatment. It cost $208 of which I got $139 back from Medicare...that is the gap that they is mentioned above. It strikes me that most things that you actually need are not covered! As you don't necessarily use the same doctor in the way one did in the UK, the way to go is to go to a doctor that bulk bills for things like repeat prescriptions, as then you are not paying the $60 doctor visit charge, albeit with a Medicare rebate of $35 - overall cost of $25 just to obtain the prescription form..... you just turn up at bulk billing doctors and queue, you can't make an appointment, I might be wrong? You can't choose which doctor you see at the practice....but it doesn't matter if you just want a prescription. I then go to a non-bulk billing doctor, ($60 visit) when I want to specify the doctor I wish to see - one who has my medical history. You have to pay for your prescriptions...it is not a fixed charge. To give you an idea of prescription costs, my husband has a BP medication that costs $19 per prescription (one tablet a day for a month), my asthma medication, Symbacourt, costs more like $35 per inhaler. As others have said, once one has been here for 2 full years and are over 65 you can apply for a Commonwealth Card and most prescriptions will only cost $5 With Private Health Insurance you can more or less choose which specialist you want to be treated by and which hospital. If you are treated in a public hospital costs are covered by Medicare. In private hospital, you pay the room, the surgeon, the anaesthetist etc. etc.....probably the car park attendant too! Much the same as UK you go on a waiting list for non-urgent operations at public hospitals and have less of a wait for private. If you don't pay Private Medical Insurance you have to pay a levy on your tax bill, if you are liable to tax. Sorry if this a tad confusing, but it does take time to get your head around the medical system and what is and isn't covered by Medicare or Private Health. Julie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linday Posted September 8, 2012 Share Posted September 8, 2012 Good day to everyone. Glad to see everyone sharing some good CPV insights to one another in this forum. Just wondering if you have any advice for this case that I have: We are in the process of lodging 173, and 143 eventually. However since my 3 children are just teenagers under 18, a close relative of ours (my cousin) is sponsoring on their behalf. Is this acceptable? Reason for us really considering this is that my ex-husband, who is the father of my children is getting married soon and will be leaving OZ and will be settling off in another country. Pretty much, he asks if I could take over supervising our children permanently. My 3 children are Australian citizens, and so is my cousin, and my ex. I would love to be able to take care of my children now once and for all, and they are also very excited to know if I can permanently move with them. At the moment, I am only able to visit them in Oz only 2 times in a year, because I am only on tourist visa. Looking after the children physically & financially and providing for them permanently would be me needing to have a job in Oz, and I see that 173 gives you work rights. Btw, I am 35 y/o... and yes we got married quite young back in the day. Is my case a go? Cheers,June If you take a look at Boolet 3 this tells you who is able to sponsor you if your child is under 18: http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/booklets/books3.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liverpoolloo Posted September 8, 2012 Share Posted September 8, 2012 Thank you for the replies on medicare, i shall print the replies and have another read when i get over there. So hope i never have to use it but decisions have to be made in the first year like you said. I may top up on the dental and ambulance cover but will explore the cost. I am really going to miss websites like moneysupermarket.com i use these a lot when looking for good quotes. Thanks again. Ann Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
valandmatt Posted September 8, 2012 Share Posted September 8, 2012 Hi all, quick update - we didn't exchange on the house yesterday - pretty annoyed :mad: - something to do with not paying the deposit monies in full - I don't know - anyway, didn't seem like there wasn't anything we could do, so went out for the day to take our minds off it - had a lovely day at Chartwell House in Kent - home of Sir Winston Churchill - interesting house and gorgeous gardens with beautiful views over the Kent Weald. Think I'm all cultured out now! :wacko: When we got home there was a message from the Estate Agents to say that all deposit monies now confirmed and exchange set for Monday - watch this space! Excuse me if I don't get too excited....:nah: Val x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fluffy Posted September 8, 2012 Share Posted September 8, 2012 Well that's all our belongings gone! I have to say that the two guys from John Masons did a fantastic job packing our things and everything went really smoothly. Would definitely recommend them. We complete on the house tomorrow and then it's goodbye to our family home of 31 years. Strangely neither of us feel sad, we haven't had time to stop and think; it's just been full on for the last few weeks. It will great to just chill out for a while!! I think this calls for another glass of wine! Ha ha!! Angie x Thanks Fran I really hope they do choose to come out on the temp visa just to see how they will like it. I know Australia is really big on Baby boomers and those older getting new jobs and staying in the work force longer so I'm hoping that this will give them more of a chance to find jobs. Thanks for asking about jobs for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fluffy Posted September 8, 2012 Share Posted September 8, 2012 Well that's all our belongings gone! I have to say that the two guys from John Masons did a fantastic job packing our things and everything went really smoothly. Would definitely recommend them. We complete on the house tomorrow and then it's goodbye to our family home of 31 years. Strangely neither of us feel sad, we haven't had time to stop and think; it's just been full on for the last few weeks. It will great to just chill out for a while!! I think this calls for another glass of wine! Ha ha!! Angie x Hi guys good luck with the move, I live in the redlands at Wellington Point, such a lovely place to be. Also hoping to get my parents out here soon. I would love to know how you settle in and also how you go with making friends and everything (some news to tell my parents and hopefully make it easier for them to move here) Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fluffy Posted September 8, 2012 Share Posted September 8, 2012 How does emergency health cover work in Oz for our age group. My daughter has a 'bulk bill' doctor so I understand that and I know UK had a reciprocal agreement with Oz but what happens if you for example took suddenly ill or had an accident that required hospital treatment/stay? Way my healths been the past 15 months feel I need tto clarify this :swoon: Phoebe Hi Guys bulk billing means medicare pay for the docs, I was on my perm res and had to be taken into hospital for an operation, I didnt have private health insurance but as it was deemed necessary I didnt have to pay for it. I pay to go to the doctors about $70 a visit but get some back from medicare bulk billing docs are the way to go though - They can help to get all sorts bulk billed - scans, x-rays. Dental work on the other hand is costly. As far as I'm aware there is no "medicare" for dental work Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fluffy Posted September 8, 2012 Share Posted September 8, 2012 Hi Phoebe I need to research the whole medical thing more myself but I can let you know the experience we had 2 years ago when we visited our daughter in Brisbane. Unfortunately 2 days into the holiday hubby suddenly developed pains in his chest. Luckily it turned out to be nothing serious but he received emergency treatment locally and then they sent him by ambulance to the main hospital in Brisbane central to stay overnight for observation. Didn't cost a thing not even for the ambulance - they said everything was covered by the reciprocal arrangement with the UK. This is how it works if you are a visitor and I'm pretty sure emergency treatment etc is covered by Medicare but not the ambulance when you have permanent residency. Hope this helps. Angie x As soon as you arrive head to medicare to get your medicare card!!! Depending on your visa type or visit type you can get a visitor medicare card or a perm res medicare card either way get it as soon as possible!! In QLD you pay your ambulance fees in with your electricity which is great as in Vic when I was there is was a seperate bill. Once you have your medicare card any medical visits you have to pay for (should you not be bulk billed) you can claim some money back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhoebeW Posted September 8, 2012 Share Posted September 8, 2012 As soon as you arrive head to medicare to get your medicare card!!! Depending on your visa type or visit type you can get a visitor medicare card or a perm res medicare card either way get it as soon as possible!! In QLD you pay your ambulance fees in with your electricity which is great as in Vic when I was there is was a seperate bill. Once you have your medicare card any medical visits you have to pay for (should you not be bulk billed) you can claim some money back. That's good info thanks :biggrin: Phoebe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevkim Posted September 10, 2012 Share Posted September 10, 2012 A quick update - we've now been here almost one week and what a week it has been! We've done so much in such a short space of time. My mother was here visiting our daughter when we arrived and we have just waved her off to the airport. That has meant we have had to factor in her sightseeing too! Our grandsons have been unwell since before we came and the youngest has bronchiolitis. We've been helping out with the night shifts and coupled with the jet lag, we are not sure if we are on our heads or heels. But isn't that why we all want to be here - to be with the grandchildren come what may?! So far we have signed a 12 month lease on a 2 bed unit in Eleebana overlooking Lake Macquarie and we are fully in there from tonight. We have bought a previously loved red (easy to see in the car park!!!) Holden Commodore station wagon which doubles as a removal truck! We've registered the car, got our NSW driving licenses, registered for Medicare, been to a garage sale, found a great number of deals on Gumtree including a barbecue and temp washing machine and basically found our feet. It is amazing what you can do in under a week. Do some research on cars and rentals in your area before you get here - it means you can hit the ground running as we did. Oh and the iPad with the maps app has made a fantastic SatNav. (I scarily sound as if I know what I am talking about there!!!) Can't stop to chat too long, I'm stalking a fridge on Ebay! BBest wishes all - it is well worth the sleepless nights, sweat and tears - oh and the money too! Kim Can't stayon here chatting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liverpoolloo Posted September 10, 2012 Share Posted September 10, 2012 A quick update - we've now been here almost one week and what a week it has been! We've done so much in such a short space of time. My mother was here visiting our daughter when we arrived and we have just waved her off to the airport. That has meant we have had to factor in her sightseeing too! Our grandsons have been unwell since before we came and the youngest has bronchiolitis. We've been helping out with the night shifts and coupled with the jet lag, we are not sure if we are on our heads or heels. But isn't that why we all want to be here - to be with the grandchildren come what may?! So far we have signed a 12 month lease on a 2 bed unit in Eleebana overlooking Lake Macquarie and we are fully in there from tonight. We have bought a previously loved red (easy to see in the car park!!!) Holden Commodore station wagon which doubles as a removal truck! We've registered the car, got our NSW driving licenses, registered for Medicare, been to a garage sale, found a great number of deals on Gumtree including a barbecue and temp washing machine and basically found our feet. It is amazing what you can do in under a week. Do some research on cars and rentals in your area before you get here - it means you can hit the ground running as we did. Oh and the iPad with the maps app has made a fantastic SatNav. (I scarily sound as if I know what I am talking about there!!!) Can't stop to chat too long, I'm stalking a fridge on Ebay! BBest wishes all - it is well worth the sleepless nights, sweat and tears - oh and the money too! Kim Can't stayon here chatting Wha t a lovely post Kim, so glad you are settling down and enjoying life over there, first thing i intend to do is hire a car but have done that already in Perth so know what company to head to. I hope to be of some help too when my new grandson arrives all being well with the visa of course. So glad it was all worth the stress and money i must keep reminding myself of that. I already have a sat nav from my previous visit so no doubt that will come in handy. Best of luck and keep the posts coming, Ann :smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brummiebabies Posted September 10, 2012 Share Posted September 10, 2012 Hi guys good luck with the move, I live in the redlands at Wellington Point, such a lovely place to be. Also hoping to get my parents out here soon. I would love to know how you settle in and also how you go with making friends and everything (some news to tell my parents and hopefully make it easier for them to move here) Good luck Hi. We will definitely let you know how things go when we are over there. We will be living in Birkdale so not far from you. Our grandchildren go to Redlands College in Wellington Point. You are right - it's such a lovely area! Hard to believe that we will soon be there! Angie x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brummiebabies Posted September 10, 2012 Share Posted September 10, 2012 (edited) A quick update - we've now been here almost one week and what a week it has been! We've done so much in such a short space of time. My mother was here visiting our daughter when we arrived and we have just waved her off to the airport. That has meant we have had to factor in her sightseeing too! Our grandsons have been unwell since before we came and the youngest has bronchiolitis. We've been helping out with the night shifts and coupled with the jet lag, we are not sure if we are on our heads or heels. But isn't that why we all want to be here - to be with the grandchildren come what may?! So far we have signed a 12 month lease on a 2 bed unit in Eleebana overlooking Lake Macquarie and we are fully in there from tonight. We have bought a previously loved red (easy to see in the car park!!!) Holden Commodore station wagon which doubles as a removal truck! We've registered the car, got our NSW driving licenses, registered for Medicare, been to a garage sale, found a great number of deals on Gumtree including a barbecue and temp washing machine and basically found our feet. It is amazing what you can do in under a week. Do some research on cars and rentals in your area before you get here - it means you can hit the ground running as we did. Oh and the iPad with the maps app has made a fantastic SatNav. (I scarily sound as if I know what I am talking about there!!!) Can't stop to chat too long, I'm stalking a fridge on Ebay! BBest wishes all - it is well worth the sleepless nights, sweat and tears - oh and the money too! Kim So pleased to hear that you are settling in so quickly Kim but sorry to hear your grandsons have been unwell. We've been told about Gumtree by our daughter and it sounds great - can't wait to have a go ourselves. Hubby has researched cars and he has something in mind to buy when we get there. Isn't it fantstic that everything can be sorted on the internet now - it just makes life so much easier. Keep us updated. Angie Edited September 11, 2012 by brummiebabies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zumsor Posted September 10, 2012 Share Posted September 10, 2012 Thank you for your very informative post. My head is spinning with the amount of information I am trying to take in as next year I will qualify to apply for a for CPV 143 as my daughter would have been in oz 2 years and trying to work out if i will manage financially. I'm 64 and a widow and although I would like to think I could perhaps work I wonder what the chances would be to even get any employment at this age. It would be nice to hear if there are any other single ladies out there thinking of or making the move to oz. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Cathwotherspoon Posted September 11, 2012 Share Posted September 11, 2012 Hi Zumsor Welcome to this very helpful site. I have already applied for 173 and had acknowedgement in June so fingers crossed I hope to be going next summer. I am divorced so doing this all on my own as well - only daughter and family have been in Oz 4 years now. Don't know about the employment though - my job may be looking after the grandsons - but hey never say never. I am 62 and have returned to working again part time so that it will help towards the cost of this move. My head is spinning too thinking about it all and I have a list of lists !!!!Anyway everyone on here is so helpful that you don't feel so 'alone'. Cath Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tabitha10 Posted September 11, 2012 Share Posted September 11, 2012 My question, yes another one, is can we do 6 months in OZ then 6 months in UK whilst on the 173 visa??? cheers..lol Tab x more q`s to follow.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ariomart Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 Thank you for your very informative post. My head is spinning with the amount of information I am trying to take in as next year I will qualify to apply for a for CPV 143 as my daughter would have been in oz 2 years and trying to work out if i will manage financially. I'm 64 and a widow and although I would like to think I could perhaps work I wonder what the chances would be to even get any employment at this age. It would be nice to hear if there are any other single ladies out there thinking of or making the move to oz. Hi Zumsor I am on my own and 62. I have applied for a 143 and hope to get a CO this month or next. My flat is in the process of being sold. Like yourself I cant imagine anyone wanting to employ me at 62, although I am fit. But never say never. I am not doing a lot of planning about being in OZ just going to make sure I am open to any opportunities that come my way. Friends say I am brave, but I am not. At this end of my life I am not looking to build a career and I havent got anyone relying on me so I am going to take this move as an adventure. Who knows what life has in store. I dont want to get to the end of my life and think that I played safe, even if it doesnt work out in Oz I would rather have tried than stayed safe (because that is what it would mean for me). I am the sort of person who lives in the ssame place for years and stayed at the same job. So maybe someone will want to employ a 62 year old with a sense of adventure. Someone else said earlier about selling the family home and not feeling sad. I agree with that - think I have gone through that and now I say - bring it on - well gently!!! I wish you well and you will not find a more helpful and supportive site than this Best wishes Moira Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zumsor Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 Thank you Cath for your response it's a good feeling to get a reply and you hit it right on the head about not feeling so alone and knowing that there others on this site with the same anxieties helps, plus we have similarities so I will be interested in following your progress. What area will you be heading for, are you considering renting or buying both are so expensive. Also I would like to know is it worth taking your car over as mine isn't that old and not a great deal of mileage on it either. I visited my daughter last year and looked at prices of cars I couldn't believe the cost of old second hand cars, hence i would be interested if anyone has taken their car over and how expensive and difficult is it. I'm visiting again in November and no doubt will be checking prices out. By the time I come back it will be decision time do I go for it or will reality tell me differently - scary! Gina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stellathedog Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 Hi Gina I don't know from experience about taking your car over, but there are a lot of posts on the main forum. Worth doing a search. Just brought my granddaughter back from hospital, so a bit distracted, but will look later for the links. Good luck Pam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Cathwotherspoon Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 Hi Gina There is a sticky thread regarding shipping cars under the 'Transport and Shipping' thread. This might shed some light on things for you. I won't be taking mine - its too old and not worth it. I understand cars hold their price very well in Oz but I did a comparison a while ago - and taking into account the exchange rate, some were not that much difference in price from the UK. I will be heading for Mackay, in Queensland. Not really thought about the accommodation yet as I will stay with the family for a while but I am hoping they will either buy - they are still renting - somewhere with a granny flat or somewhere with a bit of land and I could get a kit home - some of these look lovely. I don't think I could afford to rent as it is so expensive - would definitely need to work then. I do need my own space though as I am now so set in my ways after being on my own for a very long time !! All that will be sorted out eventually and discussions will be taking place..lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
valandmatt Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 Hi all, well I'm very pleased to say that we have exchanged contracts on the sale of our house today - to say it "went down to the wire" is an understatement, as we had decided (through sheer frustration with the whole process - plus the shenanigans of the buyers) that we would withdraw today if it didn't happen by close of business, and rent it out for a year or so. So shippers booked for the 19th and flights 23rd September. :biggrin: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevkim Posted September 13, 2012 Share Posted September 13, 2012 Hi Gina, we arrived here last week and have already bought a car. To be honest, it was a painless process, My OH aactually found it while ideally browsing Gumtree.com.au in Singapore airport. We sent an emai.l to the seller and bought it within 2 days of landing. It's a Holden Station Wagon, 8 years old and we got it for 7000 dollars. We are ddelighted with it. Don't worry too much about whether to bring a car or not. Cars for sale are parked up all over with for sale signs in them. If you LOVE your car consider bringing it. If not,don't bother with the extra container expense. Loving being the way, any questions, just ask iif we can help, we will. Kim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zumsor Posted September 13, 2012 Share Posted September 13, 2012 Hello Moira Thank you so much for your response so good to hear there are others on this site in similar circumstances as my own. Being single and trying to decide on which way to go is an enourmous mind blowing decision and probably big gamble to take. Love your attitude of at least you are giving it a try and that is probably where I'm at at the moment. I will be visiting my daughter in Perth November having a long stay and hopefully by the end of my visit with only a few months for her to of been in oz 2 years I will be applying for the 143. I have already made a decision that I will put the house on the market on my return but my only concern only that nothing is moving in my area, but hey if it's meant to go it will go. Where abouts are you planning to move to? Keep me informed as it will be interesting to follow your path. How long do you think it will take and when did you apply for the 143? Thanks again Moira. Gina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest nutmeg Posted September 13, 2012 Share Posted September 13, 2012 How about meeting for a drink "on the other side"? We would love that Val. I'll PM our telephone number and address when we are all in Oz. Our flight is booked for 19 October - flying with Singapore Airlines for extra baggage allowance. Starting to count down the days now!! I hope everything goes okay with exchange of contracts on your house today. Angie x Hi Guys, I've not had the chance to log on for a while but wanted to update on how we are doing. A lot has been happening since my last post and I write this mail from my Daughters lounge here on the sunshine coast! We got our visa through and arrived last night (weds) at 7.30pm. My 2 Daughters and Grandchildren were at Brisbane airport waiting for us. It was so nice after all the waiting to finally be here! We flew with Singapore airlines and got the extra baggage allowance. I would like to wish you every happiness in Australia and maybe some time we might meet in Brisbane for a drink. All the best Nutmeg xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ariomart Posted September 13, 2012 Share Posted September 13, 2012 Hello MoiraThank you so much for your response so good to hear there are others on this site in similar circumstances as my own. Being single and trying to decide on which way to go is an enourmous mind blowing decision and probably big gamble to take. Love your attitude of at least you are giving it a try and that is probably where I'm at at the moment. I will be visiting my daughter in Perth November having a long stay and hopefully by the end of my visit with only a few months for her to of been in oz 2 years I will be applying for the 143. I have already made a decision that I will put the house on the market on my return but my only concern only that nothing is moving in my area, but hey if it's meant to go it will go. Where abouts are you planning to move to? Keep me informed as it will be interesting to follow your path. How long do you think it will take and when did you apply for the 143? Thanks again Moira. Gina Hallo Gina I am going to Melbourne. I applied for my 143 in July 2011 so I hope to get a Case Officer this month. My flat sold in 6days, just the right person walked through the door. I have booked a flight for 30 November - if I havent got my visa by then I will have to change my flight. I went over to Melbourne for 2mths last christmas just to make sure it is where I wanted to be and if anything I felt more sure of my decision. It seems the shippers cant ship my things until I have the visa so they may have to go into storage for a while. The other thing about Australia is money can earn good interest, 5.75 I believe on some accounts so thats good to know. I will let you know as soon as I get a CO. Fingers crossed Moira Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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