Hi, hope someone can help. I am going out of my mind trying to understand about Medicare on the 457 visa, am I covered am I not covered, through searching there are many conflicting opinions! My job contract also states that

" you are required to maintain the requisite minimum level of health insurance as required by the department of immigration and citizenship, for yourself and accompanying family members for the term of your sponsorship"

So basically my husband and I are required to take out private health cover whilst on the 457? So do i need to register with medicare when i arrive? And also how much is this likely to cost, I have heard it can be pricey?

Thanks again

Sam

 

Hi
On arrival you will apply for Medicare just like a migrant with PR status. Your cards will arrive in the post a few weeks later and you carry these on you (one per adult). On a 457 you will recieve a basic medicare cover meaning you will have to pay for some things.
Hope this helps a little
Cal x

 

Hi - I have just got back from sorting my medicare on a 457 visa and it was straightforward. You need to take your passport, NHS card and your visa (if it is not stamped in your passport) into the Medicare office and fill out a form. She inputted the info there and then and gave me a temporary card until our official cards arrive in a couple of weeks. Every person who will be covered needs to be in the office when the form is filled out so that they can confirm identity. It was really easy and nothing to worry about. I don't know the ins and outs of what we will be covered for as she didn't tell me that ( and I didn't think to ask until I started writing this!!)

Hope this helps!