Private medical health insurance for 475 visa holders

Getting private medical insurance is a wise thing to do – especially if you’re not covered by Medicare.

If you’re a holder of the 475 visa or the 457 visa, you’re not eligible for Medicare, which takes care of your health needs, so you need to get private medical health insurance. However, because we’re not considered permanent residents, we have to apply under “overseas visitors” which can be more expensive.

Just a note: If you opt not to take out insurance at all, apparently you could be penalised for doing so. According to this forum post: ” If you are an immigrant you have a set time, 12 months I think, to enter without paying the age loading.” Basically, you need to apply for private medical health insurance during the12 months after you arrive or they’ll add a surcharge, I believe. I’m not sure how legit this is, but if you decide to wing it without insurance, just be aware there could be possible risks. You know, besides possibly tanking all your savings if you end up having an accident or a health emergency. (Touch wood!)

I’ve done some research on what the insurance companies are offering:

IMAN (Budget Visitor Cover) $76 per month

Bupa (Classic Visitors Cover) $89.21 per month

I’ll keep you updated with more information that I can dig up. Watch this space!

PS: In the end I went for Bupa cos I can’t find Iman’s office in Adelaide 😛 I know, probably not the sanest way to choose your insurance. But anyway, my police works this way. If I’m sick, I can see a doctor, pay for it first, then come back to the office to claim for it. I may not be reimbursed the entire bill, but it’ll be close.

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