Health insurance and shipping

[custardtart]

Sorry for the dull, non car related post but I'm hoping to be heading over from the UK in Nov & need to sort some health insurance until I can join the medicare scheme and a reliable shipping company to transport some furniture etc. over.

Any recommendations appreciated.

Thanks
Matt

[deviant]

No idea on the shipping thing but we are with Medibank... www.medibank.com.au

Paid for itself in optical and dental savings, my glasses and prescribed sunnies went from $1200 to about $600 and a couple of fillings went from $200 to $80, I also get a free dental checkup every 6 months.
Very easy to use, if you go to one of their affiliated care providers then you just swipe your membership card through their machine and it instantly adjusts your bill so you dont have to fill in forms or pay for everything up front and wait for a cheque to come in the post.

Double check your status regarding getting a Medicare card, when I came over 5 years a go I got a temporary medicare card which had to be renewed annually until I became a perm resident and I get a permanent medicare card / number.

[ajg31]

What cover do you have Dev? I can't find any cover that gives you that much off glasses.

[deviant]

ajg31 said:

What cover do you have Dev? I can't find any cover that gives you that much off glasses.

Jebus I couldnt tell you off the top of my head...It was something that had us both on as a couple and we specifically got dental and optical as extras.

I actually was not expecting to get that much off my glasses, only about half what I ended up getting. You are only supposed to get one optical payment a year and I had already picked up and paid for my specs with medibank a few weeks before getting my sunnies. The woman at the counter had a go at swiping my card just to see if they would give anymore discount and they did...score! That was with Laubman and Pank which is a affiliated carer.

I actually need to look at the value of being on as a joint account because Mrs Dev gets the same level of optical cover but she doesnt wear glasses and the opticians wont let me defraud medibank by making up glasses in her name but with my prescription

Optical was a big need for me, its bloody expensive here!! In fact I think medical care as a whole is quite expensive here.

There is a bit of a tax benefit to having private cover to though I dont really understand the ins and outs of it.

Edited by deviant on Thursday 1st October 00:17

[Google [bot]]

I'm with Medibank too, they're all much of a muchness. Consider that you will pay a lot more as you won't be entitled to Medicare under the reciprocal health agreement unless you're on a working holidaymakers visa or less. So the rate is a lot higher than when you get permanent residency.

I am fairly confident the above is correct.

[CoopsA]

i was advised that your healthcare provision was the responsibility of your company as they are "importing?" you from overseas. It would be worth checking with your employer as to where they see their obligations.

Regards to shipping you have to weigh up whether it's worth shipping or re-purchasing the item over here. Some items may not be worth the hassle, especially as it takes approx 2-3 months if your stuff is on standby - who are your relocation co-ordinators? It is best to get a couple of quotes - try John Mason and Michael Gerson. I would also avoid air freight if you need stuff here when you arrive, my colleague has found out that the vagaries of the customs and excise folks here can mean that stuff can get delayed.

Also apply for your tax file number before you come out as it takes about 6 weeks and the Aussie government will try and charge you 46% before it arrives.

Consider also bringing a motor out here, dealerships are patchy and there are a few rod's rockets around, as I think deviant comments the phrase you need is "toy yoda". We have purchased a Scooby b4, however tbut thinking also of getting an elderley 944 for the missus the prices here are excessive.

[Google [bot]]

It is the responsibility of the employer in that they are ultimately responsible. It is up to them and they would be well advised to take out the insurance, as an individual would. However, I know from experience the insurance isn't a requirement. And crap employers might not bother and run the gauntlet, legally.

[custardtart]

I'm being told by the visa lawyers who are working on behalf of my company that for my application to go through I need proof that insurance is sorted before I arrive.

Are you saying that my comany should be paying for this?

On the car front I wont be bringing a car over as I quite fancy a nice big V8 Holden, particularly like the Commodore SS Sportswagons

[Google [bot]]

custardtart said:

Are you saying that my comany should be paying for this?

I would say so, but I didn't think it was an entry requiremtnt, it wasn't when I came over (though I did originally come over on a working holidaymaker visa). If they don't pay and you get hit by a bus, it is the employer that is responsible for the thousands, so yes in that respect. Though the employer could argue that you need to take it out to limit their exposure and costs and that be a condition of your transfer. What I'm saying is the buck stops with them. Who pays etc.. *shrug*

[Wanchaiwarrior]

Google [bot] said:

custardtart said:

Are you saying that my comany should be paying for this?

I would say so, but I didn't think it was an entry requiremtnt, it wasn't when I came over (though I did originally come over on a working holidaymaker visa). If they don't pay and you get hit by a bus, it is the employer that is responsible for the thousands, so yes in that respect. Though the employer could argue that you need to take it out to limit their exposure and costs and that be a condition of your transfer. What I'm saying is the buck stops with them. Who pays etc.. *shrug*

Yes, your company is responsible/pays for your health cover while your on a 457. You'll need the scheme details when you do your tax return as well.

My Mrs managed to get us all a medicare card that says "reciprical health care (immediate necessary care only)" on it. One medicare number, 3 names.