If you are making plans to move to Australia, applying for health insurance is an important part of the process. Aside from that, it’s always a good idea to prepare for the unexpected.
In Australia, the public health system Medicare covers most Australian residents for health care. However, Medicare does not cover everything and you can choose to take out private health insurance to give yourself a wider range of health care options and more comprehensive cover.
There are two types of health insurance: hospital & general treatment (ancillary or extras). You can buy them separately or most funds offer combined policies. There will be limitations on what and when you can claim with any policy you buy.
For information on Medicare, including how to apply, what your entitled to, costs of healthcare and more, please visit my Medicare Australia post.
For the same reasons you should get health insurance in Australia
Australian residents are proactively encouraged to take out Private Health Cover (Health Insurance) to compliment Medicare services, including the 30% Health Insurance Rebate from the Australia Government.
Health insurance costs approximately $2,000 per year depending on your circumstances (single, couple, family or single parent) and the level of cover you select.
To allow for simpler comparison of health insurance products all Australian health insurers are required by law to provide details of each of their products to the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman. PrivateHealth.gov.au contains details of every health insurance policy available in Australia, as well as its Private Health Information Statement.
This government website gives you facts that are not bias or trying to sell you anything! It gives you comprehensive, independent private health insurance information.
Start comparing policies here.
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Ask them below in the comment section and I will get back to you asap. You might also find the answers in the questions other visitors have asked.
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Sarah
May 25, 2021 at 8:25 pmIf you are an NZ citizen with a health condition can you access Medicare as soon as you move to Australia? Thanks
JJ Smith
May 30, 2021 at 11:23 pmHi Sarah,
Thank you for your comment.
Yes NZ citizen’s on an SCV are able to access Medicare as soon as you arrive in Australia.
You will need to apply in person in a Medicare Office. Please remember to take your passport.
You get a Medicare card when you enrol in Medicare. They’ll usually tell you your Medicare number straight away and send your card in 3 to 4 weeks. They’ll send it to the address you give them. You can use a digital copy of your Medicare card as soon as you enrol.
More info: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/medicare-australia/.
Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have.
Good luck with your move.
Claire Williams
March 9, 2021 at 4:53 amCan you transfer NZ Southern Cross medical insurance to Australia?
JJ Smith
March 14, 2021 at 10:03 pmHi Claire,
Thank you for your comment.
As there is no Southern Cross in Australia, you can not transfer your cover over. They do offer to put your policy on hold, which could be beneficial while your settling in, just incase you change your mind and want to move home. Your policy can be suspended for up to 5 years (60 months) in total: https://www.southerncross.co.nz/society/for-members/managing-your-policy/going-overseas.
You will need to find new private health insurance in Australia. Product review is Australia’s largest opinion site and here is the reviews for health insurance providers: https://www.productreview.com.au/c/health-insurance.
Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have.
Good luck with your move.