[elynneg]

I am from the US and I have been on a 457 visa for the last year. I will not be renewing my job contract for a second year, and my visa will expire in Feb. My boyfriend is Kiwi, and for me to stay and gain non-sponsored work rights, we've decided to apply for a subclass 461. My question is about health insurance. My boyfriend has Medibank private, and I am not eligible for his plan since I do not have a Medicare card. My current insurance will only cover visitors who have 457 visa or who are applying for PR. I looked into Medibank, Bupa, etc. visitor cover and they all have a list of visas they cover, but none of them include the 461.

So, if I need to have proof of insurance to get the 461, does anyone know of any options?

 

[elynneg]

Thanks, Mark. Yeah, we have known each other for 8 years, been living together for nearly 2, so we have plenty of proof of relationship, so I think that's all set. Just was wondering how to solve this insurance problem, but you are right, I'll have to call. The plans for visitors who don't work are different from the ones who do work, and I will be getting a new job, . . . hopefully shortly! I'll have to get the scoop from them.

But you think I can go ahead and lodge the application with all the other materials? Possibly just fill in my current insurance plan on the application form?

 

[elynneg]

Will do, thanks!

 

[elynneg]

hi esme_daniella,

yeah, so I was covered by IMAN for the last year while I was on a 457 visa. overall, i've been happy with it. i have the basic plan, which covers all catastrophic and emergency services, as well as basic doctor visits (pays all bulk billing Medicare fees). it's a bit archaic in that you have to get the bill from the doctor and mail it to them (no online services), but they always send an email immediately when they've processed the bill and have sent your check (they also pay you in paper checks, which you have to take to the bank to deposit). when I was originally searching for plans, this one was the cheaper for the services offered compared to Bupa, Medibank, etc., but i don't have any medical issues and am generally healthy, so I don't need a premium coverage plan.
also, some of the higher-end plans cover dental, but I am not sure the price difference is worth it in the long-run. Australians on Medicare don't get dental covered either. i went to the dentist once last year and had a full exam with X-rays and it was less than 100 dollars for the visit. so do the math.
after searching around over the last few weeks, i have decided that i will lodge my 461 with my current IMAN plan, which is still valid. I will just inform them of my changes (new job, visa, etc.).

i hope this helps. good luck!

 

[elynneg]

yeah, i was really skeptical of IMAN when i was researching plans last year. it just seemed less appealing (at least based on the website) than the other ones, but then i talked to other people who work in my field who had this plan, and were happy with it. i have also since met a lot of Aussies who have nib and are happy with that. and from my experience (albiet limited), it's good.

the basic plan covers GP visits at bulk billing Medicare rates (a typical consultation costs $69, and would be fully refunded). however, most of the GPs in the city (at least in Melbourne) charge more than the bulk billing covered by Medicare. so a consultation may cost $80 but then $69 of it will be refunded. in the end, it's the same as if you had Medicare.

i really don't know why IMAN is so much cheaper than the other companies - maybe because there is no online claiming, etc. but if you don't mind mailing in the claim and going to the bank to deposit a check, it's probably a better deal.

also, prescriptions are a lot cheaper, at least than in the US, and even without a prescription plan, you won't go broke, unless you are on something fancy.

 

[elynneg]

i think i forgot to mention, you can get a proof of insurance from IMAN. i just signed up and they sent over a letter for my 457 visa, which i put in my application, but the insurance didn't start until i started my job. i'm sure they should do something similar with the 461, you could always ask them. shouldn't be a problem.

good luck to you too!