Hi all,
I'v been looking at getting an annual travel insurance policy and not having much success. Most of the recommended cheap ones are only on offer to Permanent Residents of Australia and I do not fall into this bracket yet. I have been living here past 3 years and am in process of PR application. I do not have health cover and am also not entitled to medicare.
Has anyone been in similar situation and if so, have you managed to get an annual policy?
Thanks.
Yes, I want cover for when I am outside of Australia on vacation.
I haven't looked into getting this via a company in my home country but that could be a good shout.
Thanks
You are entitled to medicare when you have already applied for your PR. Yes, even while you are waiting for the application to be processed. You might as well get a medicare card because you sure as hell are going to pay for it come tax time.
http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/enablers/medicare/m…
Eligibility for Medicare Card
Everyone who lives in Australia—excluding Norfolk Island residents—is eligible for a Medicare card if they:
-hold Australian citizenship
-hold New Zealand citizenship (documentation required). More information on the Medicare enrolment for New Zealand citizens page
-have been issued with a permanent visa
-have applied for a permanent visa (excludes an application for a parent visa), have permission to work in Australia or can prove relationship to an Australian Citizen — other requirements may also apply. Call us for more information
-Visitors to Australia from a country that has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia are also eligible for medically necessary treatment.
To apply for Medicare fill out the Medicare enrolment application form.
you fall into point four
Thanks for the info - wasn't aware I could apply for it post application.
I haven't lodged PR application as yet so will need to wait. I also fall under point 5.
Contacted my home country and they won't cover me there either as I haven't been living there the past 6 months!
Hmm, it's a conundrum.
If I were in your shoes I would:
- research the cover I felt was best value, call them and tell them you have been living here for several years and are seeking PR. Would they be able to waive that requirement. You might find they readily agree.
- call an insurance broker. They usually deal with commercial or specialist insurance (e.g. insuring your picasso) but you are kind of in a 'specialist' situation. They get a kick back from the insurers as their income, but have good relationships with the companies, and may well deal with this kind of thing regularly. They probably won't think your couple of hundred dollars is too small, as it just adds in with their other commission based returns. I have dealt with one or two and they were helpful at navigating the insurance maze.
Thanks mskeggs
If you dont get annual cover you can atleast get some cover with credit card travel insurance which do not exclude non- perm residents.
Thanks,
You reckon it's too late to do that now? Heading away next week.
You would have to pay for your trip using the credit card provided that the card offers it.
Why do you not have private health cover - is it due to the reciprocal country benefits?
insure4less.com.au cater for people in my situation.
Thanks for help OzB :)
Do you mean to cover you outside of Australia while on vacation?
Are you able to get this from your home countries' insurance companies perhaps? Or are they saying no as you are not a resident there anymore?