Doctors & Dentists on 475 Visa

[RJECSAUNDERS]

Hello, as new arrivals in Adelaide, trying to get our heads around all the things we need to sort. Have got quotes in for Medical Insurance from Community Health but confused:confused:

 

Once we have medical insurance, do we register with a GP and Dentsist or do we wait until we need one?

 

Any advice will be greatly received.

 

Thanks

 

Julie

[Aquacatrina]

Hi Julie

 

We went to register with local doctor and dentist this week. We got given info packs, business cards and new patient forms but were basically told to just return them when we actually wanted to make our first appointment, that's when you officially get put on the system.

[Diane]

You can actually go to any doctors you like, although kids' medical forms always ask for the name of your doctor - go figure! As for dentists, these aren't covered by normal medicare so unless you have private cover, you have to pay anyway, whatever sort of visa you are on. If you don't have private medical cover yet, it's well worth investing about $100 in ambulance cover (ask at your local post office) - lots of private medical schemes cover this anyway, but if you're gong to be looking around for a while, don't leave yourself uncovered as an ambulance might cost you thousands!

 

Not sure where you are based, but if anywhere to the East side of town, worth checking out http://www.nobledentist.com.au/ - although there is only one listed for Adelaide and he's in Payneham. I would stress that I've not used them, only read about them on Poms in Oz, as it was too late for me - I'd already found a dentist I like although his prices are more!

[cliffy]

You can choose for yourself any medical practice or doctor to see at any time. You do not have to go to the same practice each time if you don't want to. Some practices bulk bill, which means you pay nothing when you visit. Others have a fee of perhaps $10-$15 payable at the time of consultation, called "the gap". Others expect full payment up front and you have to claim the rest back from Medicare. You can choose a practice to suit your circumstances.

You do need to register for Medicare at your nearest office.

Health Insurance has little to do with doctors visits or medical practices as you are not insured for visits to a specialist or to a doctor, and the Insurance company do not reimburse you.

Health Insurance covers mainly hospital procedures, with some ancilliary services.

Ambulance cover is essential, right from the start, just in case. Ambulance SA provide this.

It is a very expensive bill otherwise.

[RJECSAUNDERS]

Sorry, just want to check... do we have to register for medicare even though we are on a 475 visa only receiving reciprocal care?

 

Thanks

 

Julie

[Guest soggy]

Sorry, just want to check... do we have to register for medicare even though we are on a 475 visa only receiving reciprocal care?

 

Thanks

 

Julie

 

yes, they will give you a medicare card that you will need to access services, and get a refund if the doctor you see does not bulk bill.

 

Simon

[cliffy]

Even temporary visitors, either tourists or family members, should they fall ill or require medical or hospital treatment in any way have to have a medicare no. My father had to visit the doctor when he came to stay with us and was admitted to hospital overnight. We had to take his passport to Medicare and get a Medicare No. so that they could treat him under the Reciprocal agreement.

[Guest grimgooner]

Sorry, just want to check... do we have to register for medicare even though we are on a 475 visa only receiving reciprocal care?

 

Thanks

 

Julie

 

Im sure you won't qualify for medicare whilst on the 457 temp visa you will need private cover we're in the same predicament have a look at these www.austhealth.com.au we were told they deal alot with immigrants

[Guest norah battie]

you do qualify for medicare

[Lea]

Im sure you won't qualify for medicare whilst on the 457 temp visa you will need private cover we're in the same predicament have a look at these www.austhealth.com.au we were told they deal alot with immigrants

 

Poster is on a 475 visa which is different than the 457. Regardless of which if you are a UK national (including visitors) you are covered by reciprical medicare.

 

Lea:)

 

Edit: Nora Battie you just beat me to it!!!!!

[Guest grimgooner]

Poster is on a 475 visa which is different than the 457. Regardless of which if you are a UK national (including visitors) you are covered by reciprical medicare.

 

Lea:)

 

Edit: Nora Battie you just beat me to it!!!!!

 

oops miss typed the visa number and i have now been told you will qualify although now you have to have private cover as from sept this year

[Guest squeaky]

From a GP perspective.....if your from the UK a reciprocal agreement exists between both heath care systems so register with medicare (look on internet for nearest office but one in Nourunga shopping centre) to access NHS style service, you can top up privately as per the UK system too. Unlike the UK you can walk into any GP surgery and ask for an appointment so it pays to use a few surgeries for acute illness so you can be seen asap, but centralize your chronic problems with one as it is easier for the GP (me!!) and yourselves to organise on-going care, but shop around. A lot will bulk bill so the patient pays nothing or next to nothing, many will charge also.

My personal fav is Trinity medical centre in Seaford but thats 'cos i work here....... :-)