Travel/Health Insurance For Year in Oz

se01acwb

Hi all,

I'm flying out to Newcastle NSW Australia this July, with the intention of moving there permanently.
However, I will be travelling there initially on a 1 year working holiday visa, until I have sorted everything out with my job and permanent visa etc.
I expect that for the initial period of up to a year I will need some sort of travel or health insurance to cover me incase I need medical attention at any point, as the last thing I want is another 30hr flight back to the UK to get treated.

However I am finding it nearly impossible to find any form of suitable policy, as most so called annual worldwide policies only insure you for a number of tribs up to a maximum limit of the number of days a year out of the uk, usually a month or two months.

In other words If I took one of these policies then after a month in Oz they would be invalid.

Does anyone have any advice on what I should do??

Thanks

Andy!

Pottymouth_2

Hi Andy,

I'm not certain if it is still the case but a few years ago (try 15!), there was a reciprical agreement and Aussies were entitled to NHS care and Poms to Australian Medicare.

Worst comes to worst, you could rely on their national health which I believe is excellent.

Not really an answer to your insurance questions, but worthwhile knowing! I can't remember if I needed to register to be entitled to medicare - i think i did!

Have a great time, and a piece of advice, If its got eight legs and a red back - leave it alone!! *G

Potty.

albalad

This has been taken from the FCO website -

Reciprocal medical arrangements exist between Australia and the United Kingdom. Under the reciprocal agreement British nationals may have unforeseen emergency medical treatment under the Australian Medicare scheme. Australian Medicare (not the British national health) provisions apply to British visitors to Australia. But there are exclusions under the reciprocal agreement such as treatment for pre‑existing medical conditions, pharmaceuticals when not a hospital in‑patient, and medical evacuations. The latter, in particular, is very expensive. (See General Section for advice on insurance).

fco web site
department of health web site for travellers