Eligibility to access Medicare
In this column, we will look at the temporary visas that can apply for the Australian medical system, Medicare.
Medicare is a health care service for Australians that provides free treatment and hospitalization in public hospitals, low-cost medicines and free or low-cost care from doctors and other health professionals.
It is operated by the Australian Government, and Australian citizens and permanent residents can use free medical services.
There are many people who would like to receive the Medicare benefits. This is because those who hold a student visa or other temporary visas in Australia are required to purchase a medical insurance so that it meets the visa conditions. Medical insurances are quite expensive, ranging from about $100 to more than $300 per month for individuals, depending on the insurance benefits.
The following temporary visas are eligible for Australia’s Medicare services from the date of application.
- Temporary Partner Visa (subclass 820, 309)
- Skilled Work Regional Provisional visa (subclass 491)
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Provisional visa (subclass 494)
- Witness Protection (Trafficking) Temporary visa (subclass 787)
- Support for Victims of People Trafficking Program
- Temporary Humanitarian Concern visa (subclass 786)
- Temporary or Permanent Parent Contributor Visa (subclasses 173, 143, 884, 864)
- Temporary Protection visa (subclass 785)
- Removal Pending Bridging visa (subclass 070)
- Unauthorised maritime arrivals holding a Bridging E (Class WE) visa
- Humanitarian Stay (temporary) visa (subclass 449), Ukraine nationals can read about Ukraine visa support on the Department of Home Affairs website
- Secondary Movement Offshore Entry visa XB (subclass 447)
- Safe Haven Enterprise visa (subclass 790)
All you need to prepare for Medicare enrolment is the Medicare enrolment form (MS004), a copy of your passport, and your current visa approval letter (or bridging visa approval letter)
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