Australian health insurance for overseas visitors
At Medibank Private we understand that health systems vary greatly around the world and that you may not be aware of how it works in Australia.
Why private health insurance?
Having “adequate arrangements for health insurance” is a mandatory condition of certain overseas visitor visas. This means that some sponsored workers and overseas students studying in Australia are required to purchase a certain level of private health insurance for the duration of their visa. Other overseas visitors can also benefit with private health insurance.
Like most places in the world, health care costs in Australia can be expensive. Even a few days in hospital for a routine operation can add up to thousands of dollars in hospital charges and doctors’ fees.
Australia's health care system has two main components:
- Medicare - provides eligible Australian residents with access to free treatment as public patients in public hospitals and free or subsidised treatment by doctors and other health professionals.
- Private health insurance – is available over and above Medicare for those who wish to have more control in choosing where and by whom they are treated and for those who are not eligible for free or medically necessary treatment under Medicare.
Most international visitors and temporary residents do not have access to Medicare and therefore rely on private health insurance to help cover the cost of hospital and medical expenses while in Australia.
When visiting Australia and enjoying all the new experiences, it’s important to have quality health cover should the unexpected happen and you require medical treatment.
This is where private health insurance from Medibank Private can help. We have a suite of products designed to suit different needs and budgets.
Additional features of our Visitors Covers.
24 hour emergency advice and assistance
With our visitors covers you have access to a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week emergency advice and assistance phone line, provided through International SOS.
This includes:
- Emergency medical advice and assistance
- Referrals to doctors or medical centres for medical treatments and assistance with making appointments
- Access to a solicitor for general legal advice and referrals
- Phone assistance to replace travel documents or passports
- Interpreters available for Japanese, Mandarin, Indonesian, Malay, Cantonese, Thai, Korean and Portuguese speakers. Other languages are available on request.
Get more with our Members' Choice Network
Our Members' Choice network enables us to provide you with greater value by paying higher benefits for treatment, as well as through discounts and capped fees that lower any out-of-pocket costs you may have.
We’ve negotiated agreements with the majority of private hospitals and many extras providers across Australia so you can receive greater value from your cover.
No excess for children
If there is an excess payable on your visitors cover, the good news is you won’t have to pay the excess for a dependent child treated in a hospital or a day hospital facility.
Additional rewards
At Medibank Private we’ll take care of you, even when you’re in perfect health. With our feelbetter Rewards program you have access to a variety of offers which have been tailored towards health and wellbeing, leisure and lifestyle, entertainment and everyday living.
Special offers include:
- Discounted movie tickets
- Discounts on magazine subscriptions
- Up to 25% off tenpin bowling.
Online health information
To make it easier for you to manage your health, you can access betterhealth Online .This online program provides you with access to a great range of resources and it’s all part of your Medibank Private membership.
betterhealth Online includes:
- A personalised and confidential Wellness Record
- Active Health, Active Care and Active Sport Programs for weight loss, improved fitness, and a healthier diet
- Tips, guidance and weekly themes to help you achieve your health and wellbeing goals
- Regular email support to keep you motivated
- An online information and resource library consisting of regularly updated health related articles, recipes, diet and exercise tips.
Once you are a Medibank Private member, it’s easy to register, just go online to medibank.fitness2live.com.au.