JillM Posted October 29, 2019 Share Posted October 29, 2019 Does anyone know if parents on an 870 visa are covered by Medicare under the reciprocal health care agreement. The Immi website is confusing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VERYSTORMY Posted October 29, 2019 Share Posted October 29, 2019 Yes, you would be entitled to reciprocal. But, you need to understand this is not full healthcare. Basically, they will keep you alive. But you are not entitled to many services. You should also be aware you may no longer be classed as resident in the UK, so can not simply come back for NHS treatment. So, you should take appropriate private healthcare insurance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jocky C Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 We are on the 870 Visa which requires you to have private health insurance. Proof of which must be attached to your application before it is granted. We also applied for a Medicare Card after our870 was granted and initially were told by Centrelink we were not eligible but they would send it off anyway with copies of or visa grant notice and passport. 2 weeks passed and we received a letter saying not eligible. Next day received all our copies back and our new Medicare Cards valid for 5 years !!! We just wanted the Medicare for routine stuff but the health insurance is there in the event of anything serious and of course ambulance cover. MediBank do a tailored policy for the 870 Visa. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jemma T Posted December 18, 2020 Share Posted December 18, 2020 Hello. Can someone please help me.... My father in law is coming out to OZ on the 870 visa.... Whilst I understand he cannot claim medicare, can he still claim the PBS for his prescriptions through the reciprocal health agreement with the UK? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JulieFitz Posted May 21 Share Posted May 21 Hello there I appreciate this is an old thread however it would be appreciated if someone could answer the query above regarding the reciprocal health care agreement and the obtaining of prescribed medicine. My husband has diabetes, controlled with tablets, we are hoping to Oz on the 870 visa and understand that we can get a Medicare card for non urgent care however need additional cover for other emergency type issues. Any help from those in the know would be appreciated. thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted May 23 Share Posted May 23 On 21/05/2024 at 22:41, JulieFitz said: I appreciate this is an old thread however it would be appreciated if someone could answer the query above regarding the reciprocal health care agreement and the obtaining of prescribed medicine. My husband has diabetes, controlled with tablets It's confusing because holding the 870 visa doesn't give you the right to claim Medicare. However as a UK resident visiting Australia, you are entitled to claim Medicare while you're here, under the reciprocal agreement. Strictly speaking, you're only supposed to get essential/urgent medical care, and you should go back to the UK for anything that isn't urgent. However in practice, the definition of what's essential seems very broad, and people have even had hip replacements etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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