International Medical Insurance for Australian Expatriates
Australians living in Australia enjoy an extremely high standard of health care. Compared to Australia, medical care in other countries varies in benefits and coverage. Australians may expect that they are covered for healthcare in many countries overseas, but this is usually not the case.
For Australians overseas, expat health insurance is essential to provide for your healthcare needs. Global health insurance plans for expatriates give you access to a high level of medical care and ensure you are covered when you need it the most. Read on to learn more about health insurance for Australians living overseas, including what you need to know and check to get the best global health insurance.
Australians living in Australia enjoy an extremely high standard of health care. Compared to Australia, medical care in other countries varies in benefits and coverage. Australians may expect that they are covered for healthcare in many countries overseas, but this is usually not the case.
For Australians overseas, expat health insurance is essential to provide for your healthcare needs. Global health insurance plans for expatriates give you access to a high level of medical care and ensure you are covered when you need it the most. Read on to learn more about health insurance for Australians living overseas, including what you need to know and check to get the best global health insurance.
Does Medicare Cover Australians Overseas?
No, Medicare does not cover Australians overseas. Whether you are in another country for a short-term visit or to live long-term, you are not covered by Australia’s universal health care system, Medicare.
Because of this, the Australian government strongly recommends that Australian citizens and permanent residents carry private health care insurance when traveling or living overseas.
On SmartTraveller.Gov.Au, Australian travelers are advised: “You must pay for all medical care you receive overseas. You can't expect to get free or subsidised care through your destination's public health system, like you would in Australia. If you can't pay, local authorities could arrest you. The Australian Government can't pay your bill for you, loan you money or get you out of jail.”
Some Countries Share Reciprocal Health Care with Australia – Only for Emergencies
Australians visiting some countries can benefit from Australia’s Reciprocal Health Care Agreements there. If Australia has a reciprocal agreement with a country, Australian visitors can get publicly covered emergency care for illnesses and injuries that can’t wait to be treated. Ambulance fees, private hospital care, repatriation, and medications are not covered.
Australia has reciprocal health care agreements with the following countries:
- The United Kingdom
- The Republic of Ireland
- New Zealand
- Belgium
- Finland
- Italy
- Malta
- The Netherlands
- Norway
- Slovenia
- Sweden
Since the benefits only apply during emergencies and special situations, it is highly recommended that you purchase a travel medical insurance plan. For long-term stays in many countries, even ones with a reciprocal agreement, you may need medical insurance as a requirement of your visa.
Health insurance for Australians living overseas provides many more benefits than basic emergency care. These benefits can include what isn't covered by reciprocal health agreements: ambulance fees, private hospital care, and repatriation or special travel accommodations. The benefits can even support your non-urgent care, such as family doctor visits, depending on the plan you choose.
Related: Health Insurance in Australia for Expats and Foreigners
Healthcare Risks Overseas: High Costs, Neglected Check-Ups, COVID-19
If you are moving abroad from Australia, it is important to know the risk of living in another country without medical coverage. You might face massive hospital bills or limited access to medical care. Visitors to some countries, like the United States or China, are often shocked at the extremely high cost of healthcare there. Also, there are newer requirements for expats on select visa types that may require you to have health coverage, so it is worthwhile to get a policy before you leave Australia.
It’s exciting to visit or live in another country. But you still need to keep up with your regular health care. You and your family will need a local doctor to provide care when you need it. Take into account the non-urgent services you use every week or month. You will want the best possible health insurance to continue receiving the high level of care you are used to at home. Vision care, dental care, cancer screening, and health care for children all add up financially. You can choose a health insurance plan that helps support your day-to-day care, too.
COVID-19 Is Still a Risk Overseas
In 2020, the world saw the emergence of a new virus, COVID-19, that expanded into a global pandemic. COVID-19 put pressure on healthcare systems worldwide. While vaccination has brought COVID-19 under greater control, new strains of COVID-19 continue to appear around the world..
Even if you are vaccinated against COVID-19, you or someone in your family can still become ill with the disease. You may need serious care. A good international insurance plan can support medically required COVID-19 testing, doctor visits including telehealth services, and hospitalization for COVID-19 care. And it can give you support when your travel or repatriation plans are disrupted by COVID-19.
Health Insurance for Australian Citizens Living Abroad
If you are looking for a global medical plan to cover you as an expat or international citizen from Australia, or anywhere in the world, visit International Health Insurance or Compare Global Medical Plans. We can help you get the best expat insurance for Australians. Just send us a message to learn your options.
Best Expat Insurance Plans for Australians Living Overseas
Cigna Global Insurance was one of the first companies to offer global medical health insurance plans or overseas health cover for Australian expats, and they remain a leading international provider. They offer global coverage, affordable plan options, and a modular design allowing Australian expats to choose the coverage and benefits they need while opting out of coverage they do not need.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- The flexibility to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs
- Access to Cigna Global’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
- The convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service
Best Health Insurance for Australians Living in the USA
The GeoBlue Xplorer Plan offers coverage for expatriates residing in the USA. This high-quality plan provides various coverage options and access to the best doctors and hospitals in America and throughout the world. One of the primary benefits is access to the Blue Cross Blue Shield network of doctors and hospitals in the USA. Additionally, the service and benefits provided are above average, delivering value for money.
Xplorer Worldwide Medical Plan
- Premium Benefits, Coverage and Service
- Define your deductible and prescription benefits
- For Foreigners in the US or US citizens abroad
How Australian Residency Rules Affect Medicare Coverage for Australian Expats
As an expat returning home to Australia, can you get Medicare services as soon as you arrive? The answer depends on how long you have been a resident outside of Australia.
If you have been away from Australia for less than 5 years, good news. You are still eligible to use Medicare-related services on your visits to Australia for the first 5 years. If you live outside Australia for more than 5 years, you will lose access to Medicare. You will need to re-enroll in Medicare if you plan to move back to Australia and be eligible for public healthcare.
Medicare coverage is based on being a physical resident of Australia and paying your Medicare levy on your annual tax bill. If you do not have a permanent residence in Australia after 5 years, and you are not paying the Medicare levy, even if you are a citizen, you will need to pay for your health care while in Australia. International health insurance can help to bridge this gap for you in emergencies.
Finally, if you are staying overseas long-term as an Australian, check Australia’s advice for you around ensuring that you have health care outside of Australia, and maintaining your Australian medicare status. You’ll see that international health insurance is more valuable than ever to keep yourself and your family well overseas.
If you are looking for a global medical plan to cover you as an expat or international citizen from Australia, or anywhere in the world, visit International Health Insurance or Compare Global Medical Plans. We can help you get the best expat insurance for Australians. Just send us a message to learn your options.
