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 to be covered for healthcare in many countries overseas, but this is usually not the case.
For Australians living overseas, expat health insurance is essential for providing healthcare. 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.
If Australia has a reciprocal agreement with a country, Australian visitors can receive publicly funded emergency care for illnesses and injuries that can’t wait for treatment. 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 offers a range of benefits beyond basic emergency care.
These benefits can include items not covered by reciprocal health agreements, such as 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.
If you are moving abroad from Australia, it is essential to understand the risks associated with living in another country without medical coverage. You might face massive hospital bills or limited access to medical care.
High Healthcare Costs, Neglected Check-Ups, and COVID-19
Visitors to countries like the United States or China are often shocked by the extremely high cost of healthcare there.
Additionally, there are new requirements for expats on select visa types that may require you to have health coverage; therefore, it is worthwhile to obtain a policy before leaving Australia.
It’s exciting to visit or live in another country. However, you still need to maintain your regular healthcare. You and your family will need a local doctor to provide care when needed.
Consider the non-urgent services you use weekly or monthly. 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 also choose a health insurance plan that helps support your day-to-day care.
COVID-19 Is Still a Risk Overseas
In 2020, the world witnessed the emergence of a new virus, COVID-19, which rapidly 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 the virus continue to emerge worldwide.
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 COVID-19 disrupts your travel or repatriation plans.
Health Insurance for Australian Citizens Living Abroad
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Best Expat Insurance Plans for Australians Living Overseas
Cigna Global was one of the first companies to offer global medical insurance plans, or overseas health cover, for Australian expats, and it remains a leading international provider.
They offer global coverage, affordable plan options, and a modular design that allows Australian expats to choose the coverage and benefits they need while opting out of those they do not.
Best Health Insurance for Australians Living in the USA
The BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier Plan offers coverage for expatriates residing in the USA. This high-quality plan offers various coverage options and provides access to the best doctors and hospitals in America and around 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.
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
How Residency Rules Impact Medicare 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 five years and are not paying the Medicare levy, even if you are a citizen, you will need to pay for your healthcare while in Australia. International health insurance can help bridge this gap in emergencies.
Emily Cotlier is an experienced communications consultant and business analyst, senior analyst at New Zealand’s Parliamentary Counsel Office, specializing in visas, immigration, international relocation, and managing finance, insurance, and real estate.
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