Is Medicare Available For a 491 Visa?

Learn about Medicare on 491 Australian visa in detail in this article.

Is Medicare Available For a 491 Visa?

There is no specific Medicare program for 491 visa holders. However, many of the same benefits that are available to other Australian residents are also available to those on a 491 visa, including access to the public health care system. The Department of Human Services website has more information on what is covered under Medicare and how to apply for benefits.

On November 16, Australia introduced two new regional visas. Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa subclass 489 and Direct Entry stream of subclass 187 visas were replaced by these Visas.

In contrast to their predecessors, the new visas give visa holders access to Medicare. Subclass 489 and 187 holders will attest that this is a game changer.

According to the Health Insurance Act, current holders of subclass 489 and 187 visas are not eligible for Australia’s publicly financed universal healthcare system, Medicare. Consequently, the cost of health insurance has eaten up a large chunk of the monthly budgets of visa holders.

Subclass 491 and 494 visa holders, who previously held a subclass 489 or a 187 visa, will not be affected by this change. Subclass 491 and 494 visas are now eligible for Medicare coverage in Australia, thanks to a government decision! For those with a valid visa, Medicare will pay most of the cost of any doctor’s visit or hospital stay.

Is Medicare Eligible for Certain Visas?

Medicare eligibility is determined by the Department of Human Services (DHS).

As a resident of Australia, you may be eligible for Medicare benefits.

• Regional Provisional visa holders (491 and 494 visas) will be eligible for Medicare coverage under the Affordable Care Act.
• A legal resident of the United States (including returning residents)
• Health insurance coverage under the Medicare program is only available to those who have filed for a permanent visa (other than the Parent Visa) or already possess a valid, temporary visa in Australia (including a bridging visa).
• A person who is applying for a long-term visa (some exclusions apply), an Australian citizen, or a permanent resident who is related to an Australian citizen or a New Zealand citizen has the right to work in Australia (who is an Australian resident)
• A person who has been granted a short-term visa
• Visa holders from countries that have signed a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia are exempt from paying for their own healthcare. Clients may be required to be citizens or residents of the nation in question to enter certain agreements.
• If you are in Australia and have applied for either a permanent residence visa or a permanent protection visa, you are eligible for Medicare enrolment.

Medicare: What You Need To Bring With You

You should bring the following documents to a DHS Service Center in order to expedite the Medicare enrollment process:

• Application for enrollment in Medicare (3101), which may be found on the DHS website
• There must be a copy of the applicant’s birth certificate or driver’s license.
• Passports or an ImmiCard are required for all candidates.
• If you have any other information, please let us know so that we can verify your current visa status.

For example:

• Any and all applicants’ names from your “Acknowledgement of application received” for a permanent visa application
• The names of all the visa applicants are included in a grant notice that verifies a visa grant.
• Obtain a copy of your current visa and its requirements from VEVO.

What’s covered by Medicare?

Medicare helps pay for part or all of the costs of the following medical care:

Going to a doctor or specialist.

• X-rays and other tests and scans.
• Doctors do most surgery and other procedures.
• Optometrists do tests on the eyes.

What Medicare does not pay for?

• Services for ambulances.
• Most dental services.
• Hearing aids, contact lenses, and glasses.
• Plastic surgery.