Australian Partner Visa Perk – Access to Medicare

Today, we will be talking about one of the perks of securing a Partner Visa – access to  Medicare! Learn how the partner visa and prospective marriage visa program can help your partner get a Medicare card.

What is Medicare?

Medicare is a publicly funded universal healthcare insurance for Australian citizens and other permanent residents who are eligible. 

Partner Visa Program and Medicare

Medicare is one of the many reasons why you and your partner should consider a Partner Visa. Going through the partner visa or prospective marriage visa program will help your partner get access to a Medicare card. 

If your partner is applying for an 820 or 309 visa, then they are likely to be in a position to get Medicare. In any case, you should remember to get legal advice from your migration agent about it.

Your migration agent can direct you to the right page. They’ll be able to give you the information that you’ll need for acquiring a Partner Visa and a Medicare card. 

Why Get Medicare? 

As an Australian, you might be surprised about the true cost of medical expenses in Australia. For example, if your partner is coming to Australia and will end up delivering a baby in aMedin Australian hospital. Without Medicare, the cost could easily shoot up to $10,000 or more. 

If you see a future with your partner in Australia, and you value having your partner have the security of access to our Medicare system then this might help you to justify the significant government fee for the visa charge.

Despite your partner not having paid taxes in Australia, by virtue of the fact they have applied for a partner visa of some sort may entitle them to Medicare. 

I know for myself as an Aussie, having Medicare provides peace of mind knowing that if there was an emergency I have access to some of the best medical treatment in the world without the worry of a crazy medical bill at the end of treatment.

I can access subsidised doctors visits, medication and if family planning is on the agenda – I can have a baby with amazing hospital care with very little out of pocket expenses. 

Australia’s Reciprocal Program

Australia has a reciprocal agreement for the Medicare program with other countries. Namely, Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Republic of Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden and the United Kingdom. 

If you are from those countries, then I suggest that you go and research their respective processes. 

Need more help? Freedom Migration is happy to lend a helping hand. For more information visit our Partner Visa FAQ and Partner Visa Pathways. Need some advice? Contact us. 

IMPORTANT: Please note, this does not constitute Immigration advice. Always seek advice from a Registered Migration Agent before applying for an Australian Visa. Migration Law is constantly changing. This information is accurate only at the time of publication. Medicare entitlements change and it is strongly recommended you seek advice from Medicare directly about your entitlements before engaging medical services in Australia.