What are the rules regarding Medicare coverage for Australians living overseas?

Medicare Australian expats Health insurance Visa rules Reciprocal health agreements Tax implications

May 1, 2019

6 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Attention all Aussie current/future expats. 

Did you know that our Medicare coverage gets cancelled after living permanently overseas for 5 years?  Fact.

Starts from date of first departure.

Only gets reinstated when you relocate back to Australia permanently.

A short visit home doesnt reset the 5 years.

We all know its not useable outside of Aust unless the country has reciprocal cover , but dont get caught out after 5 years going home for free healthcare.

Edit## This doesnt apply if you still pay tax in Australia. ##

478

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

Aussie expats should be aware that their Medicare coverage may be affected after living permanently overseas for five years. This coverage begins from the date of initial departure and is restored only upon returning permanently to Australia. Short visits do not reset the five-year period. However, there are mixed opinions among current expats regarding the enforcement of these rules, with some reporting no issues accessing Medicare after extended absences.

Evan ********

Technically you can be declared a non resident after more than 180 days out of the country....if they want to be nasty

6 years ago

Evan ********

@Steven **************

if born there, always a citizen. Residency is different

6 years ago

Steven ***************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Evan *******

. Does that include Aust born citizens?

6 years ago

Reply to

Steven ***************

Mint ****

Total bullshit sorry, I am an Australian and never had an issue going back for Medicare, was back in Sydney in November last year and was able to see my bulk billing GP and full blood work for free under Medicare

6 years ago

Steven ***************

ORIGINAL POSTER

I dont pay tax there anymore (but did for 33 years) and dont own property there anymore so this rule applies to me after 5 years and anyone else who is same. 😞

6 years ago

Mint ****

Yes your correct I pay the Medicare levy and also the stupid surcharge as I am in the top tax bracket, as I don't have private health insurance for Australia, yet I pay for private health here, so I kinda get stung twice :(

6 years ago

Steven ***************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Then it doesnt apply to you because you still pay tax and probably medicare levy too.

6 years ago

Mint ****

Steven de Blaquiere yes more then 5 years, i still pay tax as I am employed by an Australian company with a subsidiary here in Chiang Mai

6 years ago

Steven ***************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Mint ***

. Im only going by what Medicare told me in person and what their website states..

Has it been more than 5 years?

Do you still pay tax in Australia or own property there?

6 years ago

Reply to

Steven ***************

Kerry ********

Mnnn. Not sure that’s right... we have been away 6 years and just come back from Aust... no problems with Medicare... had full health check and blood work done not worries..

6 years ago

Kerry ********

@Steven **************

we also have a permanent address in Aust.

6 years ago

Kerry ********

@Steven **************

maybe that’s it., we pay tax in Aust.

6 years ago

Steven ***************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Dept of human services website.

6 years ago

Steven ***************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kerry *******

. I got this info direct from them in Aust a month ago... after 6 phone calls and 3 hours to clarify it.

I believe if you still pay tax or own property in Australia whilst overseas, the rule doesnt apply . They seemed confused themselves about it.

6 years ago

Reply to

Steven ***************

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Join the Group

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

Can an Australian citizen lose their tax residency when living overseas, such as in Thailand?

75 comments