Can I Enrol for Medicare If My Visa is Still Pending?

To be eligible for Medicare benefits, you are not required to wait until your Permanent Visa/ Permanent Residency (‘PR’) has been granted. If you live in Australia and your application is still processing, you may still be eligible to enrol.

In this article, migration lawyer Marley Fenn explains the specific requirements you must meet to be eligible for Medicare benefits.

Requirements to Receive Medicare Benefits If Your Visa Is Still Pending

As long as you meet the specific requirements, if you have applied for Permanent Residency and you live in Australia, you may be eligible to receive Medicare benefits. The requirements are as below:

• Provide evidence that you have applied for PR (Acknowledgement of Application letter from the Department of Home Affairs or Bridging Visa Grant letter); and
• Identity documents

You must also have working rights on your visa allowing you to work, or a parent, spouse or Child who is either an Australian citizen, Permanent Resident or a New Zealand citizen living in Australia.

You are eligible to enrol in Medicare from either:

• The date you applied for PR; or
• The date you arrive in Australia to live, if you previously lived outside Australia.

What Happens to Your Medicare Eligibility If Your PR Is Refused or Under Appeal

If your PR is refused and if you lodge an appeal, you are still eligible to apply for or remain enrolled in Medicare. If you do not lodge an appeal, you will not be eligible for Medicare and will need to confirm whether you may have cover under a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement.

RAMSDEN LAWYERS – HOW OUR MIGRATION LAWYERS WE CAN HELP YOU

If you have applied for permanent residency and need assistance regarding Medicare eligibility and requirements, our Migration Division has considerable expertise in this area. We are happy to arrange an obligation-free consultation to assist you in navigating the relevant legislation for your circumstances. If you would like to speak with our team to arrange a consultation, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The content of this article is intended to provide general guidance to the subject matter and must not be relied on as legal advice.  Specific advice should be sought about your circumstances.