In an earlier post we discussed the availability of Medicare in Australia to those who are applying for an onshore visa such as an Aged Parent subclass 804 visa.

We have been reminded of a Parliamentary Exchange which confirms that Medicare is available to such individuals – see here for the details.

The relevant part is at number 9.

Senator Michaelia Cash asked the then Minister for Health and Ageing (Senator Ludwig):

(9) Does the eligibility for reciprocal Medicare benefits for parent visa applicants, whether on bridging visas or on 410 visas, apply to both the Parent (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 103) and the Aged Parent (Residence) Visa (Subclass 804)?

The answer from Senator Ludwig was:

(9) Yes

In the event that applicants for subclass 804 visas from the UK (or other Reciprocal Health Care Agreement countries) experience difficulties obtaining a Medicare card we suggest the details from the above link are provided to the local Medicare office.