Interesting article on reciprocal medical cover after the backpackers overdose

[Flying Fox]

Yes but how many times have we seen travellers at airports arguing that they don’t have any money to pay for excess luggage etc. Most will say they don’t have credit cards. As soon as you hear that you know you won’t be paid.

True. But were they told that they can fly with only their luggage allowance (so throw some stuff away) or pay the excess fees or don't fly?

I know that I'm starting to sound like an unfeeling jerk now but it annoys me that these people made a bad decision and taxpayers are picking up the bill. My feelings would be different if they went to a restaurant and got food poisoning and had to be hospitalised.

In the same vein, I'm annoyed at a childhood friend who grew up in AUS (and is an AUS citizen) and once finished her studies she moved and married her boyfriend in the USA. She only has returned to AUS three times to have her babies delivered and then goes back to the USA. Rant closed.

 

[Quickstatus]

In the same vein, I'm annoyed at a childhood friend who grew up in AUS (and is an AUS citizen) and once finished her studies she moved and married her boyfriend in the USA. She only has returned to AUS three times to have her babies delivered and then goes back to the USA. Rant closed.

Yep we are mugs.

 

[docjames]

In the same vein, I'm annoyed at a childhood friend who grew up in AUS (and is an AUS citizen) and once finished her studies she moved and married her boyfriend in the USA. She only has returned to AUS three times to have her babies delivered and then goes back to the USA. Rant closed.

I was of the understanding there are medicare provisions for those who reside overseas for extended periods....

Medicare Entitlement Statement - Australian Government Department of Human Services

Who can get a statement
You can get a statement if you’re not eligible for Medicare for all or part of the financial year.

Not eligible for Medicare
You're not eligible for Medicare if you:

• are a permanent resident of Australia and:
  • have been living outside Australia for 12 months or more, or,
  • haven’t come back to live in Australia permanently
• haven't applied for permanent residency
• had your permanent residency application withdrawn or refused and you haven't submitted an appeal

You’re also not eligible for Medicare if you:

• are an Australian citizen and have been living overseas for 5 years or more
• are a New Zealand citizen and spend less than 6 months in a 12 month period in Australia
• aren't eligible under a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement

Read more about eligibility for Medicare.

 

[Flying Fox]

Not sure if these Medicare rules have always been in place or they were introduced after she had her babies. Alternatively she may be bypassing the system in some way (not that I'm accusing her of this).

By the intent of the rules she should not qualify for Medicare.