Irish WHVers have health cover in Oz??

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

Have heard conflicting reports...is there agreement in place where we get basic cover...like if you pick up something or break something..and are you covered except for bed nights...like system in Ireland????
If not must check out travel/health ins...just never heard anyone mention it here as priority b4 leaving

There is an reciprocal agreement between Australia and Ireland but it only covers medically necessary treatment. You should still have travel insurance.

Medicare will not cover:

medicines not subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

dental work and allied health services.

treatment arranged before your visit to Australia.

accommodation and medical treatment in a private hospital.

accommodation and medical treatment as a private patient in a public hospital.

This is the same cover I had for years living in Australia. I was eventually forced to take out Private Health Insurance for Tax reasons. When I had to go to A&E I was asked if I had Private Cover, the answer was NO The only difference was that I would have been charged for the exact same treatment.

It would still be an idea to get Travel Insurance as it covers a lot of other stuff rather than just medical. One thing that is not covered is Ambulance fees. They can be expensive, especially if you are somewhere remote.