Do you dream of starting a new life in Australia but you’re not sure where to begin? In the last 75 years, at least 7.5 million people have relocated to Australia, helping it to become the culturally diverse country we know today. The stunning golden beaches, clear blue skies, laid back lifestyle and thriving economy make it an attractive option for many people. But it does take some careful planning to move to the other side of the world and start your new Aussie life.
Visa Requirements For Australia
There are several different types of visa to be aware of when it comes to relocating to Australia. The three main types are visas for people with job offers, visas without a job offer, and the new skilled migration program. There is also a working holiday visa for people aged 18 to 30 who wish to support themselves while travelling in Australia by working temporary jobs. It’s valid for 12 months, but you cannot work for the same employer for more than six months. Each visa type has its own set of conditions, which must be met in order for you to be eligible. You may wish to stay in Australia for a short period of time before relocating. In this case, you should apply for an Australia eVisitor visa before you travel.
Medicare For Permanent Visa Holders
Australia has a government-run healthcare system called Medicare across all states. It is available to Australian citizens and people holding permanent visas. It generally covers subsidised or free treatments provided by doctors and specialists, and can also include subsidised medicines. In order for you to be eligible for Medicare, you will need to register and complete paperwork at a Medicare office, which you can do soon after you have arrived in Australia. You will need to take along your travel documents and passport.
Private Health Insurance For Australian Residents
Depending on the type of visa you have, you may be required to take out private health insurance. This year, the Australian government made changes to private health cover to make health insurance easier and more affordable. The 2019 insurance reforms now classify hospital cover within four tiers: gold, silver, bronze or basics. It means that health insurers can now offer discounts, higher excesses for lower premiums, travel and accommodation benefits, and improved access to mental health treatment. It’s worth checking with your insurer to find out more about how this will affect you.
Finding Your New Home
You should ideally have already arranged suitable temporary accommodation before you arrive in Australia. Renting a serviced apartment is a particularly good idea, as it will ensure you have the home comforts you need before your personal belongings arrive. Once you do arrive, take some time to work out where you would prefer to live. Just as with anywhere you move, take a little time to do some research to find out which neighbourhoods you’re interested in. You may wish to rent for a while initially, which is a much simpler process than buying a property. But be aware that rentals get snapped up quickly, so you may need to move fast if you find somewhere you particularly like. You’ll find that many agents will offer a set time to allow prospective tenants to look around a rental property.
With some careful research and planning, you can ensure that your move to Australia will be organised and stress-free, and set you up for your wonderful new Australian life.
