Hello everybody!
As I am new to the forum I will introduce myself briefly. I´m 24 years old, live in Rotterdam in the Netherlands, and have been diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis four years ago. Fortunately, I haven't had any major physical or other issues with UC since I started my Remicade treatment about three years ago. However, currently I find myself facing my first challenging situation. I hope you can help me figure this out!
I am planning on spending 12 months in Australia (both working - at farms - and travelling) with a Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417). This means that I will have to receive my Remicade treatment in Australia (a total of 6 times, as my treatment is every 2 months). As I will be working in Australia, this means (because of certain regulations) that my existing Dutch insurance will be stopped. Furthermore, as my UC is considered an "existing condition", Dutch health insurance companies providing so called "backpacker insurances or temporary abroad insurances" are not covering the costs of these treatments in Australia. So now I am trying to figure out the best way to go forward with this situation. In previous threads I have found some pieces information on this topic, however, I am still unclear on my personal situation (and this is where I hope you can help me).
It is for sure necessary to have health insurance. Then, could I get health insurance in Australia? I understand that Australia has Medicare, and with the Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417), a Dutch citizen is eligible for Medicare. However, does this mean that I would also be covered for my Remicade treatment (thus an existing condition)?
And if this is not the case, should I pay for the treatments myself? And what would the cost be of these treatments?
I look forward to your responses,
Best,
Mathijs
As I am new to the forum I will introduce myself briefly. I´m 24 years old, live in Rotterdam in the Netherlands, and have been diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis four years ago. Fortunately, I haven't had any major physical or other issues with UC since I started my Remicade treatment about three years ago. However, currently I find myself facing my first challenging situation. I hope you can help me figure this out!
I am planning on spending 12 months in Australia (both working - at farms - and travelling) with a Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417). This means that I will have to receive my Remicade treatment in Australia (a total of 6 times, as my treatment is every 2 months). As I will be working in Australia, this means (because of certain regulations) that my existing Dutch insurance will be stopped. Furthermore, as my UC is considered an "existing condition", Dutch health insurance companies providing so called "backpacker insurances or temporary abroad insurances" are not covering the costs of these treatments in Australia. So now I am trying to figure out the best way to go forward with this situation. In previous threads I have found some pieces information on this topic, however, I am still unclear on my personal situation (and this is where I hope you can help me).
It is for sure necessary to have health insurance. Then, could I get health insurance in Australia? I understand that Australia has Medicare, and with the Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417), a Dutch citizen is eligible for Medicare. However, does this mean that I would also be covered for my Remicade treatment (thus an existing condition)?
And if this is not the case, should I pay for the treatments myself? And what would the cost be of these treatments?
I look forward to your responses,
Best,
Mathijs