Expat Insurance

Are you Australian and heading overseas to work? If you’re subject to the Medicare Levy and the Medicare Levy Surcharge, you may have to pay more tax if you don't have Australian private hospital cover while out of the country.

Why have hospital cover when overseas?

Australians face unique issues due to Australian taxation and health legislation. If you don’t have the appropriate cover while working overseas, returning home may result in:

  • Having to re-serve 12 month waiting periods for pre-existing conditions,
  • A change in your Lifetime Health Cover loading if you do not make the appropriate arrangements whilst overseas,
  • Waiting periods for some health services may apply when home on holiday
  • A possible Medicare levy surcharge of 1% of gross income when you lodge a tax return in Australia (suspending your cover with your current health fund does not enable you to avoid the surcharge).

ahm Expatriate Assistance

To avoid these issues and the Medicare Levy Surcharge, Australian Health Management (ahm) offers a basic level of hospital cover called Expatriate Assistance (Expat Assist), so you can maintain Private Hospital Cover while overseas.

Provided you still have full and unrestricted Medicare access, Expat Assist will:

  • exempt you from the Medicare Levy Surcharge,
  • maintain your Lifetime Health Cover age, and help with maintaining continuity of cover in Australia,

What does it cost?

Our product is very competitive; you can take out singles cover from as little as $10.55* a week! And it's easy to join - just use our online form and tell us what date you want your cover to start.

Alternatively, you can download an application form and send it to ahm Expat Assist, Locked Bag 1006, Matraville, NSW 2036.

For more information, download the policy here. You can also call us on (+61) 134 246 or email expat@ahm.com.au.

* This price includes the 30% government rebate.

Why choose ahm

We want to make it as easy as possible for you to communicate with us. When you're overseas, be assured that ahm's customer service team and web site are at your disposal:
  • If you need to make a payment or claim, you can do so from anywhere at any time by using our easy online claiming service. We offer a whole range of award winning online services exclusive to ahm members.
  • Our customer service team is here to help - if you have any queries, please call us on (+61) 134 246, Monday to Friday: 8:30am - 5.00pm (Eastern Standard time).

On your return to Australia

Upon returning home permanently to Australia you’ll be required to switch to a domestic cover. Stay with ahm to ensure an easy and seamless transition, plus we will recognise any comparable waiting periods served on your Expat Assist cover!

Non residents

If you are a non-resident for tax purposes and this cover is not suitable for you, there are some provisions under the Lifetime Health Cover legislation which can help you avoid any increase in your Lifetime Health Cover age once you return permanently to Australia. More information on this can be found at www.health.gov.au

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