Permanent Residency

What you have to do first

You need to contact IMAN Australian Health Plans (IMAN) to cancel your membership. Please put this request in writing and the cancellation will take effect on the day you advise us.

What you have to do next

You need to decide whether you wish to continue with Private Health Insurance now that you have a Medicare Card. Remember that nib will recognise comparable waiting periods already served under your IMAN membership.

Things to think about:

1. You have been used to the comfort of knowing that you have held 100% Private Hospital Cover whilst a member of IMAN. Remember that Public Hospitals can have long waiting periods for other than emergency admissions.

2. The Medicare Levy Surcharge is an additional tax on your income levied upon the assessment of your annual tax return. It applies to those earning over specified incomes who do not hold a Registered Health Fund Complying Health Insurance Product (CHIP) which includes an appropriate level of hospital cover. For more information on whether you may be in the bracket to pay the MLS, access the Australian Health Industry Association (AHIA) calculator. You may also like to refer to the Australian Taxation Office website.

3. Lifetime Health Cover, which sets the cost you will pay for Private Health Insurance for life.
   1. If you decide to take out a CHIP which includes hospital cover, and are under 31, you will pay the minimum premium cost available.
   2. If you are over 31, and have held Permanent Residency for more than 12 months, Private Health Insurance will become more expensive for you. http://www.privatehealth.gov.au/information/surcharges/lifetime.htm
4. The 30% Government Rebate, which was not available to you whilst you held an Overseas Visitor Health Cover, will be applied to the premium costs you pay for a CHIP. http://www.privatehealth.com.au/30pcRebate.htm

5. Extras, such as dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropractic, and osteopathy can be included in your CHIP cover.

Next steps?

1. Contact IMAN on 1800 22 11 33 OR
2. Contact nib on 1800 775 204 or check out their website.

nib health funds, a registered health benefits organisation, can help you through the decision making process of applying for ongoing private health insurance, now that you have a Medicare Card.

They know all about the IMAN Australian Health Plans (IMAN). Tell them which Plan you are on, and they will be able to advise you on similar cover, an upgraded or downgraded cover, or a cover which meets your financial situation

Remember, you need to join nib within 59 days of cancellation of your IMAN Membership, for continuity of cover to be recognised.