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RDaman(Newbie)Newbie
2 Aug 2024

Hello,


I received an invitation to apply for Permanent Visa on 27-02-2023. I lodged visa for permanent visa on 08-03-2023.

I was granted my permanent residency on 18-03-2024.

During this time, I held student Visa which expired on 15-03-2024.


Now my question is, do I have to pay the Medicare levy and surcharge for the time I was on a student visa, or do I only have to pay the Medicare levy from the day I was granted PR until the end of the financial year?

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RachATO(Community Support)Community Support
3 Aug 2024

Hey @Rdaman,

 

It depends on if you were entitled to Medicare benefits during that time.

 

International students are generally considered temporary residents and aren't entitled to Medicare. But you should check if you fell into one of the exemption categories, and if so, apply for a Medicare Entitlement Statement (MES) to claim the exemption.


Once you applied for PR or if your tax residency changed, your entitlement to Medicare (and obligations for the levy and surcharge) might've also changed. So again, it might be worth sending an MES to confirm.

 

If you became entitled and didn't have appropriate private patient hospital cover, the Medicare Levy Surcharge applies for the dates you didn't have hospital cover.

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Most helpful reply

RachATO(Community Support)Community Support
3 Aug 2024

Hey @Rdaman,

 

It depends on if you were entitled to Medicare benefits during that time.

 

International students are generally considered temporary residents and aren't entitled to Medicare. But you should check if you fell into one of the exemption categories, and if so, apply for a Medicare Entitlement Statement (MES) to claim the exemption.


Once you applied for PR or if your tax residency changed, your entitlement to Medicare (and obligations for the levy and surcharge) might've also changed. So again, it might be worth sending an MES to confirm.

 

If you became entitled and didn't have appropriate private patient hospital cover, the Medicare Levy Surcharge applies for the dates you didn't have hospital cover.

Liked by RDaman
RDaman(Newbie)Newbie
5 Aug 2024

Hi @RachATO,


Thank you for your responding.


Medicare should have exemption for individuals who were on student visa and had already paid for OSHC as per the visa requirement until the end of their visa.


As in my case, I had student visa until 15th March 2024 but last year I also lodged permanent residency on 8th March 2023 which was granted this year on 18th March 2024. Upon receiving my residency, I applied for Medicare and received later this year in April 2024.

As per Medicare(MES), I am entitled to pay Medicare levy from the time I lodged for Permanent residency. My worry is I also paid for OSHC to maintain student visa requirements and I also had to pay Medicare Levy for last financial year.


In all fairness, I should only pay Medicare levy from the day my student visa expired and 190 Permanent visa started.


Can you please let me know who should I reach out to if my issue is not resolved by MES?


Thank you in advance.

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Do I have to pay Medicare levy and surcharge when I was on Student Visa? | ATO Community