As Australians, access to Medicare is something we don’t think about unless we need to access healthcare. Now with proof of vaccination required to partake in most activities we ordinarily take for granted, Medicare has become front and centre of daily living.
Anyone that has been fully vaccinated can access their Covid-19 vaccination certificate through Medicare, whether it’s through the app or via the Medicare website. In addition to that, users have the option of linking their Medicare account to the Services Australia app so that when checking in to locations, the vaccination certificate is readily available to show.
Medicare is available to Australian citizens, permanent residents and those who are covered by a Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement with another country. Those on temporary visas aren’t eligible for Medicare. Whether a person is currently residing in Australia or hoping to enter Australia, they will need to provide proof of vaccination when out and about. So how does anyone without Medicare and its tools for providing this proof move forward?
Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI)
Anyone who doesn’t have access to Medicare will need an Individual Healthcare Identifier to get proof of vaccination online. The IHI is a unique number used to identify an individual for healthcare purposes. Individuals can access the IHI service through the MyGov website. Using their MyGov account, individuals can view their immunisation history and provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination when required.
Will a Covid-19 vaccination that was obtained overseas appear on my immunisation history?
If you obtained your Covid-19 vaccination overseas, it would appear in your immunisation history if the vaccine were one of the vaccines approved or recognised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
The federal and state governments have made it very clear that vaccination is the only way Australians will be able to live life normally. Proof of vaccination is the tool that will ensure that Australians or those residing or visiting Australia stay safe when out and about.
If you would like to learn more about any aspect of migration, contact Visa Solutions Australia on 1800 828 008.
Travel Exemptions
While Australian borders are currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, travel exemptions may apply under the following circumstances:
– A traveller has a compassionate or compelling reason to visit Australia
– Overseas workers holding a Subclass 482 or 400 visa are required to undertake a job in Australia that cannot be filled by a local employee
Visa Solutions Australia has been successful in acquiring a broad range of exemptions, from critical workers to those needing to travel on compassionate grounds.
