Originally Posted by
Bend alot
I actually know a fair bit about Australian visas.
Fact - you do not need permanent residency to access Medicare.
From 14 September 2009, if you apply for Visa Subclass 457 you will be required to make arrangements for a minimum level of health insurance prior to the grant of the visa. You will need to maintain this insurance for yourself, and your family if they are joining you on the same visa, for the duration of your stay in Australia. For details of the required minimum level of insurance, you can refer to the
Department of Home Affairs - information on Visa 457.
The only caveat is if you come from a country which has a reciprocal health agreement. Which are;
I don't see the States on there, which is where the OP is from.
So I showed you mine, now show me yours
(Happy to be corrected, but the above has been my experience)