Essentials for Arrival

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When planning your arrival it’s important to ensure that you have actioned these points:

Overview:

Before arriving:

  • Consider and plan your arrival and start dates in consultation with your practice and Doctor Connect team member
  • Book flights
  • Private Health Insurance
  • Find a Rental Property / first-week accommodation
  • Australian Business Number (ABN)
  • Book a Rental Car
  • Open bank account
  • Connect with an Accountant
  • Meet and greet at Airport
  • Medical Indemnity

After arriving:

  • Tax File Number (TFN)
  • Introduction to Medicare Billing and Prescribing
  • Connect with your Medicare Local
  • Meet local RACGP
  • Practice Induction, including Meet Supervisor Shadowing
  • Start consulting
  • Accountant

 

Private Health Insurance

You must have Health Insurance in place for the Skills in Demand (SID) 482 visa. The great news is that the government has a website listing Private Health Insurance so you can compare health insurance policies. PrivateHealth.gov.au contains details of every health insurance policy available in Australia. To compare policies, decide the type of coverage you want, who the policy will cover, and where you live.

Banking

You will need to have a bank account set up to help you with day-to-day life and to receive your pay. It is possible to begin the process before you arrive and then complete the final setup and get your electronic card on the day you arrive. One of the larger banks will be able to facilitate this, you can contact a Bank Relationship Manager directly to arrange this. When you go to the bank, remember to take your passport, visa and boarding pass with you.

Medical Indemnity

AHPRA requires that Health practitioners who undertake practice in their respective profession must have Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) arrangements that comply with the relevant registration standard, for all aspects of their practice. It is a good idea to work with an industry-experienced Insurance Broker.

Tax File Number (TFN)

It is free to apply for a TFN. A Tax File Number is your personal reference number in the tax and superannuation system. Once you have a TFN it is yours for life and it is an important part of your identity. Foreign passport holders, permanent migrants and temporary visitors located in Australia with work rights can apply for a TFN online using Individual Auto Registration (IAR).

To be eligible to use this service to apply for a TFN, you must be in Australia and have a valid visa with working rights. You should receive your TFN by mail to your nominated address within 28 days of completing your application and required documents, usually closer to 1 to 2 weeks. The Australian Tax Office will never send your TFN by email. There are ways to find your TFN. This information can also be found under the personal details section of your ATO online account linked to myGov, listed under ‘My details’ in the ATO app.

Australian Business Number (ABN)

As a General Practitioner, you will be working on a Service Agreement and must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) in addition to your TFN. You can apply for an ABN online even if you do not yet have a TFN. An ABN is a unique 11-digit number that identifies a business in Australia. It is used for tax and other business purposes. You can apply for an ABN before arriving in Australia. To register for your Australian Business Number go to business.gov.au. If you enter all the information needed, you will find out about your ABN as soon as you have completed your online application.

Accountant

A General Practitioner (GP) in Australia should consider working with a professional and trustworthy accountant to assist with business structure, and taxes and to ensure they are well-informed. It is useful to speak with an accountant before commencing work, or at least shortly after. A well-qualified accountant with suitable experience will ensure you meet your income tax and GST obligations, grow your wealth and legally reduce your income tax payable. An ideal accountant for doctors will be able to demonstrate experience in working with medical professionals.

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