Overseas Players

Please be aware that in some instances, visiting players from overseas may not be covered by Medicare. Generally, access to Medicare is available to Australian citizens, Permanent Australian Residents and also Residents from New Zealand. This may mean that players visiting from an overseas country, may not be covered by Medicare.

The Australian Government holds reciprocal health care agreements with some countries which may result in the visiting overseas player having restricted access to Medicare. Countries such as U.K., Sweden, Finland, Norway, Netherlands, Malta and Italy hold such a reciprocal health care agreement. For further information and clarification, please refer to www.health.gov.au/hsdd/rcsap/visthlth/2000hlth.htm.

There may be occasions where a visiting overseas player is injured and requires medical or hospital treatment but  is not covered by Medicare. In such instances, visiting overseas players may incur a charge for medical or hospital treatment, for which they are responsible. This may also place financial strain on the overseas visitor.

To provide the best possible protection for the overseas player, it is recommended that the visiting player:

• Is registered with the club
• Holds a passport with one of countries with whom the Australian Government holds a reciprocal. health care agreement. This has been mentioned above and for further information, please refer to: www.health.gov.au/hsdd/rcsap/visthlth/2000hlth.htm
• Holds appropriate travel insurance which provides cover for football or,
• Arranges private health insurance in Australia

We would also suggest that you contact the insurers of Football Queensland, Sportscover Australia P/L  on 1300 134 956 or www.sportscover.com for clarification of any coverage available.